How do you fix the Windows backup error code 0x81000033?

The windows backup error code 0x81000033 generally happens when the user is trying to create a system image backup of their Windows computer using the built-in Windows Backup tool. This error code can also happen if the user is trying to create a backup to an external hard drive that is not properly formatted or does not have enough free space. Another possible reason for this error code is if the user's computer is infected with malware or if there are corrupt system files.

• Check the backup destination to ensure it is accessible and has enough free space
• Ensure that the Volume Shadow Copy service is running and that the user has sufficient permissions to access it
• Try running the backup again with Windows Backup opened as an administrator
• Check the Event Viewer for any related error messages

1. Check the backup destination to ensure it is accessible and has enough free space

1. Open the Command Prompt as an administrator.
2. Type the following command and press Enter: netstat -an
3. Look for the line that says "Active Connections." This line will list the active connections to the backup destination.
4. If the backup destination is not accessible or has insufficient free space, you will see a message like the following: The network path to \192.168.1.100\backup is not accessible.
5. To fix the backup destination, you will need to either increase the size of the backup destination or connect to the backup destination using a different network path.

2. Ensure that the Volume Shadow Copy service is running and that the user has sufficient permissions to access it

The Volume Shadow Copy service is responsible for backing up files and folders on a computer. To ensure that this service is running and that the user has sufficient permissions to access it, follow these steps:

1. In Windows Explorer, open the folder that contains the files and folders you wish to back up.
2. Right-click the folder and select Properties.
3. On the General tab, under the Advanced Features section, click the Volume Shadow Copy checkbox.
4. Click the OK button.
5. On the Volume Shadow Copy tab, click the Start button.
6. In the Start Search box, type Volume Shadow Copy and press Enter.
7. In the Volume Shadow Copy Control Panel, under the Services tab, click the Volume Shadow Copy service.
8. Under the Permissions tab, click the Change Permissions button.
9. In the pop-up window, click the Add (+) button.
10. In the Select Users or Groups dialog box, select the users or groups you want to grant permissions to.
11. Click the OK button.
12. Click the OK button in the Volume Shadow Copy Control Panel window.
13. Close Windows Explorer.

3. Try running the backup again with Windows Backup opened as an administrator

1. In Windows Backup, right-click the volume that contains the backup that is giving you the error code 0x81000033, and then click Properties.
2. On the General tab, click Backup Settings.
3. In the Backup settings dialog box, click the Back up now button.
4. In the Windows Backup dialog box, on the Select backup media tab, select the volume that contains the backup that is giving you the error code 0x81000033, and then click OK.
5. On the Advanced tab, under Backup settings, select the Backup to file option.
6. In the File name field, type a file name for the backup, and then click Save.
7. Click OK in the Windows Backup dialog box.
8. In the Backup progress dialog box, click Close.
9. On the Windows Backup main window, click the Start button, and then click Backup.
10. In the Backup progress dialog box, click Close.

4. Check the Event Viewer for any related error messages

The following are the steps to check the Event Viewer for any related error messages in order to fix windows backup error code 0x81000033:

1. Open the Event Viewer by clicking the "Event Viewer" icon on the desktop.
2. In the Event Viewer window, click the "Applications and Services" folder.
3. In the Applications and Services folder, click the "Windows Backup" folder.
4. In the Windows Backup folder, double-click the "Windows Backup History" folder.
5. In the Windows Backup History folder, browse to the file that contains the error message.
6. If you find the file, double-click it to open it.
7. If you find the error message, you can fix it by following the instructions in the error message.

Some users might also have success with the following opitons:

1. Try using a different backup destination.
2. Try using a different backup program.
3. Check for any pending Windows updates and install them.
4. Try restarting the computer and running the backup again.
5. Contact Microsoft support for further assistance.