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0x80042306 Error Code: What Is It & How to Fix it

Error checking your disks proves to be the most suitable solution

5 min. read

Updated onMarch 29, 2024

updated onMarch 29, 2024

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Key notes

Windows users are reporting a new error 0x80042306 when creating a Restore point. This is a common error message, and it usually happens when you try to upgrade to a newer Windows version.

This could be because there isnot enough spaceon the drive, or because no recent changes have been made to the computer. Nevertheless, it is an error that can make the upgrade process unsuccessful, so let’s look at how we can resolve it.

What is error 0x80042306 shadow copies?

Error 0x80042306 indicates that Shadow Copies for Shared Folders is not working. Shadow copies (also known as System Restore Points) are a special type of restore point created by Windows Vista and later versions of Windows.

They’re designed to capture the state of your computer at a certain point in time so that you can revert to it if something goes wrong with your system.

The error comes from the VSS or the Volume Shadow Service, which is responsible for creating and maintaining the shadow copies. It may not be running or may have stopped unexpectedly.

Other reasons for this error include:

How do I fix error 0x80042306?

Before trying the advanced fixes, check the following first:

1. Run the CHKDSK utility

2. Run the SFC scan

There are alsofeasible solutionsto diagnose any corrupted system files on your PC and fix them automatically that can help you repair Windows issues that determine the 0x80042306 error message.

3. Restart the Volume Shadow Copy service

The Shadow Copy service runs in the background and creates copies of files and folders as they change. This allows you to restore older versions of files, even after they’ve been overwritten by newer versions.

The service also creates a snapshot every time you install new software or make changes to your system configuration, so that you can recover from bad updates or other problems.

4. Restart the Windows Backup service

Microsoft Windows Backup Service is a built-in service that performs backup operations on the computer. If for some reason it had stopped, System Restore may not have any files to restore.

5. Perform a clean boot

Sometimes, System Restore may not bring up an error, but you’ll find that theprocess is excruciatingly long. If so, we have an article on how to speed up the process.

We also share tips on what to do if yourSystem Restore is unsuccessfulso be sure to check out our expert article on the same.

For any additional thoughts on this topic, share them with us in the comment section below.

0x80042306 Error Code: What Is It & How to Fix it#

What is error 0x80042306 shadow copies?#

How do I fix error 0x80042306?#

1. Run the CHKDSK utility#

2. Run the SFC scan#

3. Restart the Volume Shadow Copy service#

4. Restart the Windows Backup service#

5. Perform a clean boot#