How to Fix Error 0x80780166: Complete Guide for Windows Backup Issues

User Case: Windows Error 0x80780166 When Trying to Create System Image

If you're a Windows user, you may have encountered error 0x80780166 during an attempt to perform a backup. This error typically halts the backup process, leaving users unable to protect their important files. Fortunately, there are still ways to fix Windows 10 backup failure like this. Whether it's a matter of insufficient disk space, corrupted files, or system misconfigurations, there are several techniques available to restore your backup functionality.

Solutions to Fix Error 0x80780166

Solution 1: Free Up Space on the Backup Drive

A common cause of error 0x80780166 is insufficient disk space. If the destination drive lacks enough space for the backup, the process will fail.

Steps to Free Up Space:

1. Press Windows Key + E to open File Explorer.

2. Click on Properties to check the amount of free space on the drive.

3. If there’s insufficient space, delete unnecessary files or transfer them to another location.

4. After freeing up space, try initiating the backup again to see if the error persists.

Tip: It’s recommended to keep at least 20% of the total drive capacity free for optimal performance.

Solution 2: Run System File Checker (SFC) to Repair Corrupted Files

Corrupt system files are another common cause of error 0x80780166. Running the System File Checker (SFC) tool can repair any corrupted or missing system files that may be causing the issue.

Steps to Run SFC:

1. Press Windows + X and select Command Prompt (Admin) or Windows PowerShell (Admin).

2. In the command prompt, type the following command: sfc /scannow and press Enter.

3. Wait for the tool to scan and repair any issues. This process may take several minutes.

4. Once the scan is complete, restart your system and try the backup again.

5. Check if error 0x80780166 has been resolved.

Tip: Running SFC on a regular basis can help prevent various system errors and ensure smooth system operation.

Solution 3: Reset Windows Backup Settings

Incorrect or outdated backup configurations can also trigger error 0x80780166. Resetting Windows Backup settings to their default configurations can help eliminate this issue.

Steps to Reset Backup Settings:

1. Open the Control Panel and go to System and Security > Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

2. Click on Change settings or Set up Backup.

3. Select the correct destination drive and configure your backup settings according to your preferences.

4. Ensure that the settings match the requirements for your backup (i.e., file selection, and backup schedule).

5. After resetting, try running the backup again to verify that error 0x80780166 has been fixed.

Tip: Ensure that your backup destination drive is properly connected and recognized by Windows before initiating the backup.

Bonus: Easy Windows Backup Freeware Alternative

Despite Windows offering built-in backup tools, many users face issues like error 0x80780166. That's why more reliable backup software is often preferred. AOMEI Backupper is a great alternative. It offers a free Standard edition for creating full system backups on Windows 11, 10, 8/8.1, 7, Vista, and XP. There’s also a Server edition for backing up Windows Server, all packaged in a simple and easy-to-use interface.

Easy to Use: The software has a clean, straightforward interface with easy-to-follow steps, so you can back up your system with just a few clicks.
Flexible Backup Options: You can back up your entire system, disk, individual files, or specific partitions.
Customizable Schedule: Set schedule backup to run daily, weekly, or monthly, with full, incremental, or differential backup modes. Varied Storage Options: Store your backups on internal hard drives, USB drives, NAS, network storage, or even in the cloud.

Backing up a Windows Server works much like backing up a regular Windows PC, but you’ll need the free trial of the Server edition to complete this task. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

How to Create Windows System Backup with AOMEI Backupper

1. Open AOMEI Backupper and click on “System Backup” to create a full backup of your system. This will automatically include all the necessary system partitions.

Note: If you want to back up the entire disk on Windows 10 or 11, choose “Disk Backup” instead.

2. Select where to save your backup. You can choose to store it on your local hard drive, a USB drive, or even on a cloud drive or network storage (NAS) by clicking the small arrow.

3. Set up a backup schedule for daily, weekly, or monthly backups. You can also choose to trigger backups based on certain events or when a USB is plugged in.

Backup Options: Customize your backups by adjusting settings like compression, splitting backup files, adding comments, and setting up email notifications.

Backup Scheme: Set rules to auto-delete older backups and free up storage space. (This feature is available in the Pro version.)

Once your backup is complete, it’s also a good idea to creatinga a bootable media. This allows you to boot into WinPE and restore your system if anything goes wrong.

Common Causes of Error 0x80780166

It’s crucial to understand why error 0x80780166 occurs. Knowing the root cause helps you select the most effective method for fixing the problem.

Insufficient Disk Space: A lack of available storage on the backup destination can trigger the error.
Corrupted System Files: Damaged or missing system files often interfere with the backup process.
Incorrect Backup Configuration: A misconfigured backup setup can cause compatibility issues, leading to error 0x80780166.
Drive Compatibility Issues: If your external drive or storage device is not properly recognized or compatible with Windows Backup, an error may arise.
Outdated Windows Updates: Sometimes, outdated system software or missing updates can prevent the backup process from completing.

Conclusion

Error 0x80780166 is a common but fixable issue that can prevent Windows users from performing successful backups. By freeing up disk space, running system scans, and resetting backup configurations, you can easily resolve this error. For a more seamless and error-free backup experience, consider using tools like AOMEI Backupper. With these steps, you can ensure that your data remains safe and secure, and your backup process runs without a hitch.