Cannot Backup C:\Windows\System32\*

[GTO455]

Hello Everyone,

I hope someone can help me with an unusual problem I'm having. I have been troubleshooting this for a few days now and can't find a solution.

I can't seem to backup any files or subdirectories under C:\Windows\System32 (using a 3rd party backup utility) after I integrate any post SP2 updates into my installation files using NLite. Native NTbackup works fine, but others like Veritas and Legato do not. If I reinstall SP2 after the system is built, the backup using 3rd party clients does work, but this solution is not optimal.

Here are a few specifics;

• I'm using Windows 2003 SP2 R2 media.
  
• 3rd party clients work fine using the same installation media and then running Windows Update.
  
• No errors after the 3rd party backup clients complete, logs says backup is successful (even though c:\windows\system32\* does not back up).
  
• Turned on auditing on c:windows\system32\*, but no errors or access denied messages generated.
  
• 3rd party backup clients run under the system account (default).
  
• All systems are standalone (not in a domain), therefore no domain policies are in effect.
  
• If I reinstall SP2 after the system is built, backups work fine. (Incidentally, if I run WU after reinstalling SP2, no further updates are necessary).
  
• Standard permissions are in effect on C:\Windows\System32
  
• "Show Hidden Files" in selected in Explorer view.
  
• I'm using NLite 1.4.9.1, but have tried earlier versions as well with the same result.
  

Edited October 14, 2008 by GTO455

[GTO455]

Well, it looks like I'm updating my own thread. I have determined that it is IE7 that is causing the issue. If I integrate all post SP2 hotfixes except the IE7 executrable, I can backup the system32 directory. If IE7 is integrated, the system32 directory will not backup (and does not generate errors).

Can anyone else confirm this?

Edited October 15, 2008 by GTO455

[GTO455]

Well, I can duplicate this error using different media and different systems, so I don't think this is an isolated case. I have discovered another issue. In addition to IE7, it seems if I attempt to integrate any Dell related drivers into the installation files, I have the same problem.

I can't seem to backup any files or subdirectories under C:\Windows\System32 (using a 3rd party backup utility) after I integrate IE7 or (in this case) Dell drivers into my installation files using NLite. Native NTbackup works fine, but others like Veritas and Legato do not. If I reinstall SP2 after the system is built, the backups of c:\windows\system32\*.* using 3rd party client software work.

[TranceEnergy]

Got admin rights? Tried taking ownership?

[GTO455]

Yup and yup. Even changed the account the backup services run under to the local admin account and still no luck.

I've broken it down to a default installation at this point. No reg tweaks, 3rd party applications (besides the backup client), not even antivirus software.

I'm using the W2K3 R2 SP2 media, and integrate Dell drivers and Microsoft hotfixes using NLite, that's it. I have tried downloading different media from MS, and creating the installation files on different systems, it still happens.

the only workaround I just found out was to follow this method when creating the installation files....

Using W2K3 R2 SP2 media....

Integrate Drivers

RE-integrate Service Pack 2

Integrate hotfixes (without IE7)

If I follow that method, I can backup the system32 directory and subdirectories without failure.

I'm really interested if others are having this problem, or if it is just isolated to something I'm doing wrong.

Got admin rights? Tried taking ownership?

Edited October 17, 2008 by GTO455

[TranceEnergy]

What services you got running? Terminal services, protected storage, cryptographic etc? Event viewer logs?