Hello ,
Based on the research, the VSS System Writer runs in the context of CryptSvc service on Windows Server 2008. To make the system writer works normally, please open services
console to verify that the Cryptographic Services logon as the credentials of the "Network Service" account.
The VSS system writer can be missing due to several reasons, to isolate this issue, please refer to the following steps to boot the problematic server with clean
boot mode to perform the test.
Steps: Clean Boot
1. On a problematic server perform a clean boot and check if the issue still exists
2. Click Start->Run...->type msconfig and press Enter
3. Click Services tab and select Hide All Microsoft Services and Disable All third party Services.
4. Click Startup tab and Disable All startup items
5. Click OK and choose Restart
After the server reboot, please run "vssadmin list writers" to check if the "System Writer" can be displayed.
If the issue still exists, please open a CMD prompt as Run As Administrator and type the following commands to see if it the system writer will be occure.
CD c:\windows\system32
Takeown /f %windir%\winsxs\filemaps\* /a
icacls %windir%\winsxs\filemaps\*.* /grant "NT AUTHORITY\SYSTEM:(RX)"
icacls %windir%\winsxs\filemaps\*.* /grant "NT Service\trustedinstaller:(F)"
icacls %windir%\winsxs\filemaps\*.* /grant "BUILTIN\Users:(RX)"
Moreover, based on the experience, it has been reported that there is some permissions issue which can cause this kind of issue. Please follow the steps below and check
if it can be helpful.
On domain controller
1. Open Active Directory Users and Computers
2. Click View and then "Advanced features"
3. Right Click built and click properties.
4. Click security tab.
5. Grant read permission to 'Authenticated Users'
6. Click Apply and OK.
7. Restart Cryptographic Services.
Note: By Default, it should have read permission for the system to take system state backup.
Hope this can be helpful.
MCTS: Windows Vista | Exchange Server 2007 MCITP: Enterprise Support Technician | Server & Enterprise Admin
