Hi I have tried to make a backup using Backup from Control Panel / System & Security / Backup & Restore. The first two times I tried, the system locked up and despite waiting fifteen minutes for processes to complete, I eventually had to power off and restart my system. The last two times I tried, I ensured Backup was the only software I had running - I also disabled my Anti-virus real-time protection and Firewall (AVG Resident Shield / Internet Security). I was backing up to an externam USB DVD drive and the back began but stalled at 28%. The backup process appeared to start as expected - A backup image was seemingly created and individual files such as Firefox profiles, etc., were appearing in the list of files being backed up. However, as mentioned, at 28% the process seemed to stall, the DVD writed spun at high speed and programs such as task manager would not run. Windows Start menu worked, but othe than that it was pretty much a system freeze. Against my better judgement I was forced to remove the USB DVD drive cable mid-backup and turn my system off (power off for 7+ seconds). My specs: HP Pavilion dm3-1030ea laptop. Win 7 Home Premium AMD Athlon Neo X2 Dual Core (1.6Ghz, 1600Mhz) 4GB RAM Any help greatly appreciated as Im reluctant to buy any third party software at the moment but wouldreally like to make a backup. Thank you.

This issue occurs if some components cannot be copied. I suggest that you temporary disable the anti-virus and firewall. If you still face the same problem, then open the folder C:\Windows\Logs\WindowsBackup . When you start backup, a log file "Backup Files*_error.log " will be generated. Please open the file when backup hangs. If there is no valuable information in the log, please open the folder C:\Windows\Logs\CBS , copy the file CBS.log and paste to Desktop. Then open the file CBS.log on Desktop, check the last part of this log to try to find which file cannot be backed up during backup process. If the issue persists even after disabling firewall and anti-virus then let’s disable all startup items and third party services when booting. This method will help us determine if this issue is caused by a loading program or service. Please perform the following steps: Step 1: Perform a clean boot Note If the computer is connected to a network, network policy settings may prevent you from following these steps. We strongly recommend that you do not use the System Configuration utility to modify the advanced boot options on the computer unless a Microsoft support engineer directs you to do this. Doing this may make the computer unusable. 1. Log on to the computer by using an account that has administrator rights. 2. Click Start Collapse this imageExpand this , type msconfig.exe in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER to start the System Configuration Utility. Collapse this imageExpand this image If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue . 3. On the General tab, click Selective Startup , and then click to clear the Load startup items check box. (The Use Original Boot.ini check box is unavailable.) 4. On the Services tab, click to select the Hide all Microsoft services check box, and then click “Disable all”. Note: Following this step lets Microsoft services continue to run. These services include Networking, Plug and Play, Event Logging, Error Reporting, and other services. If you disable these services, you may permanently delete all restore points. Do not do this if you want to use the System Restore utility together with existing restore points. Click OK , and then click Restart . After doing these steps, follow the second step from the KB article mentioned below: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/929135 NOTE: After finishing all the steps in the KB article, restart your computer in normal mode. Follow these steps: Reset the computer to start as usual After you have finished troubleshooting, follow these steps to reset the computer to start as usual: 1. Click Start Collapse this imageExpand this im , type msconfig.exe in the Start Search box, and then press ENTER. Collapse this imageExpand this ima If you are prompted for an administrator password or for confirmation, type your password, or click Continue . 2. On the General tab, click the Normal Startup option, and then click OK . 3. When you are prompted to restart the computer, click Restart . For more information on backup procedures, you may visit the following KB article: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971759/ RegardsI want to be a MVP! ______________________________ Computer Technician

I performed a clean boot as directed and tried backup once again with no security software - or any other non-MS software running. I experienced the exact same issue, a hang/ stall at 28%. The shadow copy appeared to create succesfully but the writing of data suddenly stopped at 28%. The generated Windows Backup error log was blank and the last line of the cbs.log read: "2010-02-04 11:13:36, Info CBS Session: 30057867_408750077 initialized by client WindowsUpdateAgent." I also tried a 'cmd' 'sfc /scannow' and no problems were found. I await your further instructions. Thank you.

Well, I've been trying to use Backup again today and have come to the conclusion that the software either A) for some reason simply cannot properly communicate with a USB DVDRW drive in order to physically write the data on the disc succesfully or B) cannot adequetly display the correct percentage progress of the backup process in the progress window, possibly resulting in the user assuming the backup process has failed - especially since the process takes so long (30 minutes 'stuck'(?) on 26% [or 28%]). I have managed to succesfully create a backup using Backup & Restore but using an 8Gb USB Flash stick (this only took approximately 20 minutes in total ). However, using exactly the same settings (clean boot, etc.), a Backup of the same files (chosen by Windows) once again failed, this time at 26%. The drive was spinning constantly, the progress window stopped (froze?) at 26% and I waited a full 30 minutes for the progress bar to move from its' 26% position. To eliminate the problems possibly being the USB DVD-RW drive itself, I have; 1) tried a second drive: experienced exactly the same issue. 2) checked Device Manager: all was well with no errors. 3) tried different DVD-RW discs: same issue experienced. 4) used the same USB DVDRW drive to burn movies, music and date without issue. So, I am now resigned to the fact that I cannot use Windows Backup & Restore with my USB DVDRW drive and will from now on use USB Flash sticks instead. Thanks again.

I know this is going to sound pretty stupid, but have you changed the media type from whatever you're using now? For example, those I've helped say they used DVD+R and it didn't work, turns out it'll work using DVD-R even though other burning programs had never had an issue with the +R. I've also seen where they will use DVD+RW, anything but whatever they normally would use. Try another media and let us know, as it seems to work for 90% of others who've tried it. (other 10% never responded back)MCSE, MCSA, MCDST [If this post helps to resolve your issue, please click the "Mark as Answer" or "Helpful" button at the top of this message. By marking a post as Answered, or Helpful you help others find the answer faster.]

As it happens, no, I haven't tried a different media but will give it a go and report back. I'll buy some tomorrow. Thanks cdobbs

Hey SEaston74,Had the same problem, upon further dive into the BackUp program I found it was set to do a "Complete Image" backup of my whole disk as well. Which was about 30GB in size, and my backup target drive was a 8GB Kingston USB Drive.My backup stalled out at the 28% point as well.So changing the setting to just backup my data, and not include an "Image" of the drive worked great.Give that a look at.Regards,