How to Troubleshoot 0x80780166 Errors While Backing Up Windows 10
Backing up Windows data and all the necessary files in a separate location and drive is a nice idea to recover data loss. Almost all the editions of Windows provides installation backup feature to avoid any mishaps after the system totally corrupts. In some cases, windows fail to respond while trying to back up all the Windows 10 files, and Windows 10 users also report this issue. This backing up error comes with error code 0x80780166 on Windows 10.
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Source: How to Troubleshoot 0x80780166 Errors While Backing Up Windows 10
This error alert can also arise on other Windows versions such as Windows 7, 8, 8.1, etc. There are multiple reasons for this error issue:
VSC (Volume Shadow Copy) service incorrect setup
Image Backup File Data is corrupted
Corrupted System File
Infected Underlying Files
Below are some workarounds by which you can troubleshoot the issue. Here, you will be provided with easy and precise various potential troubleshoot strategies that helped other users in the same case.
Rectifying the Windows VSS Service
Users sometimes setup the VSS or Volume Shadow Copy Service to manual for their convenience, but this action will harm their devices and restrict backing up the process of Windows 10 installation. When setup instance is improper or not matched to the system requirements, it flashes error code with a message that Windows fails to backup up your installation files.
In this backing up issue, the VSS service is converted to manual and thus needs to revert it into the automatic mode. The modification of VSS setup to automatic mode resolves this annoying issue on Windows 10. It sorts out various issues, including the error code 0x80780166.
Pursue these guidelines to fix this error message by applying these points:
First and foremost, tap Window logo and R keys simultaneously. It will launch the Run dialog box.
Then, you have to enter the keywords: “service—msc” into the search panel, followed by the Enter key.
After a while, a new window will expand related to “Services.” When you have launched the Services section, then move down through the Services list and search for the option “VSS.” Then, apply right click mouse tab on it and then select the tab Properties from the freshly launched context menu.
In the properties window, hit the General tab, thereby navigating the menu listing and then modify the Startup Type option to Automatic.
Finally, hit the Apply tab to confirm the changes.
Once you have done all the above steps, then reboot the computer.
Note: repeat the above-mentioned steps if you view such error in the future.
Cleaning and Refreshing the Folder “WindowsImageBackup”
This error also arises if your backup file already occupies leftover backup files or corrupted files. Sometimes, these leftover files interrupt the backing up process on Windows 10 installation setup. There is also another reason for arising this error code: if you haven’t sufficient space for the same.
The users who resolved this error issue have removed and refreshed the folder for image backup as their preference. If you also wish to solve this problem through the same method, then it is directed to abide by these instructions:
At the start, launch the File Explorer window and go to your desired drive for the backing up process.
Now, locate the folder “WindowsImageBackup” and then double-tap it to launch.
Sometimes, this folder is not appearing on the front screen. It might be hiding inside the window. To make the folder appearing on the screen, hit the View section tab. It will be located at the uppermost section of the page and mark the box related to Hidden Items.
Now, you can fetch the details and contents regarding the folder after being displayed on the screen.
Then, select everything there and then remove all the contents available into the folder.
After that, try to re-launch the backup process and check that the issue is still occurring.
Jay Cross is a trained office.com/setup expert who works with the development team with feedback from customers to make it to expectations. He lives in New York and In addition to his work, he also writes for his personal blog.