VSS Error. The COM Server with CLSID

Situation

An image-based backup plan terminates with the following error: VSS Error. The COM Server with CLSID and Name Cannot Be Started

Cause

Solution

Check if Services are Enabled and Providers are Operating Properly

To resolve this issue, check that the COM+ Event System service is started and that the Volume Shadow Copy service (VSS service) and Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider service are both enabled. You should also make sure that third-party installed VSS providers are operating properly. If a VSS provider is not operating properly, you should try reinstalling it. If that does not work, you should contact the provider vendor.

To perform these procedures, you must be a member of the Administrators group, or you must have been delegated the appropriate authority.

Check if the COM+ Event System Service is Started

To check that the COM+ Event System service is started, proceed as follows:

1. Click Start, then click Administrative Tools, and then click Services.
2. In the results pane, double-click COM+ Event System.
3. In Service status, make sure that the status is Started. If the status is not Started, click Start.
4. Make sure that the Startup type is set to Automatic.
5. Click OK.

Check If the VSS Service is Enabled

To check that the VSS service is enabled, proceed as follows:

1. Click Start, click Administrative Tools, and then click Services.
2. In the results pane, double-click Volume Shadow Copy.
3. Make sure that the Startup type is set to Manual.
4. Click OK.

Check if the Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider Service is Enabled

To check that the Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider service is enabled, proceed as follows:

1. Click Start, click Administrative Tools, and then click Services.
2. In the results pane, double-click Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider.
3. Make sure that the Startup type is set to Manual.
4. Click OK.

Make Sure if Third-Party Installed VSS Providers are Operating Properly

To make sure that third-party installed VSS providers are operating properly, proceed as follows:

1. Click Start, click All Programs, click Accessories, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator.
2. Run the following command: vssadmin list providers.
3. For each provider in the list, use the vssadmin create shadow command to create a shadow copy of the volume for which the provider is responsible.

For more information about this command, refer to the vssadmin create shadow article at microsoft.com.

Verify

To verify that the Volume Shadow Copy Service is started, proceed as follows:

1. Click Start, point to Administrative Tools, and then click Services.
2. In the results pane, double-click Volume Shadow Copy.
3. In Service status, make sure that the status is Started. If the status is not Started, click Start.
4. Make sure that the Startup type is set to Manual.
5. Click OK.