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Failed to back up file or folder… It may be blocked by another application

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I have a daily backup which backs up my entire user files in TI 2017. It has worked perfectly for years. Now suddenly after updating Windows 1803 it has stopped working with the message: "Failed to back up to folder 'C:\Users\[me]. It may be blocked by another application".

I don't have any other application running and have checked in Task Manager.

Is this a problem introduced by the latest version of Windows?

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Stephen, do you have OneDrive installed / active and using the default C:\Users\[you] folder path, if so, then this can be a consequence of using the OneDrive Files on Demand feature?

Please download the MVP Log Viewer tool from the Community Tools link in my signature and check for other more detailed messages in the backup task log.

I'm also having the same problem.  Is this something new with the latest Windows update or just a coincidence?

 

Jeff, welcome to these User Forums.

Please download / use the MVP Log Viewer tool from the Community Tools link in my signature to check for more detailed messages in the backup task log - this may help identify which specific file or folder is triggering this error.

Note: there have been more reports of this type of message since Windows 10 Update 1803 which would suggest that something in the update has contributed to this issue?  You would need to raise a Support Case direct with Acronis for them to investigate if there is any issue with their coding.

Hi Steve,

I have the same problem that started exactly when the system was updated to Version 1803, as you noted above.

The log file does refer to One Drive:

5/17/2018 7:00:22 AM: Failed to back up file or folder '[My PC's Drive Path]:\'. It may be blocked by another application.
The file is read-only. (0x4000C)
function = "OpenFileW",
path = "\\?\GLOBALROOT\Device\HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy4\OneDrive",
$module = "ti_demon_vs_8058"
winnt_dir::iterator::GetInodeInfo:
k:\8058\file\windows\winnt_dir.cpp(1,474)
The media is write protected (0xFFF0)
code = 80070013),
$module = "ti_demon_vs_8058"
Common::Error::AddWindowsError:
k:\8058\common\error.cpp(307) : None
5/17/2018 7:10:22 AM: Error 0x40019: Error occurred while backing up.
5/17/2018 7:10:23 AM: Error 0x13c0005: Operation has completed with errors.
 

This does seem like a bug and I'll report it via a ticket.  It's not only annoying, but wipes out the ability to back up files.  It also keeps trying, meaning I have to disable Norton or its notifications, since I get dozens of failure emails.  I finally had to "unschedule" the backup.

In the meantime, is there a workaround that you're aware of for OneDrive?  In my case, OneDrive files are located on the data drive I'm trying to back up.  Unchecking OneDrive as a source folder doesn't help.

Thanks for all your help in these forums

 

Please see forum topics:

Acronis True Image 2018: Error when backing up OneDrive folder
and
Windows 10 Build 1803 - Backup fiails due to problem with OneDrive folder - KB61362 Workaround
which looks to cover most options for dealing with this while Acronis work on a more permanent fix

Got it, thanks.  Between this and the EFS problem noted in this forum thread, I'm running on fumes with Acronis lately.  The two problems have cost hours, and the EFS problem has been "out there" for months.

Now I have to remember to (1) change OneDrive settings back once Acronis gets around to fixing this thread's issue, and (2) go back to ATI 2018 on EFS-encrypted PCs when they get around to fixing that issue.

Really appreciate your help.

PROBLEM SOLVED for me. If the Volume Shadow Copy Service is running, stop it and disable it. Reboot, launch Acronis, start backup and be patient. It took about 10 minutes and then the backup proceeded past the "Calculating Time Remaining".  MS Update 1083 turned VSCS back on when I had disabled it for the very same reason a few months ago. I have confirmed this on 3 of my machines. WHEN is Acronis going to fix this??? This problem has been going on for nearly a year!!!

In reply to by truwrikodrorow…

Thank you Donald Lewis!!!

I was having the same problem with TI 2017 telling me it couldn't backup my OneDrive folder.

I disabled the Volume Shadow Copy Service and it is working again!

(My Perpetual License for TI 2017 apparently only came with 1 year of support so I couldn't enter a ticket with Acronis.)

Without your help I would have been looking for another backup solution.

Thank you!

Dave

My case is synced SharePoint folders and the Volume Shadow Copy Service. Same "Failed to back up file or folder… It may be blocked by another application" error. Workaround:

  1. Run>services.msc
  2. Volume Shadow Copy>double click
  3. Service status>Stop
  4. Startup type>Disabled*
  5. ATI 20018>run backup; then
  6. Startup type>Automatic (Delayed Start)
  7. Service status>Start

Rebooting is not required.

* This is required or the VSS service will restart automatically after being stopped.

 

 

 

This is because some of your files in OneDrive are not saved localy on your computer (not cashed). You can check it - all your files must be with green label (not cloud label) but some onedrive files may be deep in your directory and you can't see this. To resolve this problem - just right click on your OneDrive folder in your local path (C:\Users\User...) and check "use offline" (something like this) and you will see sync process begin. Wait some minutes and run backup again. Or see this guard https://www.laptopmag.com/articles/onedrive-offline-files