Backing up system image, error 0x81000037

I followed the instructions but when I typed in ren SoftwareDistribution SDTemp it responded with access denied. However, I then tried to backup and it was successful!

In summary, I don't know what I did or if I even did anything, but it works now so thankyou very much for your help.

Brink said:

First, you would need to have all protected OS files set to be displayed. After using the DIR /AL /S command, you would look at the path to the right of each {JUNCTION} listed in the command prompt.

From here, you would go to those folder locations in Windows Explorer, right click on that folder with the shortcut arrow on it, and click on Properties. If, and only if, it has Mounted Volume as the folder's Type, you would delete that folder. If that folder doesn't have Mounted Volume as the it's Type, then don't delete it. Repeat this for each folder of each {JUNCTION} listed.

When finished, set protected OS files to not show anymore, and try backing up again. :)

Hi Shawn,

I'm having the same error and am confused about the above instructions. First - a few days ago my machine had trouble with an external 2TB USB drive - two partitions W: and X: - that I use for backups. The machine took ages to see the drives and would hang while a green bar slowing progressed. Windows backup to partition W: failed with "The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error (0x8007045D)" - I used
chkdsk /r W: as in microsoft Article ID: 952272. chkdsk reporting fixing some errors and marking 1 cluster bad. The machine now finds the drive again quickly so I tried the backup again now I get
error 0x81000037.

I have tried the suggested fix above, and have many JUNCTIONS listed on C: which is the drive I'm trying to backup. (I have both normal and hidden system files showing), when I look at the listed folder locations some have a 'lock' icon rather than 'shortcut arrow' icon, but none have type 'mounted volume'

So I'm stuck. Any suggestions? Thanks.

I know this is a ridiculously old thread but the issue for me was that the Volume Shadow Copy service was not running.... not sure why, or how it ever got disabled.

To check / fix the Volume Shadow Copy service:
1. Click Start/Run: services.msc
2. Find: "Volume Shadow Copy"
3. Right-click, and adjust properties, set it to Automatic (Delayed start).
4. While still in that window start the service manually
5. Run backup again.

Solved for me.