Fix: ‘Windows Error Code 0x80042306’ issue

In this article we will show you how to Fix ‘Windows Error Code 0x80042306′ issue. When trying to set up a system restore point on their computers, many Windows users have recently run into the annoying error code 0x80042306. This error message comes up a lot and usually happens when setting up shadow copies for clustered mount points on another drive in Windows. As a result, this problem stops the Windows system from making new restore points. Recently, some PC users have been getting Error 0x80042306 when they try to set up a System Restore Point.

Error 0x80042306 can also happen if there are bad sectors on the hard drive or if system files are not in good shape. This problem might be fixed if you restart/re-register VSS, fix any missing system files, check the health of the hard drive, and restart the Volume Shadow Copy service. If this bug is still on your PC, you might be able to Fix ‘Windows Error Code 0x80042306′ issue by renaming the system restore files. Let’s explore the solutions in detail.

What is Windows Error Code 0x80042306?

When you get error 0x80042306, Shadow Copies for Shared Folders aren’t working. Shadow copies, also called System Restore Points, are a special kind of restore point that Windows Vista and later versions of Windows create. They are made to save your computer’s state at a certain point in time so that you can go back to it if something goes wrong.

The VSS, or Volume Shadow Service, is in charge of making shadow copies and keeping them up to date. This is where the error comes from. It might not be running or have stopped without warning. When you try to make a system image, you might get the error code 0x8078006b. Most likely, this error is caused by problems with Volume Shadow Copy (VSS).

Microsoft Windows has a technology called VSS service, which is also called Volume Snapshot service. It lets users make backup copies or snapshots of files, folders, volumes, or partitions, even when the file or volume is being used. For VSS technology to be able to make a shadow copy of the source volume, the source partition must be set up as an NTFS file system. Also, if you want to save a volume shadow copy, the disk you want to save it to must be NTFS style.

What causes Windows Error Code 0x80042306?

1. Conflicting or outdated VSS providers: If multiple VSS providers are installed on the system and they conflict with each other or with other software, it can result in error code 0x80042306.
2. Third-party software interference: Certain third-party applications or services, such as antivirus software or disk utilities, can interfere with VSS operations and trigger the error.
3. Misconfigured system settings: Improper configuration of system settings related to VSS, such as incorrect registry entries or disabled VSS services, can lead to error code 0x80042306.
4. Driver issues: Outdated or incompatible device drivers, particularly those related to storage or backup devices, can cause conflicts with VSS and result in the error.
5. System instability: Underlying system issues, such as hardware problems, corrupted files, or other software conflicts, can contribute to the occurrence of this error.

Ways to Fix ‘Windows Error Code 0x80042306’ issue

Restart the Volume Shadow Copy Service

You could also have this problem if the Volume Shadow Copy service is turned off or isn’t working right. This Windows service makes it possible to make backup copies of files and volumes.

It is used by the restore utility to make snapshots of the things that are being backed up, and if it doesn’t work for some reason, you might run into the problem at hand. You can use the Services utility to restart this service to make sure it is working properly. To move forward, follow the steps below:

1. Open Run: Press the Win and R keys together.
2. In Run, type “services.msc” and press Enter.
3. Scroll down in the services window to find the Volume Shadow Copy service, then right-click on it.
4. Use the context menu to choose Properties.
5. Now, click “Stop,” wait a few seconds, and then click “Start” again.
6. Make sure that the type of startup is set to Automatic.
7. To save the changes, click Apply > OK.

Create a Restore Point in Safe Mode

In some cases, a background process that conflicts with the System Restore utility can also stop it from making a restore point. Try making a restore point in Safe Mode. This is the best way to make sure that no programs or applications running in the background are stopping System Restore from working.

This mode starts Windows with only the most important drivers and services. This can help you find the problem and stop any conflicts that might be happening in normal mode. Here’s how to start your computer in Safe Mode:

1. Type “System Configuration” into the search box in Windows and then click “Open.”
2. Go to the Boot tab and check the box next to Safe Boot under Boot Options.
3. Choose Minimal and click Apply > OK to save the changes.

Scan the System For Corruption Errors

The System Restore tool itself might have a corruption problem that is keeping it from working right.

1. Use the System File Checker (SFC) and Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tools to fix any broken system files.
2. SFC works by looking for problems in the system files that are protected.
3. If a problem is found, the cached version of the file will be used to replace the bad one.

Re-Register VSS Components

If restarting the Volume Shadow Copy service didn’t work, you can also use the Command Prompt to re-register the VSS components. Here’s how to move forward:

1. Open Run: Press the Win and R keys together.
2. Open Command Prompt as an administrator: Type “cmd” in the Run box and press the Ctrl, Shift, and Enter keys simultaneously.
3. Click Yes when asked if you want to continue.
4. Now, run the following commands one at a time:
   • cd /d%windir%\system32net stop vssnet stop swprvregsvr32 /s ole32.dllregsvr32 /s oleaut32.dllregsvr32 /s vss_ps.dllvssvc /registerregsvr32 /s
   • swprv.dllregsvr32 /s /i eventcls.dllregsvr32 /s es.dllregsvr32 /s stdprov.dllregsvr32 /s vssui.dllregsvr32 /s msxml.dllregsvr32 /s
   • msxml3.dllregsvr32 /s msxml4.dllvssvc /registernet start swprvnet start vss
5. Once you have re-registered VSS components, close Command Prompt and try making a restore point again.

Make Sure You Have Sufficient Space

For restore points to be saved on a disk, there must be enough space. Usually, the amount of space a restore point needs depends on how big and complicated your system is. If you don’t have enough space on the disk, the restore utility will probably give you an error code of 0x80042306.

This is why we suggest that you start by making sure your computer has enough free space for System Restore to work. You can manually get more space by removing things that aren’t needed, or you can use the Disk Cleanup tool that comes with Microsoft. You can also change the settings for System Protection to give System Restore more space on the hard drive. Here’s how that can be done:

1. Create a restore point into the search box in Windows and click “Open.”
2. Go to the System Protection tab in the next dialog box.
3. Click the “Configure” button and move the “Max usage to” slider to change the percentage of disk space to your liking.
4. To save the changes, click Apply > OK.
5. Check to see if you can now create a restore point without any problems after the changes have been made.

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