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

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.]

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

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