How to Fix Fix Error 0x80070033 — The Process Cannot Access the File (Backup) on Windows
Getting error 0x80070033 during Windows Backup, file copy, or system operations? "The process cannot access the file because another process has locked a portion of the file"? Fix this file lock error.
Symptoms
You might be experiencing this problem if you notice:
- •Windows Backup fails with error 0x80070033
- •"The process cannot access the file" during backup operations
- •System Image creation fails with this error
- •File History backup encounters 0x80070033
- •Shadow copy or VSS operations fail
- •Third-party backup software reports same error code
Common Causes
- ⚠File locked by another process during backup
- ⚠VSS (Volume Shadow Copy Service) not working properly
- ⚠Antivirus real-time scanning locking files during backup
- ⚠Database or application holding exclusive file locks
- ⚠Previous backup session didn't release file handles
- ⚠Backup destination drive has file system errors
Solutions
Solution 1: Fix VSS Service
- 1CMD as Admin: check VSS status:
- 2vssadmin list writers
- 3Look for writers in "Failed" or "Waiting for completion" state
- 4Restart VSS: net stop vss && net start vss
- 5Also restart dependent services:
- 6net stop swprv && net start swprv
- 7If writers are stuck: restart the service that owns the failed writer
- 8Retry backup after restarting services
Solution 2: Close Conflicting Processes
- 1Close all programs before running backup
- 2Temporarily disable antivirus real-time scanning
- 3Close database programs (SQL Server, QuickBooks, etc.)
- 4Close email clients (Outlook keeps PST files locked)
- 5If you can identify the locked file: use Process Explorer
- 6Download from Microsoft Sysinternals → Find → Find Handle
- 7Search for the file name → close the handle or end the process
- 8Retry backup immediately after closing conflicting processes
Solution 3: Fix Backup Destination
- 1Check backup destination drive for errors:
- 2CMD as Admin: chkdsk X: /F (replace X with backup drive letter)
- 3Ensure backup drive has sufficient free space
- 4Try a different backup destination to isolate the issue
- 5If using network backup: check network drive permissions
- 6For Windows Backup specifically:
- 7Delete old backup data and start fresh
- 8Settings → System → Storage → Backup options → stop backup → delete old backups
FIXES THIS IN 5 MINUTES
Fix Fix Error 0x80070033 — The Process Cannot Access the File (Backup) Automatically
RescuePC Toolkit includes 109+ automated repairs that fix this problem with one click. No command line knowledge required.
Download Now - Free TrialNo credit card required • Works on Windows 10 & 11