How to Fix the VSS & SPP Error

By Keith Manning

Computer file and app backups may sometimes stall due to VSS and SPP errors with the following message: "A shadow copy could not be created. Please check 'VSS' and 'SPP' application event logs for more information. The specified object was not found. Error code: 0x81000019." A VSS -- Volume Shadow Copy Service -- is used to allow volume backups to occur while applications continue to write to your volumes. Receiving this error message means your VSS and SPP aren't enabled or need restarting.

Step 1

Right-click the Windows button, select Control Panel and then click System and Security followed by Security and Maintenance.

Step 2

Click Administrative Tools, double-click Services and type your administrator password when prompted.

Step 3

Verify that VSS and SPP are disabled by seeing if the the "Enabled" box is ticked next to each entry. Double click VSS and SPP to open their service properties.

Step 4

Click Startup Type, Automatic (Delayed Start) and then Apply to ensure they start with your computer.

Step 5

Click Service Status and then Start to enable VSS and SPP to function again.

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