Error codes

0x80042302

A Volume Shadow Copy service component failed

What it means

The service that creates snapshots for backups and restore points did not start or crashed.

Common causes

• VSS or its provider service is stopped
• A writer is stuck
• System files related to VSS are damaged

How to fix it

1. In services.msc make sure Volume Shadow Copy and Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider are running and set to Manual; then run vssadmin list writers and restart any writer that is not stable.
2. Run vssadmin list writers and restart the PC if any writer is not stable.
3. Open Terminal (Admin) and run sfc /scannow, then DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth. Restart afterwards.
4. If it still fails, check Event Viewer for the provider that reports the error.