Hardware⏱️ 4 min read📅 2026-06-19

How to Fix Error 80070037 Error – Windows Backup failed: Error 80070037

Windows Backup failed: Error 80070037

Quick Answer: Try using a different USB port or cable to rule out hardware issues.

Windows Backup failed with Error 80070037, a frustrating issue that affects users who rely on external hard drives for data protection. This error can occur when the backup process encounters difficulties in communicating with the external drive, leading to a failure during the backup process.

In this troubleshooting guide, we will walk through the steps to resolve the Windows Backup Error 80070037, focusing on common causes and alternative solutions to get your backup process up and running smoothly.

🛑 Root Causes of the Error

  • The primary reason for this error is a misconfigured or faulty USB connection between the computer and the external hard drive. This can be caused by a variety of factors such as a loose connection, incorrect USB port settings, or outdated drivers.
  • Another possible cause is a hardware issue with the external hard drive itself, which may not be recognized by the computer. In this case, the backup process may fail to communicate with the drive, resulting in the Error 80070037.

✅ Best Solutions to Fix It

Disable Power Save Mode and Update USB Drivers

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Disable Power Save Mode on the external hard drive. Open the Device Manager (Windows + X), expand the 'Disk drives' section, right-click on the external hard drive, and select 'Properties'. In the Properties window, click on the 'Power' tab and uncheck the box next to 'Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power'.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Update USB drivers. Open the Device Manager (Windows + X), expand the 'USB controllers' section, right-click on the USB controller, and select 'Update driver'. Follow the prompts to search for and install any available updates.
  3. Step 3: Step 3: Restart the backup process after updating the USB drivers. Go back to the Backup settings and try running the backup again. If you encounter the same error, proceed with the next step.

Check and Clean the External Hard Drive

  1. Step 1: Step 1: Check for any errors on the external hard drive using Western Digital DataLifeguard. Insert the Western Digital USB drive into your computer, open the DataLifeguard software, and run a full scan to ensure the drive is free from errors.
  2. Step 2: Step 2: Clean the external hard drive. If the DataLifeguard scan reveals any issues, try cleaning the drive by gently wiping it with a soft cloth or using a specialized drive cleaning solution.

✨ Wrapping Up

After trying both methods, if you still encounter the Windows Backup Error 80070037, consider replacing the external hard drive with a new one. Additionally, ensure that the USB ports are not damaged and try using a different port to rule out any connectivity issues.

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