Error: "VSS failed to prepare snapshots for backup"

Topic

This article explains how to resolve the error "VSS failed to prepare snapshots for backup".

Environment

  • Datto Windows Agent

Description

We have been made aware of an issue that can occur with Datto Windows Agent version 3.0.3.0 and newer that results in a failed backup with the error message "VSS failed to prepare snapshots for backup".


Figure 1: VSS failed to prepare snapshots for backup

This error may occur as the result of a recent Windows update, and can be resolved by following these steps:

  1. Uninstall the Datto Windows Agent using standard Windows Uninstall.
  2. Reboot the protected machine
  3. Re-Install the Datto Windows Agent
  4. Reboot the protected machine.

If the above steps do not resolve the issue, contact Datto Technical Support.