All system restore points constantly deleted with VSS services/volsnap errors

Anonymous

Original Title: Let's start simple! Is there anyone from Microsoft out there?

For 6 weeks, I've been trying to sort out why my system restore points keep getting wiped out - something to do with VSS Server, I think. But let's forget that for now - all I want at the moment is a definitive answer whether VSS Server should be on Manual or Automatic. Some MS documents say one, some the other. If I can find out this, we can then move on to the next step of why it keeps getting switched off, regardless of which option is chosen. So SHOULD IT BE ON MANUAL OR AUTO? surely that isn't difficult to answer and must be known by MS.

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52 answers

Anonymous

2014-01-09T06:22:57+00:00

Hi,

In Windows 8/8.1 the Volume Shadow Copy Service is set to MANUAL. And it will start

when Backup or File History triggers it automatically.

See here for the Services default settings.

BlackViper - Windows 8.1 defaults

http://www.blackviper.com/service-configurations/black-vipers-windows-8-1-service-configurations/

After a call has completed it will revert back to Manual waiting for the next call.

Restore points are automatically removed when they become dated because their usefulness

would be limited. And in fact using an old one would probably be very detrimental.

Also some antivirus/security and automatic backup programs will remove Restore Points. As

will some Registry Cleaners and System Optimizers (both of those are like Snake-Oil), and

of course some malware.

===========================================================

VSSAdmin - Command Line Parameters

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc754968.aspx

How to Change Maximum Disk Space Used by System Protection and System Images in

Windows 8 and 8.1

http://www.eightforums.com/tutorials/4691-system-protection-change-maximum-disk-space-usage-windows-8-a.html

Here is a handy free tool to view and even use the Shadow Copies (not File History).

Shadow Explorer - Free

http://www.shadowexplorer.com/

===========================================================

Frankly I would do a full reset which removes everything and be very careful about what you

install in the future.

Windows 8/8.1 includes special methods to Refresh (keep files and settings) or a Reset (new

install removing all).

How to restore, refresh, or reset your PC

http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows-8/restore-refresh-reset-pc

Hope this helps.

Rob Brown - Microsoft MVP <- profile - Windows Expert - Consumer : Bicycle - Mark Twain said it right.
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Anonymous

2014-01-09T05:45:19+00:00

I have now wasted 6 weeks, resulting in a loss of £1500 due to lost work, trying to sort out why my system restore points keep disappearing, with no success, and am getting very pissed off about it. How can Microsoft (virtually a monopoly) get away with selling stuff and not supporting it? At best, I have received 1 reply from MS per thread, and this is never followed up when I report that the suggested solution has not worked. How can a bloody company be so inefficient and totally unconcerned about its customers. I would like this sorting out NOW.

See previous links below

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-system/keep-losing-system-restore-points/5cf1876f-960a-4893-ab5d-a922845b8ba1

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-system/is-it-normal-for-vss-service-to-turn-itself-off/ec7b514b-31cc-4afe-8684-25eefb52fcdc

http://answers.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/forum/windows8_1-system/lets-start-simple-is-there-anyone-from-microsoft/444f41c6-1d03-4337-a18d-bcddadb50729
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