Volume Shadow Copy - Windows XP 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 Vista.
Startup Type
| Windows XP edition | without SP | SP1 | SP2 | SP3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Home | Manual | Manual | Manual | Manual |
| Professional | Manual | 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 runs as LocalSystem in its own process. It does not share the executable file with other services. If the Volume Shadow Copy fails to load or initialize, the error is recorded into the Event Log. Windows XP startup should proceed, 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 XP edition and Service Pack, and then click on the Download button below.
2. Save the RestoreVolumeShadowCopyWindowsXP.bat file to any folder on your hard drive.
3. Run the downloaded batch file.
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 XP installation media.