Win 10 V2004 --> Windows Sandbox --> Create System Image Failure

I updated Windows 10 to Version 2004 3 days ago. After the update, I turned on the Windows Sandbox feature (Control Plane --> Turn Windows Features On or Off --> Checked marked Windows Sandbox. The sandbox feature works pretty well and is a feature I should have been using and will likely use in the future.

Next, as I generally do after an update is working (appears to be working), I wanted to Create A System Image using the Control Panel option Back and Restore (Windows 7). I've done this many, many times with no problem. But this time I got a "Windows could not find back up device on this computer. The following might explain why this problem occurred: 0x81000036" error. What? Why? The external drive is connected and viewable in File Explorer. Where to begin? Do I have to uninstall Version 2004?

It turns out one reason for this error (0x81000036) was the activation of Windows Sandbox feature. After turning this feature off; I could create system image normally. Why? Don't know. Frustrate? Somewhat. No...very frustrated.

I thought others might be interested.

Regards and hope your upgrade goes smoothly.

fwshaw said:

...I wanted to Create A System Image using the Control Panel option Back and Restore (Windows 7)....

Microsoft's System Image Backup has been a deprecated feature since 2017. Microsoft recommend you use something (anything) else.

Microsoft said:

System Image Backup (SIB) Solution
We recommend that users use full-disk backup solutions from other vendors.

Features removed or Deprecated in Windows 10 Fall Creators Update

By deprecated Microsoft mean it's a feature that they are no longer actively developing.The chances of MS even acknowledging this as a known problem (let alone expending any effort to fix it) are slim. They certainly didn't do anything to fix it for the entire supported life of version 1803 where it didn't work at all in the 32-bit version of W10.

1803 creating a system image fails with RPC server error 0x800706BA

Time you took Microsoft's advice and looked elsewhere. For my x86 W10 1803 images I turned to Macrium Reflect Free and I've been using it on all my systems ever since.

Interesting reply. Thank you for your thoughts.

I use Macruim Reflect Pro on my other system. It is a good solution for keep the system back-ups current. I also use SpiderOakONE as on off-site back-up for both systems. (Are you familiar with SpideOak? If so, your thoughts please)

However, I find it puzzling and very frustrating that the Microsoft provides back-up solution does NOT work within the scope of features provided by Microsoft regardless of footnotes and cautions provided for several years. I would be understanding if Microsoft's back-up solution did not work with a 3rd party application. But, that is not the case with Windows Sandbox. It is a Microsoft feature that "breaks" the provided Microsoft back-up solution. Because this has been a concern for several years for Microsoft it is even more frustrating and evidence of poor customer support.

Being able to back-up computer information is fundamental. And, should not be a option with a footnote. It does not make me incompetent for using the provided back-up solution. And, as I stated earlier, I am aware of and use other back-up solutions.

It was only by chance I found the cause of my problem. I just want to share with others. Perhaps my post is not appropriate.

fwshaw said:

It was only by chance I found the cause of my problem. I just want to share with others. Perhaps my post is not appropriate.

It is a most appropriate post. As MS have shown in the past that they are not likely to to acknowledge or fix issues with their system imaging it is good to have a record here of the problem and its cause.

Thanks for the info fwshaw. I use both Backup and Restore (Windows 7) AND Norton Ghost 15.0 on my 2012 Dell Windows 10 desktop (1909).

I figure if Backup and Restore (Windows 7) was that bad; Microsoft would get rid of it. I've been using it for years with zero problems.

T J said:

Thanks for the info fwshaw. I use both Backup and Restore (Windows 7) AND Norton Ghost 15.0 on my 2012 Dell Windows 10 desktop (1909).

I figure if Backup and Restore (Windows 7) was that bad; Microsoft would get rid of it. I've been using it for years with zero problems.

The point is many readers here have experienced that the native imaging tool is unreliable particularly on more modern UEFI pcs.

Norton Ghost has not been maintained for years (I was a user back in the day).
It cannot handle UEFI and is essentially dead.

So, ultimately, it is luck you have never had issues but do not expect to be so lucky if you change hardware.

I have done extensive testing across various devices ranging from 32bit UEFI tablets to desktops and laptops.

The only two free tools I found to be consistently reliable were Macrium Reflect and Easeus Todo Backup (albeit much slower).

Even AOMEI Backupper was a bit flakey and could not handle 32bit UEFI tablets.