Problem: VSS error with 'SQL Server Backup to Windows Azure Tool' installed

Question

When 'SQL Server Backup to Windows Azure Tool' is installed, shadow copies cannot be enable and backups fail.  When attempting to enable shadow copies, we get a "volsnap" error:  "The shadow copies of volume X were aborted because of a failed free space computation".  After uninstalling the "Tool", VSS works.  Reinstalling "Tool" causes the problem to return.

While the error suggests a space issue, there is plenty of space on the server's two volumes.  Additionally, another 100GB volume was added and VSS storage was allocated to it; still received the error.

Issue seems to point to 'SQL Server Backup to Windows Azure Tool'.

Environment:  Hyper-V guest:  "Windows Server 2012 R2 Standard" with "SQL Server 2008 R2 Standard".  Using "Azure Storage" for SQL backups.

Suggestions?

Answer 1

Hi,

Thank you for your question.

I am trying to involve someone familiar with this topic to further look at this issue.

Regards,

Mekh.

Answer 2

Hi,

Please check for "esecdrv42.sys" driver under "Device Manager --> Click on VIEW tab --> Enable Show Hidden Devices --> Under the "Non Plug and Play drivers", disable to check the results. You may select and uninstall it. Then restart the machine.

Regards,

Manu Rekhar

Answer 3

Hello,

Yes, we have a confirmed interference between the tool and the VSS Framework. This was identified very recently and is under investigation by the product group. Since the issue is within the filter driver shipped by the tool, that unfortunately means that you currently need to choose between the tool and a working VSS Framework. If the latter is more important, then uninstall the tool (that will require a restart).

We apolologize for the inconvenience. I'm going to try to get the home page of the tool updated to avoid other situations like yours. Hopefully we should see a new version of the tool soon.

As a side note, recent versions of SQL Server can directly use Azure Storage as backup target, see http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj919148(v=sql.110).aspx.

Regards,

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Guillaume Fourrat - Microsoft France

Answer 4

Thank you for the answer.  Is a new version in the works... days, weeks, months?  Depending on the availability of a working version, I may need to "punt" and seek another off-site backup solution.

Regretfully, due to third-party application requirements, we cannot use a more current version of "SQL Server".

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- Old IT Geek -

Answer 5

Unfortunately not known yet, or I would have given the information. I'll update the thread when applicable.

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Guillaume Fourrat - Microsoft France

Answer 6

I have just hit this same issue. Trying to use the tool to back up a compressed file, but now Windows Backup fails due to VSS errors. Has a fix ever been found?

Answer 7

Same here, but would be great to have an update on the the status of this problem.

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Gianluca Hotz - SQL Server MVP