Solved: Windows Server Backup Unable to Browse Local Disk

Server Backup Recovery: Unable to Browse Local Disk

“Hi. I am using Windows Server Backup, and when I try to restore some files I get the error on all drives: Unable to browse local disk (C:) or (D:). The shadow copy of the backup stored on the backup destination cannot be found. What can I do to fix this and be able to restore my files?”

Windows Server Backup is an integrated toolkit in the Windows Server that empowers users and administrators to carry out essential backup tasks. These tasks encompass configuring backups and adjusting settings, such as storage allocation and backup frequency. With this functionality, users can schedule automatic backups at specific times or manually initiate backups as needed.

Occasionally, when using this native tool, users may encounter an error message stating "Windows Server Backup unable to browse local disk." This issue can arise due to various factors, including a faulty disk or the absence of available shadow copies on the target disk. In this article, we will explore several potential solutions to address this problem. So, let's dive into the solutions without delay.

4 Ways to Fix Windows Server Backup Unable to Browse Local Disk

To resolve the "unable to browse local disk" problem on Windows Server Backup, there are several methods you can try. In this section, we will discuss four straightforward solutions that can help you overcome this issue effortlessly.

• Method 1. Check your Disk Connection
• Method 2. Run Disk Check Tool
• Method 3. Restart Windows Server Backup
• Method 4. Scan Your Server for Viruses
• More Flexible Way to Create Server Backup and Restore

Method 1. Check your Disk Connection

The first thing is to ensure that the connection between your computer and the storage device is properly established. For instance, if you are backing up Windows Server to external hard drive, attempt to reconnect your external drive securely.

Subsequently, it is advisable to restart your computer. If the issue persists, consider connecting the storage device to another machine as a troubleshooting measure.

Method 2. Run Disk Check Tool

In certain cases, Windows Server Backup unable to browse local disk issue might arise due to disk corruption or damage. To address this problem, you can utilize disk repair utilities that are designed to repair various types of storage media, including hard disks and solid-state drives.

Step 1. Open the command prompt window and enter diskpart followed by list volume. This will display all available volumes on the disk, allowing you to identify your system drive.

Step 2. Then, run the command - chkdsk C: /f /r (replace "C:" with the appropriate drive letter) to fix disk errors, identify bad sectors, and recover readable information.

Step 3. You can also use the sfc /scannow command to scan for and repair corrupted Windows files.

Method 3. Restart Windows Server Backup

You can also try restarting program to repair Windows Server Backup. However, it's important to note that you should restart Windows Server Backup in administrator mode to ensure proper functionality.

Step 1. Begin by clicking on the search bar and typing Server Manager to open it. Then, click on Manage and select Remove Roles and Features. Click Next to proceed.

Step 2. Choose the server from the list on which you want to remove roles and features, and then click Next.

Step 3. Uncheck the box next to Windows Server Backup, and click Next. Finally, click Remove to turn off Windows Server Backup.

Step 4. After completing the above steps, restart the Windows Server Backup service to check if Windows Server Backup is not working.

Method 4. Scan Your Server for Viruses

If you have exhausted all the previous solutions without success, it is worth considering scanning your server for viruses.

Computer viruses can cause various issues, such as slow performance, program damage, unexplained data loss, and frequent system crashes. By conducting a thorough virus scan, you can identify and eliminate any potential viruses that may be impacting your server's functionality. Ensure you have reliable antivirus software installed and perform a comprehensive scan to mitigate any virus-related issues.

More Flexible Way to Create Server Backup and Restore

If you are not unsatisfied with the functionality of Windows Server Backup or have grown weary of troubleshooting it, you can try the excellent Server backup software - AOMEI Backupper Server. This software offers a wide range of features and options that surpass those of WSB. Furthermore, restoring backup tasks using AOMEI Backupper Server is straightforward and user-friendly.

Here are some features provided by AOMEI Backupper Server:

• It is compatible with various Windows Server versions, including Server 2003/2008/2012/2016/2019/2022, as well as all Windows PC systems.

• It supports multiple backup options, including file backup, system backup, disk backup, and partition backup, allowing for easy backup of any desired items.

• It provides two backup services: Microsoft VSS and AOMEI Backup Service. By default, it utilizes Microsoft VSS. If it is not functioning correctly, it seamlessly switches to AOMEI Backup Service to ensure continuous backup operations.

• You have the ability to configure backup schedules according to your preferences, like daily, weekly, monthly backups, or event triggered and USB plug in backups.

• It enables you to backup data to NAS, network shares, external hard drives, internal disks, cloud drives, and a variety of storage destinations.

Now, let's walk you through the detailed guide for creating a system backup using AOMEI Backupper Server as an example:

Step 1. Run this backup utility, click Backup, and then System Backup.

Step 2. Customize the Task Name as desired. The system partitions will be automatically selected. Choose the destination path where you want to save the backup.

Step 3. Review the backup settings and click Start Backup to begin the system backup process.

To restore Windows Server backup:

Step 1. Click on Restore, and then choose Select Task. Choose the system image backup from the backup list and click Next.

Step 2. Select Restore the system backup and click Next.

Step 3. On the Operation Summary page, confirm the operation and click Start Restore to initiate Windows Server recovery.

Summary

We have covered full guide to resolve the error of Windows Server Backup unable to browse local disk. If you are looking for a simpler and more flexible alternative Server backup service, AOMEI Backupper is worth considering. It offers powerful features such as creating customized scheduled backup tasks and restoring backups to different hardware configurations.

In addition, if you are interested in cloning Server for hard drive migration purposes, AOMEI Backupper provides a helpful solution with its Disk Clone feature. Take advantage of this tool to explore its range of powerful functions.