System Restore - 0x81000101 shadow copy timeout error Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit

Hi Rob,

This issue can be caused due to the Volume Shadow Copy settings.

Let’s try the following methods and check if it helps.

Method 1:

Let us try to disable the antivirus/firewall and check if it is working. If it works, please contact the security program manufacturer for further assistance.

Note:  Antivirus software can help protect your computer against viruses and other security threats. In most cases, you shouldn't disable your antivirus software. If you have to temporarily disable it to install other software, you should re-enable it as soon as you're done. If you're connected to the Internet or a network while your antivirus software is disabled, your computer is vulnerable to attacks.



Method 2:

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then clickOK.

2. Locate and then click the following key in the registry:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\VolSnap

3. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD value.
4. Type MinDiffAreaFileSize, and then press ENTER.
5. On the Edit menu, click Modify.
6. Type the size that you want for the shadow copy storage area, and then click OK.

The MinDiffAreaFileSize registry key specifies the minimum size of the shadow copy storage area; the default setting is 300 MB, and the maximum setting is 3 gigabytes (GB). For an accurate setting, specify a value that is a multiple of 300 MB; otherwise, the next multiple of 300 MB will be chosen. A value of 300 is equal to 300 MB, and a value of 3,000 is equal to 3 GB.

Note Shadow copies may not function correctly if the value of the MinDiffAreaFileSize registry subkey is larger than the maximum size of the shadow copy storage area. For example, if you set the registry setting to 1024 MB, backup software will not generate snapshots of the 200 MB system partition. Therefore, before you create the MinDiffAreaFileSize registry subkey, make sure that the diff area file is larger than 300 MB or that the diff area file is larger than the value that is specified in the registry. Also, make sure that you have at least 300 MB of free space on the shadow copy storage volume.

Registry Note: This section, method, or task contains steps that tell you how to modify the registry. However, serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly. Therefore, make sure that you follow these steps carefully. For added protection, back up the registry before you modify it. Then, you can restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up and restore the registry.

Method 3:

Let us check if the Volume Shadow Copy service and its dependecy services are running.

1. Click on start, type in services.msc in start search and hit enter.

2. Locate Volume Shadow Copy service, right click on it and click on start.

3. Right click on it again and Select properties.

4. Go to Dependencies Tab.

5. Note the dependency services.

6. Ensure that they are also running.

7. Right click on it and select start.

8. Repeat the steps 2 to 7 for Windows backup service as well.

Check if the issue is resolved.

Hope this information is helpful.