Software⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-15

How to Fix: DriveImage XML fails with a Windows Volume Shadow Service Error

DriveImageXML fails with a Windows Volume Shadow Service error, how to fix.

Quick Answer: Check that the required NTFS volume is enabled and running in Task Manager, and try registering oleaut.dll using regsvr32.

📋 Table of Contents

  1. 💡 Why You Are Getting This Error
  2. ✅ Best Solutions to Fix It
  3. 🎯 Final Words

DriveImageXML fails with a Windows Volume Shadow Service (VSS) error, which affects users trying to image SATA laptop hard drives using this software. The error message indicates that the VSS service failed to start, and registering certain DLL files did not resolve the issue.

This error can be frustrating for users who rely on DriveImageXML for data backup and imaging purposes. Fortunately, by following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the issue and successfully image your SATA laptop hard drive.

💡 Why You Are Getting This Error

  • The primary reason for this error is that the Windows Volume Shadow Service (VSS) is not functioning correctly. This can occur due to various reasons such as outdated VSS software or corrupted system files. Additionally, if you are using only FAT drives, VSS will not function.
  • Another possible cause of this error is a missing or corrupted oleaut.dll file, which is required for the VSS service to work properly.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Registering oleaut32.dll and verifying VSS services

  1. Step 1: Open Command Prompt as an administrator and navigate to the directory where DriveImageXML is installed.
  2. Step 2: Run the command 'regsvr32 oleaut32.dll' to register the oleaut32.dll file. If successful, you should see a success message in the Command Prompt.
  3. Step 3: Next, open Task Manager and verify that the VSSVC.EXE service is running and functioning correctly. You can do this by searching for 'VSSVC.EXE' in the Services section of the Task Manager.
  4. Step 4: If the VSSVC.EXE service is not running or is not functioning correctly, you may need to restart your computer or reinstall the VSS software.

Verifying VSS services and NTFS volumes

  1. Step 1: Open Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services and verify that the MS Software Shadow Copy Provider and Volume Shadow Copy services are enabled.
  2. Step 2: Verify that at least one volume in your computer is formatted as NTFS. If you are using only FAT drives, VSS will not function.
  3. Step 3: Check if the required NTFS volume matches the volume you want to image. You do not need to use the same volume for imaging and shadow copy.

🎯 Final Words

By following these troubleshooting steps, you should be able to resolve the DriveImageXML error caused by a Windows Volume Shadow Service (VSS) issue. If you are still experiencing problems after trying these methods, consider reinstalling DriveImageXML or seeking further assistance from the software's support team.

Did this fix your problem?

If not, try searching for specific error codes.

🔍 Search Error Database

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

🛠️ Related Fixes

How to Fix: Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow

Fix Pc crashes shortly after launching game (rainbow six siege). Compl

How to Fix: Installing an APK on a locked down phone

Installing an APK on a locked down phone: Try using a rooted device, e

How to Fix: New PC build- no signal and no clue

Fix New PC build- no signal and no clue. Complete troubleshooting guid