Hi, I am having a problem backing up the system state on our domain controller. When I try to run it, I get the following written to a log file: Backup Status Operation: Backup Active backup destination: File Media name: "GRI Domain Controller.bkf created 23/09/2008 at 16:27" Volume shadow copy creation: Attempt 1. "MSDEWriter" has reported an error 0x800423f4. This is part of System State. The backup cannot continue. Error returned while creating the volume shadow copy:800423f4 Aborting Backup. ---------------------- The operation did not successfully complete. ---------------------- As search fo google has bought little joy. I have followed the following article: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/912414 changed the logon of SQL Service to domain/domain account rather than the local account. Even though when I run the system state backup I have a batch file that stops the service so it shouldn't be a problem. Has anyone had the same problem, and if so how did you resolve it. Many Thanks

disabling any services in not required to backup system state. don't do that.

Might contact MS. Some claim there is a hotfix for that. "Best Practices", Event viewer, host file, perfmon, antivirus, anti-spyware, Live CD's, backups, are in my top 10

KB Article Number: 887827 for shadow copy service pack 2 fix

Sounds like a problem with the writer status. Open a command prompt and type vssadmin list writers. If any of the VSS writers are in a failed state this will need to be addressed. A reboot can resolve this problem but depending on the version of VSS you are using there is a newer update i believe.

You're backing up to an external drive?