Selected VSS Writer does not exist

Error code

Product

Applies to

BA720

BackupAssist

BackupAssist v5 and later.

Description

This error is usually generated when performing a VSS backup of a VSS-Aware application (such as Exchange, SQL or Hyper-V). The reason for the error is the VSS writer for the application trying to be backed up, is not accessible to BackupAssist.

The specific writer can be viewed by mousing over the top of the error within your backup report.

Resolution

The error's known causes and resolutions are described below.

Known Cause 1 - The VSS writer is missing

Run the following command through a command prompt window (start > run > cmd):

vssadmin list writers

Next look for a VSS writer from the output that refers to the application mentioned when you scroll over the error in the backup report. If there is no writer listed, you may need to enable the service for the required writer in Services (Administrative tools > Services), or re-install the VSS writer's application.

Known Cause 2 - For a Sharepoint VSS Writer

When you mouseover the error on the backup report, you see the GUID 35500004-0201-0000-0000-000000000000.
Check the service Sharepoint 2010 VSS Writer under Administrative Tools > Services is started. This is the service which runs this VSS writer.

If this doesn't resolve your issue, please refer to Known Cause 1.

Known Cause 3 - For a SQL VSS Writer

When you mouseover the error on the backup report, you see SQL Writer.
Check the service SQL VSS Writer under Administrative Tools > Services is started, as this is the service which runs this VSS writer specifically.

If this doesn't resolve your issue, please refer to Known Cause 1.

Known Cause 4 - The application is no longer installed on the machine

If the application is removed and its VSS writer is no longer present, BackupAssist will still reference the VSS writer until you remove the writer using the backup job's data selection screen.

To remove you need to check the backup selections:

  1. Open BackupAssist.
  2. Select Manage Backup Jobs
  3. Select the backup job.
  4. Select Edit from the top menu
  5. Select Files and Applications from the options on the left
  6. Select the Check Selections button at the top
  7. If the application appears there, select it and select Remove

Last updated

Created

Further assistance

10th Jul 2015

10th Feb 2009

BackupAssist Support page