Problem description
During backup operations, virtual machine snapshot creation fails with errors related to quiescing. This often manifests as backups failing to complete, particularly when VSS (Volume Shadow Copy Service) is involved.
Cause
This issue is caused by the VMware Snapshot Provider interfering with Microsoft VSS. If the VMware Snapshot Provider is not disabled, it can disrupt the quiescing process of the virtual machine, leading to backup failures.
Traceback
method=createVMSnapshot message="VM snapshot creation failed."
Error="An error occurred while quiescing the virtual machine. See the virtual machine's event log for details.
Error="code: 4296146951, msg: An error occurred while quiescing the virtual machine. See the virtual machine's event log for details., err: An error occurred while quiescing the virtual machine. See the virtual machine's event log for details.,actualErrType: *types.ApplicationQuiesceFault, actualMsg: An error occurred while quiescing the virtual machine. See the virtual machine's event log for details.
Resolution
To resolve this issue, disable the VMware VSS Provider service on the affected VM server.
Log in to the Virtual Machine(VM)
Open services.msc (Service Manager).
Search for "VMware VSS Provider".
Right-click on the "VMware VSS Provider" service and select "Properties".
In the "General" tab, set the "Startup type" to "Disabled".
Click "Stop" if the service is currently running.
Click "Apply" and then "OK".
Wait for the next scheduled backup to trigger and observe the results.