In Windows 7, trying to do backup, getting error code 0x8078002A

Anonymous
2011-02-13T19:17:33+00:00

when I try backing up with a system image, using windows7 professional.  Backing up to WD 3TB usb drive I get error code 0x8078002A

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Anonymous
2013-03-25T11:37:49+00:00

I had this problem, too, with Windows 7, trying to use Windows Backup to two new Western Digitial 3TB drives, pre-formatted with NTFS for Windows. It's very frustrating because each attempt takes many hours before the error occurs so you don't know until it succeeds whether it will.

I found what worked for me here:

http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/6618/

You can download WD Quick Formatter from that site. However, don't follow the instructions on that page for formatting a HD under Windows 7, because it tells you how to use MS Disk Management, which will make a 2TB partition and not recognize the remainder of the drive. You must use WD Quick Formatter as described here:

http://wdc.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/search/1/a_id/3868

Good luck!

[I think it's unconscionable that MS hasn't fixed this with their built-in tools.]

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Anonymous
2011-12-04T15:47:34+00:00

Hello David JJones,

 If you have followed the steps within this thread but are still having a problem, I would suggest reposting this as a new question at the link below.  Please include any steps you have tried and any additional information that will be helpful.

Microsoft Answers:

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows

Also, I would suggest looking through the thread below. 

Microsoft TechNet Forum:  http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows

http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en/w7itprogeneral/thread/d5937704-da8c-44b3-87ef-8d6ad25e0e17

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Anonymous
2011-02-14T21:33:29+00:00

Google provides quite a number of cases involving the same problem you are experiencing. None seemed to be resolved. A number refer to USB external drives.

My research has led me to the two sites mentioned below. On the Petri site I found the quotes extracted as they may point to a possible solution.

Are you using an Enterprise or Ultimate version of Windows as these include Bit Locker Drive Encryption

As a general recommendation in regard to using Windows 7 as a client operating system, use either internal hard disks, separate from the one Windows is installed on. Alternatively, use an external USB hard disk and make sure you disconnect it after you perform your backup.

You cannot use any of the following destinations:

•The destination is locked by BitLocker Drive Encryption.

Source:http://www.petri.co.il/where-to-save-your-windows-7-backup.htm

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/4681-bitlocker-drive-encryption-windows-7-drive-turn-off-no-tpm.html

If the above does not solve the problem can you tell me what security software and firewall you are using as these have proved to cause problems for System Restore in the past?

Hope this helps, Gerry Cornell

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  1. Anonymous
    2013-12-26T08:53:48+00:00

    You connect your WD 3TB to PC via USB 3.0 or 2.0 ?

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  2. Anonymous
    2013-12-26T03:57:15+00:00

    That answer from WD (answer ID 6618) did not work for me. I've wasted 20 hours trying to find a simple solution, it seems there are hundreds of users all with the same problem i.e. Error Code 0x8078002A and WD and Microsoft are aware of the problem, and I've been in contact with WD for 2 weeks now and the best they can do is to send me the same link for the answer ID 6618. I've told them 3 times it does not work, the backup runs for 15 minutes until it gets to 57%, then the red bar shows up, and it tells me the request could not be performed because of an I/O device error.

       I have no viruses, no registry errors, the WD 3TB is brand new, it's just that the backup will not work. I'm exhauseted. So exhausted that I won't even go back and fix the typo of the word exhauseted.

    Save your self some heartache. I provided the correct solution here in this forum on July 21. The answer is:

    This is a known issue with the Windows backup and system image that has been reported hundreds of times. Apparently Microsoft  is not going to fix it. I had the same problem on two different Win 7 machines, using two different USB external drives. The best solution is to download the free Macrium Reflex backup program. You can create a system image or a backup on an external usb drive, such as your WD,  and also a boot cd. It worked the first time for me after I spent hours trying every suggested fix on the internet for the Microsoft problem.

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