VSS Writers Failed or Waiting for Completion

Question

_{Thursday, July 4, 2019 11:52 PM}

Hi guys, 

I have a virtual server based on Windows Server 2012 R2 running on Hyper-V 2016 and backed up by Altaro VM Backup (if that does matter). This virtual server has an SQL Server installed (the version of the SQL Server is 2012). 

The issue is backup jobs fail one by one. 

After checking vss writers it became clear why is it so. 

I tried to restart each vss writer manually and restart the server but even it has all vss writers in Stable state (after restart) hardly backup job starts all (or almost all) vss writers change their status to either Failed or Waiting For Completion.

Is it possible to find out whether it is a Windows Server related issue or Backup software is a culprit?

Thank you.

All replies (5)

_{Friday, July 5, 2019 12:25 AM}

Hi,

As you're using a third party software, as a start I would suggest you to contact Altaro for assistance with your issue.

You can reach them over here:
https://help.altaro.com/support/home

Best regards,
Leon

Blog: https://thesystemcenterblog.com LinkedIn:

_{Friday, July 5, 2019 1:50 AM}

Hi,

Good Day! And thanks for posting in our forum!

Before we move on, would you please help me do a test, you can try to use the Microsoft’s build-in backup tool(Windows Server Backup) to see if has the same issue, if yes, we will do further troubleshooting, if not, we think this issue is caused by your backup tool, you should contact your backup tool vendor to seek help.

1. Please upload your screenshot of the result of “vssadmin list writers”.

2. Please check if there is any error message in Event Viewer?

3. Please make sure that no other backup jobs are performed at the same time during backup. If you have multiple backup tools, it is recommended that you keep only one backup tool.

4. If you have uncompleted checkpoints in your virtual machine, merge them first.

5. Please uninstall AV software in your VM.

Hope this can help you, if you think it is useful, please help me mark the reply as an answer, thank you very much!

Best Regards,

Daniel

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_{Tuesday, July 9, 2019 1:34 AM}

Hi,
Just want to confirm the current situations.
Please feel free to let us know if you need further assistance.
Best Regards,
Daniel

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_{Wednesday, July 17, 2019 10:17 PM}

Hi guys, 

Now that I know why it was happening I want to share the story here. 

When Altaro Backup job started it tried to take a snapshot first. 

For some reason (I found it yesterday) checkpoints didn't work for that specific virtual machine and this is why the whole backup process didn't work.

That is the story.

Thank you for trying to help me.  

_{Thursday, July 18, 2019 1:52 AM}

Sounds great!

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