Fix Backup Error Code 0x81000037 on Windows 10: 3 Ways

Three effective solutions are provided on this page to fix Windows backup error code 0x81000037 on Windows 10. And an error-free method for creating Windows 10 backup is included.

Jonna

By Jonna Updated on November 22, 2024

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What is Error Code 0x81000037 on Windows 10 Backup?

Windows offers an in-built backup and restore solution, Backup and Restore, that allows you to create file backups as well as create Windows system images. However, there is more than one user who encounter Windows backup or restore failed with error 0x81000037 on Windows 10.

Error code: 0x81000037

Error message: Windows Backup failed while trying to read from the shadow copy on one of the volumes being backed up. Please check in the event logs for any relevant errors.

When the backup error code 0x81000037 appears, it is a signal that you may be unable to access the files and folders that you desire to restore on your Windows system. If you are troubled by the same problem and looking for solutions, keep reading to find effective fixes.

0x81000037 Windows 10

First Choice to Backup Windows 10 with No Error

If you encounter Windows backup error 0x81000001 but want to save more time and effort, or if you are in a hurry to make a backup, you need an alternative to Windows backup- a Windows backup and restore software, you could consider using third-party software like AOMEI Backupper Standard.

It allows you to back up the system, disk, partition, files, or folders as needed and files or folders as needed and restore backups to quickly restore your operating system and data when your computer encounters serious problems. Here are some of its main features:

AOMEI Backupper
Best Windows Backup Choice for Free
  • Support establishing automatic backup based on Daily, Weekly, Monthly, USB plug-in, or Event triggers.
  • Backup only changes with its default backup method - Incremental Backup. (Differential Backup is offered in Pro and higher versions)
  • Provide backup Windows 10 to an external drive, network shared folder or NAS, cloud storage, and more devices.
  • Moreover, it also offers other useful options like Sync, which facilitates seamless data synchronization between two locations, and Clone, which is used to close hard drives to SSD. Also, it allows you to create bootable media for backup restore when the system is unbootable.

Then, please download this software to back up your Windows. If you are currently using a server system, try the AOMEI Backupper Server.

Steps to Make an Easy Windows 10 Backup

Step 1. Launch this freeware, click Backup, and then System Backup.

System Backup

Tip: If you want to create a single file/folder backup, use the File Backup option. Or, you can click Disk Backup to create a Windows 10 disk backup as needed.

Step 2. The required system partition(s) will be selected by default. Pick a destination path where you want to store the backup files. If you intend to backup to an external hard drive, ensure it's plugged in before proceeding.

Select Destination

Step 3. (Optional) Click Options and Schedule Backup to create auto backup and add more backup settings to suit your needs.

Schedule Daily

Step 4. Review the provided information and, once satisfied, click Start Backup to initiate the backup process.

Start Backup

If you want to restore a Windows backup, you can go to the Restore tab, and recover it easily. To restore the system image backup to another computer that has dissimilar hardware in the future, it is suggested to try the Universal Restore feature in advanced editions.

3 Methods to Fix Windows Backup Error 0x81000037 on Windows 10

If you have more time and energy, here we provide you with three methods to troubleshoot and fix the problem. Whatever is causing Windows backup to fail with error code 0x81000037, you'll discover potential solutions in the following section.

Suppose you'd rather not grapple with a continuous stream of errors. In that case, you have the option to substitute the built-in Windows 10 backup software with a reliable third-party alternative, as detailed in the above section.

Way 1. Check Your System Files

If system files required for the backup or restore process are corrupted, it can trigger the backup error 0x81000037 on Windows 10. To repair corrupted system files, you can try running theDISM, SFC, and CHKDSK tools. Here is what to do to solve Windows backup error code 0x81000037:

Step 1. Type cmd in the Windows 10 search box and select Run as administrator to open the command prompt.

Step 2. Copy and paste the DISM command below and hit Enter. It will detect and fix the problematic Windows image files.

  • DISM.exe /Online /Cleanup-image /Restorehealth

Dism Restore Health Win10

Step 3. When you see The operation completed successfully, copy and paste the sfc /scannow command, and click Enter to scan or repair your corrupted system files.

Sfc

Step 4. When the Verification 100% complete message appears, add the following command, and click Enter.

