Windows Server 2008 Family VSS System Writer Missing

There are numerous posts about this issue, most of them didn't work. The following worked:

Delete the temporary files located in these folders:

C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v2.0.50727\Temporary ASP.NET Files\
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework\v4.0.30319\Temporary ASP.NET Files\
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v2.0.50727\Temporary ASP.NET Files\
C:\Windows\Microsoft.NET\Framework64\v4.0.30319\Temporary ASP.NET Files\

You will probably find that one or more of these will contain quite a number of files.

The explanation is is as follows, when creating a shadow copy the system writer enumerates its list of files that it takes care of. These directories above are part of the system writer's to do list. When they fill up with temporary files the system writer starts enumerating these files but after encountering too many it just throws its arms in the air and says "no more", then quits. Then your backup fails.

As a bonus you free up some server space as well. A restart shouldn't even be needed.

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