SQL backup failed: Vss Error: Operation timedout of gathering writer metadata
Problem description
SQL backup fails with - SQL backup failed: Vss Error: Operation timedout of gathering writer metadata
Cause
This issue can occur if the registry Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) writer did not respond to a query from the VSS service (OS level operation).
Traceback
Log location: C:\ProgramData\Phoenix\FS\Phoenix.log
[ERROR] <_MainThread(MainThread)> SqlAgent :SQL backup failed: Vss Error: Operation timedout of gathering writer metadata hr = -2147212520
[2020-01-15 00:11:52,312] [ERROR] <_MainThread(MainThread)> Error <class 'pyvss.VssException'>:Vss Error: Operation timedout of gathering writer metadata hr = -2147212520. Traceback -Traceback (most recent call last):
File "agentPartnerProcess.pyc", line 84, in _process_request_start
File "agents\sqlserver\SqlAgent.pyc", line 60, in process_backup_start
File "agents\sqlserver\SqlBackup.pyc", line 54, in init
File "agents\sqlserver\SqlBackup.pyc", line 110, in __init_helpers
File "agents\sqlserver\VssHelper.pyc", line 1288, in get_backup_helper_object
File "agents\sqlserver\VssHelper.pyc", line 144, in __init__
File "agents\sqlserver\VssHelper.pyc", line 107, in get_current_server_info
File "agents\sqlserver\sql_vss_2.pyc", line 405, in discover_databases
File "roboClientLib\vssutils.pyc", line 195, in gather_writer_metadata
VssException: Vss Error: Operation timedout of gathering writer metadata hr = -2147212520
Event viewer:
Event ID 12347 — Volume Shadow Copy Service Operations
Volume Shadow Copy Service error: An internal inconsistency was detected in trying to contact shadow copy service writers. The Registry Writer failed to respond to a query from VSS. Check to see that the Event Service and Volume Shadow Copy Service are operating properly, and please check the Application event log for any other events.
Resolution
- Ensure that the writer is in a stable state. Issue the command vssadmin list writers from the command prompt to determine the writer status. The Registry writer status must be as follows
Writer name: 'Registry Writer'
Writer Id: {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx}
Writer Instance Id: {xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx}
State: [1] Stable
Last error: No error
- Follow the instructions in the Microsoft article Event ID 12347 — Volume Shadow Copy Service Operations.
- Rebooting the server may resolve the issue.