  • chkdsk F: /f/r/x (Replace the F: with your backup target drive)

Chkdsk

Step 5. Then, confirm with Y and restart the computer for this last step.

Way 2. Remove Reparse Point

In the event that the reparse point points to a volume employing the FAT file system, it is advisable to remove it first before backing up your system using this built-in backup utility. This is crucial, as these files remain entirely invisible to the utility, causing them to be directed to alternative directories rather than the intended backup destination. Try the following 0x81000037 Windows 10 fix step-by-step:

Step 1. Launch Command Prompt and run it as administrator. Then, type dir /al /s in the command prompt window. Then, you will see the junction point and its location.

Dir AL S

Step 2. Locate the reparse point you found, right-click the reparse point icon, and select Properties.

Step 3. Under the General tab, verify that the folder Type is listed as Mounted Volume, and then delete this folder.

Delete Reparse Point

Way 3. Re-create Missing Directory

If you encounter the error message "The system cannot find the path specified (0x80070003)" after removing the reparse point, you can work around this issue by recreating the missing directory. Here's a step-by-step guide:

Step 1. Follow the path that is pointed out in the error and create the corresponding folder. In this example, let's assume you need to create the folder "MyFolder" under Drive C.

Restore Error 80070003 Windows 10

Step 2. After creating the necessary folder, attempt the file restore operation once more.

Step 3. Additionally, click to clear the Restore the files to their original subfolders check box when you run the File Restore Wizard.

Further Reading: Why Does Windows Backup Keep Failing?

There are a lot of reasons that may result in Windows 10 backup failure like backup failed 0x81000037 on Windows 10, and other Windows backup-related errors like 0x80070001, 0x80070003, etc. Several factors can lead to Windows backup failures, and understanding the underlying causes can help you resolve the issue. Let's analyze the most common reasons why your backup may fail:

  • Reparse Points

Reparse points can significantly interfere with the backup process. These are special file system objects that work similarly to shortcuts or symbolic links. They redirect file system operations to a different location, often on another drive or partition. For example, a reparse point might make a folder like C:\DVD point to Drive E, which is the actual DVD drive.

When Windows Backup encounters a reparse point in the directories being backed up, it can struggle to properly handle the redirection, leading to backup failures.

  • Corrupted System Files

Windows relies on critical system files to perform tasks like backups. If these files become corrupted—whether through software bugs, improper shutdowns, or malware infections—it can lead to unexpected errors during the backup process.

Corrupted files may prevent Windows Backup from accessing the necessary resources or completing the operation. Running built-in utilities like System File Checker (sfc /scannow) or DISM can often repair these system files and resolve backup issues.

  • External Drive Connection Issues

Backup failures are common when there's an issue with the connection to the external drive or network location being used for the backup. This could include faulty cables, unstable USB connections, or even issues with external drive drivers.

Sometimes, Windows may fail to recognize the external drive, or it may not be able to write data to it properly. Ensuring that the drive is securely connected and has no hardware issues is essential for successful backups.

  • Insufficient Disk Space

A lack of available space on the drive designated for the backup is another common cause of failure. If the backup destination doesn't have enough free space to accommodate the files, Windows will not be able to complete the backup.

Make sure the target drive has sufficient storage capacity and that no other files are occupying the space you need. Running disk cleanup tools can also help free up space on your backup drive.

  • Windows Backup Configuration Issues

Misconfigurations within Windows Backup itself can also lead to failures. This includes issues with backup settings, such as specifying incorrect backup destinations or choosing files that are not accessible or too large to back up.

Review your backup configuration and verify that all settings are correct, including the location of the backup and which files or folders are selected.

Conclusion

This article provides 3 solutions to backup error 0x81000037 on Windows 10. You can use the methods mentioned in the article to try to solve the problem. If you feel that these measures are not useful, you can consider switching to the best free Windows backup and restore alternative - AOMEI Backupper Standard.

This tool goes beyond simplifying backup tasks; it also facilitates scheduled backups to prevent data loss. What's more, it excels as specialized disk cloning software that enables you to upgrade to a larger hard drive effortlessly. You can download this software to explore more useful features.

Jonna
Jonna · Editor
Jonna joined AOMEI in 2021 and has become a professional in the areas of computer backup and restoration, disk cloning, file synchronization, etc. She maintains a keen eye for the latest technology trends, ensuring that the information provided is always in step with industry developments.