VSSADMIN command in Windows
The VSSADMIN command in Windows allows users to manage the Volume Shadow Copy Service. This powerful tool can be used to create, delete, or list shadow copies and providers. By using various options and parameters, users can efficiently interact with the Volume Shadow Copy Service to meet their backup and recovery needs.
VSSADMIN Syntax:
Section titled “VSSADMIN Syntax:”vssadmin [option] [parameter]Windows VSSADMIN Options:
Section titled “Windows VSSADMIN Options:”| Option | Description |
|---|---|
| list | Lists all VSS writers and providers. |
| create | Creates a new shadow copy of a volume. |
| resize | Resizes the storage area of a shadow copy. |
| delete | Deletes shadow copies. |
| list writers | Lists all subscribed VSS writers. |
| list providers | Lists all registered VSS providers. |
VSSADMIN Parameters:
Section titled “VSSADMIN Parameters:”| Parameter | Description |
|---|---|
| /quiet | Redirects all output to the console without prompts. |
| /verbose | Displays detailed output. |
| /for | Specifies the volume for which the operation applies. |
How to use VSSADMIN command:
Section titled “How to use VSSADMIN command:”List all shadow copies on a specific volume
Section titled “List all shadow copies on a specific volume”vssadmin list shadows /for=C:Displays a list of all shadow copies created on the C: volume.
Create a shadow copy of a specific volume
Section titled “Create a shadow copy of a specific volume”vssadmin create shadow /for=C:Generates a new shadow copy for the C: volume.
Delete a specific shadow copy
Section titled “Delete a specific shadow copy”vssadmin delete shadows /shadow={XXXXXXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXX-XXXXXXXXXXXX}Removes the shadow copy identified by the specified shadow ID.
Set the maximum size for shadow copies
Section titled “Set the maximum size for shadow copies”vssadmin Resize ShadowStorage /On=C: /For=C: /MaxSize=20%Defines the maximum storage size allocated for shadow copies on the C: volume to 20%.
List all shadow storage associations
Section titled “List all shadow storage associations”vssadmin list shadowstorageShows a list of all volumes and their associated shadow storage settings.
Delete all shadow copies on a specific volume
Section titled “Delete all shadow copies on a specific volume”vssadmin delete shadows /for=C: /allRemoves all shadow copies created for the C: volume.
List writers and their status
Section titled “List writers and their status”vssadmin list writersDisplays a list of all writers along with their current status.
Change the location where shadow copies are stored
Section titled “Change the location where shadow copies are stored”vssadmin Change ShadowStorage /For=C: /On=D: /MaxSize=10%Updates the storage location for shadow copies from the C: volume to the D: volume with a maximum size of 10%.
How do I use vssadmin in Windows?
Section titled “How do I use vssadmin in Windows?”To use the vssadmin command in Windows, execute the following command:
vssadmin --option <value>What is the purpose of the vssadmin create shadow command?
Section titled “What is the purpose of the vssadmin create shadow command?”The vssadmin create shadow command is used to create a new shadow copy on a specified volume. This can be helpful for backup or other data recovery purposes.
vssadmin create shadow /for=C:How can I list all shadow copies on the system using vssadmin?
Section titled “How can I list all shadow copies on the system using vssadmin?”To list all shadow copies on the system, you can use the following vssadmin command:
vssadmin list shadowsWhat is the syntax for deleting a specific shadow copy with vssadmin?
Section titled “What is the syntax for deleting a specific shadow copy with vssadmin?”To delete a specific shadow copy using vssadmin, you can use the following syntax:
vssadmin delete shadows /shadow=<ShadowID>How do I resize the storage area for shadow copies with vssadmin?
Section titled “How do I resize the storage area for shadow copies with vssadmin?”To resize the storage area for shadow copies using vssadmin, you can use the following command:
vssadmin resize shadowstorage /for=C: /on=C: /maxsize=50GBCan I schedule automatic shadow copy creation with vssadmin?
Section titled “Can I schedule automatic shadow copy creation with vssadmin?”Yes, you can schedule automatic shadow copy creation using the vssadmin command along with Task Scheduler in Windows.
vssadmin create shadow /for=C: /autoretry=3 /timewait=10How can I display detailed information about a specific shadow copy using vssadmin?
Section titled “How can I display detailed information about a specific shadow copy using vssadmin?”To display detailed information about a specific shadow copy, you can use the following vssadmin command:
vssadmin list shadows /shadow=<ShadowID>Is it possible to change the default location for storing shadow copies in Windows with vssadmin?
Section titled “Is it possible to change the default location for storing shadow copies in Windows with vssadmin?”Yes, you can change the default location for storing shadow copies using the vssadmin set shadowstorage command in Windows.
vssadmin add shadowstorage /for=C: /on=D: /maxsize=50GBApplications of the VSSADMIN Command
Section titled “Applications of the VSSADMIN Command”- List all shadow copies on a system
- Create a shadow copy
- Delete a shadow copy
- List all shadow storage associations
- Delete shadow storage associations
- Resize shadow storage
- List providers
- List volumes that are eligible for shadow copies
- List all shadow copies associated with a particular volume