Windows 7 Backup is failing. When backing up even a single insignificant directory (e.g. I chose only the empty "Contacts" directory, leaving all other directories unchecked), I get this error within a few seconds and the backup fails. If I uncheck all files/directories, and just do the system image - then the system image is backed up OK without issue.
Backup destination is an external USB hard drive.
Steps to reproduce and subsequent failure:
- Set up backup to go to external hard drive. Don't back up system image. Back up "Contacts" directory only for my profile.
- Start backup.
- Immediately view the status of the backup, it stays on "Creating a shadow copy..." for a few seconds, and then the backup fails.
Click Options button, and it says "Check your backup / The system cannot find the file specified." - with options to "Try to run backup again" or "Change backup settings". If I click "Show Details", then it says:
Backup time: 4/12/2012 04:38 Backup location: My Book (D:) Error code: 0x80070002
An examination of the Event Log shows nothing useful beyond the following:
Log Name: Application Source: Windows Backup Date: 4/12/2012 04:38:44 Event ID: 4104 Task Category: None Level: Error Keywords: Classic User: N/A Computer: JTJLaptop Description: The backup was not successful. The error is: The system cannot find the file specified. (0x80070002). Event Xml: <Event xmlns="http://schemas.microsoft.com/win/2004/08/events/event"> <System> <Provider Name="Windows Backup" /> <EventID Qualifiers="0">4104</EventID> <Level>2</Level> <Task>0</Task> <Keywords>0x80000000000000</Keywords> <TimeCreated SystemTime="2012-04-12T04:38:44.000000000Z" /> <EventRecordID>23979</EventRecordID> <Channel>Application</Channel> <Computer>JTJLaptop</Computer> <Security /> </System> <EventData> <Data>The system cannot find the file specified. (0x80070002)</Data> <Binary>02000780E30500003F0900005B090000420ED1665C2BEE174B64529CB14610EA71000000</Binary> </EventData> </Event>
What I have tried:
- ChkDsk on both C: (main drive) and D: (backup drive) doesn't find any errors.
SFC /SCANNOWto run system file checker
- Checked the list of profiles at
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\ProfileListand ensured that each profile directory exists.
I'm stumped; WHAT file can't be found and why is my backup failing?
This is on a Lenovo T420 laptop.