Problem description
SQL backup fails with error VSS65535
Cause
VSS unable to create snapshot because of Incorrect Physical path for the database files
Traceback
Verify the detailed job logs. How to download job logs
Phoenix.log
[2023-08-09 10:51:06,555] [ERROR] <_MainThread(MainThread)> SqlAgent :SQL backup failed: Volume Shadow Copy(VSS) Internal Error (#10004ffff : 0x80042308L) (Error Code : VSS65535)
[2023-08-09 10:51:06,555] [ERROR] <_MainThread(MainThread)> Error <class 'inSyncLib.inSyncError.SyncError'>:Volume Shadow Copy(VSS) Internal Error (#10004ffff : 0x80042308L) (Error Code : VSS65535). Traceback -Traceback (most recent call last):
Verification
Check with vssadmin list writers and SqlServerWriter is in stable state
No events listed in application and system event logs related to backup failure.
Run the following query to get the database names and their physical path.
SELECT d.name DatabaseName, f.name LogicalName, f.physical_name AS PhysicalName, f.type_desc TypeofFile FROM sys.master_files f INNER JOIN sys.databases d ON d.database_id = f.database_id
There are databases with physical path for the database files starting with \\server_name and not a local drive name
Incorrect physical path
Correct physical path
Resolution
Correct the physical path of the database in SQL or
Rebooting the server might resolve the VSS issues and correct the physical path direction.
Note: Ensure you obtain the necessary approvals from management before proceeding with the server reboot.
Workaround
Deselect the problematic database from the backup set