Volume Shadow Copy - Windows Vista Service
Manages and implements Volume Shadow Copies used for backup and other purposes. If this service is stopped, shadow copies will be unavailable for backup and the backup may fail. If this service is disabled, any services that explicitly depend on it will fail to start.
This service also exists in Windows 10, 11, 7, 8 and XP.
Startup Type
| Windows Vista edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starter | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Home Basic | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Home Premium | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Business | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Ultimate | Manual | Manual | Manual |
Default Properties
| Display name: | Volume Shadow Copy |
| Service name: | VSS |
| Type: | own |
| Path: | %WinDir%\system32\vssvc.exe |
| Error control: | normal |
| Object: | LocalSystem |
Default Behavior
The Volume Shadow Copy service starts as LocalSystem and runs in its own process of vssvc.exe. It does not share its process with other services. If Volume Shadow Copy fails to start, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows Vista startup proceeds, but a message box is displayed informing you that the VSS service has failed to start.
Dependencies
Volume Shadow Copy will not start, if the Remote Procedure Call (RPC) service is stopped or disabled.
Restore Default Startup Type of Volume Shadow Copy
Automated Restore
1. Select your Windows Vista edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreVolumeShadowCopyWindowsVista.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Right-click the downloaded batch file and select Run as administrator.
4. Restart the computer to save changes.
Note. Make sure that the vssvc.exe file exists in the %WinDir%\system32 folder. If this file is missing you can try to restore it from your Windows Vista installation media.