Backup jobs fails with the error: "0xe000ff15 - A communication failure has occurred with a system state/shadow copy resource."

Problem

Backup jobs fails with the error: "0xe000ff15 - A communication failure has occurred with a system state/shadow copy resource." 

Error Message

0xe000ff15 - A communication failure has occurred with a system state resource.

Solution

To resolve the issue please follow the steps below :

1. Use a different set of ports for whichever application is using the port(s) in conflict with Backup Exec. For detailed information on port usage with Backup Exec, refer the following technote :http://www.veritas.com/docs/000029930

2. Change the port range inside Backup Exec:

       a.   Open Backup Exec

       b.   Click Tools | Options 

       c.   In the left pane, click Network and Security

 

       d.   For Enable media server TCP dynamic port range and Enable remote agent TCP dynamic port range, specify a port range that does not conflict with existing applications installed on all servers within the network.
 

Note: If the Enable media server TCP dynamic port range check box and Enable remote agent TCP dynamic port range check box have not selected, Backup Exec will use the port range of 1025 - 65535.

 

 

 

1. Unable to backup system resources when AOFO is selected in job properties:

 

 a.    Go to the properties of the backup job - Under AOFO - Select VSS - Use Microsoft Shadow Copy Provider. 

 

 b.     Verify if  "Volume Shadow Copy" and the "Microsoft Software Shadow Copy" services are stopped and set to manual on the target servers.

 

 c.     From the command prompt on the Target Server, run VSSADMIN LIST WRITERS and confirm if the status of all the writers are stable. Reboot Target Server if the issue persists.

2. VSS snapshots require a certain amount of system resources in order to perform the backup.

       a. The local system volume should have an adequate amount of hard disk space available.

       b. The computer must also have an adequate amount of RAM to run installed applications and roles on the system.