Windows 7 backup failing with error 0x81000031
Windows 7 backup fails with the following error (German): Die Sicherung war nicht erfolgreich. Fehler: "Fehler beim Bestimmen des Bibliothekenspeicherorts eines der in die Scherung eingeschlossenen Benutzer durch die Windows-Sicherung. (0x81000031)" The short English version of this error message is: "cannot find library folders of this user". The backup error log under "C:\Windows\Logs\WindowsBackup" points to the same problem: Beim Sichern der Datei "C:\Users\sb.BUGFREE\Music" ist ein Problem aufgetreten. Fehler: (Das System kann die angegebene Datei nicht finden. (0x80070002)) Beim Sichern der Datei "C:\Users\sb.BUGFREE\Videos" ist ein Problem aufgetreten. Fehler: (Das System kann die angegebene Datei nicht finden. (0x80070002)) Short English version again: "Error backing up files. System cannot find the files in this path". Since I have relocated all my library folders to the root of drive D: the backup will never find any library on the C: drive. My profile folder on C: (which is "C:\Users\sb.BUGFREE") is empty except for the hidden folder "AppData". When configuring the Windows backup drive D: gets displayed as possible backup destination. I've set the actual backup destination to a network drive instead. Additionally I've set the backup to include the files chosen by Windows (recommended option). Putting all the pieces together I think that the Windows 7 backup has no support for relocated library folders. Since relocation of the libraries is a standard feature of Windows I think this case has just been overlooked in development of the backup. Perhaps someone from the Microsoft can confirm this as a bug. >> Steffen
November 13th, 2009 1:03pm

Hi Steffen, This issue can occur if you did improper actions when relocating your Library folders to the root of Driver D. To make sure the issue, lets take the following steps to restore default libraries. Please open Windows Explorer and right click on Libraries and then choose Restore default libraries. NOTE: These steps will not cause any data loss and they are just for troubleshooting. In addition, you can also refer to the following support link to check the issue. Error code 0x81000031 occurs when you try to back up files to an external hard disk drive by using the Backup and Restore Wizard on a Windows 7-based computer. Please note: To apply the troubleshooting steps provided on this support article, it should meet the following points. You have a computer that is running Windows 7. You connect an external hard disk drive to the computer. You enable Windows BitLocker Drive Encryption on the system drive. Good luck to you! Judy Jiang :)
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
November 16th, 2009 5:38am

Hi there, i am currently having the same problem. I have followed the steps but am still having the same issue. I have also used my backup cd to do startup checks and various other scans virtually all over, however cannot seem to resolve the issue. Do you have any other ideas?Many thanks,Ryan
November 17th, 2009 5:59pm

my apologies. i have resolved my issue by right clicking on my external hard drive and enabling bitlocker on it.many thanks,Ryan
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
November 17th, 2009 6:02pm

I don't have bitlocker - I'm running on Windows 7 Home Premium. I get this error when I try to backup files to an external esata hard disk drive by using the Backup and Restore Wizard on a Windows 7 home premium-based HP laptop. What should I do?
December 11th, 2009 7:49pm

I had the same problem as Roman Diaz but I solved it by opening the library folder and removing manually a wrong entry which I had (and which was not previously corrected by restoring the library folder). For example, if you have a library entry "FolderA in D:/" but is actually in E:/, remove it by clicking the right button over itt. Good luck.
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
August 18th, 2010 6:44am

I can not remove the device I see as causing the problem. It is a vestige of a one time attempt to use a Sony Camera jump drive. I now shows up as Drive Q:/ but will not allow me to delete it. How do I delete it?
May 21st, 2011 11:10am

Scappoose, I had the same problem as you. I found the device that needed to be removed but was unable to delete it by right-clicking and choosing "delete". My device that needed that to be removed was in the "Pictures" folder in the Library. I right-clicked on "Pictures" in the left-hand pane, selected properties, selected my device that I wanted to delete, and clicked "remove." I was then able to complete my backup. Hope this helps!
Free Windows Admin Tool Kit Click here and download it now
September 17th, 2011 3:11pm

Thanks! Same error, your updating the libraries tip seems to have done it! Still a bit of a shame, some library entries are simply for removable drives that weren't there at the moment. Would've preferred windows backup to just skip missing entries instead of failing.
April 25th, 2012 9:57am

This topic is archived. No further replies will be accepted.

Other recent topics Other recent topics