Hyper-V VSS Backup Errors

If you run into these, on backups with Hyper-V. Some initial quick checks to resolve the issue:

On the virtual machine:

Run the following Power Shell command “vssadmin list writers” and see if any have errors or have timed out, then “net stop” and “net start” each writer with an issue. Note, some have cryptic service names such as “System Writer” see this handy table.

Then double check the Hyper-V services are all running on the VM and restart the “Hyper-V VSS Requestor” service.

Retry your backup and hopefully you are back in business.