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SQLWriter Service is not running on the target device

Some of our customers have been experiencing the following error when they attempt to back up MS SQL.

SQLWriter Service is not running on the target device

In some scenarios, this error also prevents vssadmin list writers command from returning SQLServer Writer.

This service is responsible for creating and managing snapshots of SQL Server databases, which are used for backup and restore operations.

Troubleshooting Tips

Fortunately, our experts have put together a few troubleshooting tips to help you out. Before we begin, we have to restart SQL Server VSS Writer. This is done by heading to services.msc and locating SQL server VS Writer.

Then, we have to click Restart or click Stop followed by Start.

After this, our experts recommend listing writers with the following command:

vssadmin list writers

If SQLWriter Service is missing in the output, it is time to use the following troubleshooting tips:

System State misconfiguration

In some scenarios, the error may pop up due to a system state misconfiguration. This involves the error ((HRESULT)0x800423F4L) (SetCurrentFailure) appearing in the EventViewer log.

This is due to issues between the SQL writer and the SharePoint VSS writer. We can resolve the error by removing the GUID entry from the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/ SOFTWARE/ MICROSOFT/ MICROSOFT SQL SERVER/ SHAREPOINT/SQLSERVERAGENT

Furthermore, the error entry is tracked in the registry in case the file Sqlvdi.dll on the system has an issue.

SQL database name contains spaces:

If the above tip did not do the trick, it is time to check if the SQL database name contains spaces.

1. First, we have to open MS SQL Management Studio and then right-click on any database and choose Run query item.
2. Next, run the following query:

   select '#' + name +'#' from sys.databases
3. In case any of the names have a space within the name, we have to remove it.

SQL Server VSS Writer has insufficient privileges:

1. First, we have to check the SQL server security attributes of the chosen user as the service logon for the SQL writer and verify if they have sysadmin privileges.
2. In case the privileges are not sufficient, we have to add them.

Additionally, the error may also appear if a 32-bit SQL Server VSS Writer is running on a 64-bit system. We can check if this is the reason behind the error by verifying it via the task manager.

Let us know in the comments which one of the above tips helped you resolve the error.

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Conclusion

To sum up, our Support Techs demonstrated how to resolve the “SQLWriter Service is not running on the target device” error.