Have you come across a 0x81000033 error? It occurs when a system image is included in the ongoing backup. The system image backup fails when the recovery petition size is insufficient. It also occurs due to the following conditions:
- Installation of too many language packs on the computer.
- Outdated device drivers.
- System protection turned off.
- Too much disk space by USN Journal.
How to fix the 0x81000033 Backup error?
Here are a few solutions that will help you fix this error on Windows 11/10.
- Using Disk clean-up tool
- Removal of unnecessary language packs
- Ensure that the system protection is turned on
- Update the outdated Device Drivers
- Remove USN Journal
- Inspect the hardware
- Increase System Reserved Partition size
Let us look at these solutions in more detail.
1] Using Disk clean-up tool
One of the reasons for backup error is inadequate storage space. In such a case, you can check the current free space on the root drive. If the display space is filled more than 85% or more, then you can opt for the Disk Cleanup tool to free up unnecessary cache, old Windows installation, temp files, etc. Once the same is complete, you need to restart the PC. After you restart the PC, please try to create a system back up again. If you are still facing the same problem, you can try the next solution.
2] Removal of unnecessary language packs
By default, there is only one language pack installed on Windows 11/10. But, sometimes you may accidentally mark the checkboxes while installing optional updates, which will result in the installation of too many language packs. This will result in loss of disk space and prevent the system from creating the restore point. You can do the same with the following steps:
A] Opening Time and Language options:
Press Win + I to open Settings. Choose Time & language from the left pane. Now click on the Language & region tab.
B] Setting up the language section:
In the language section, you will find all the language packs installed on your computer. You will see three horizontal dots next to the language pack. Click on the same and hit the Remove option. The system will then immediately uninstall the selected pack.
You can then restart the desktop and see if you can create a system backup.
3] Ensure that the system protection is turned on
Please note that this solution is only applicable when system protection is disabled on your PC. You can turn on the system protection with the following steps:
A] Opening the System Protection:
Right-click on Windows and choose Settings. You can then launch the Settings window next to System > About. Under the Device specifications, look for “System Protection”.
B] Configuring the system properties:
The system will launch its properties window. Under the System Properties, choose the root drive followed by Configure.
You can then check the radio button, “Turn on the system protection.”
Click on Apply and then Ok to save the configuration. You can then restart the PC and again create a restore point.
4] Update the outdated Device Drivers
Outdated/obsolete device drivers can also invoke the error code while creating a system image. You can verify the same with the following steps:
A] Checking the updates:
Go to Settings> Windows Update for Windows 11 and click on Check for Updates.
The system will then connect to Microsoft servers and look for optional updates available for your device.
In case it does not show any optional updates, you can click on “Optional Updates.”
B] Getting the updates:
You can now mark all the checkboxes on the following page and click on Download and Install.
Once the download is complete, you can install the checked-in drivers.
5] Remove USN Journal
Presently, all disk drives are formatted with NTFS and include a unique feature called the USN Journal. It is an updated sequence number that records all recent changes to the root drive. Every day, some data is added to the journal since we make several changes to the devices. Once the USN journal exceeds the permissible limit, you may be affected by the 0x81000033 error. To delete a USN Journal, follow the next steps:
A] Formatting the hard disk partitions:
Press on Win + S and go to the Search window. Type “Disk Management” and click on “Create and format the hard disk partitions.”
Once this is opened, you can change the drive letter of the System reserved volume. You can then launch the CMD as administrator and run the following codes:
fsutil usn queryjournal F: fsutil usn deletejournal /N /D F:
B] Changing the Drive path command:
You can then go back to Disk Management, right-click on the System Reserved partition, and choose the option “Change Drive Letter and Paths command.”
You can then click on “Remove” and then click on “Yes” in the following pop-up window. Click on Yes to confirm the changes.
6] Inspect the hardware
If the backup error persists, you can check whether the hard disk on your PC is functioning properly. Follow the steps given below.
A] Launching command prompt as an administrator:
Press Win + R. Type “CMD” and then press Ctrl + Shift + Enter to launch Command Prompt as an administrator. You can then confirm Yes in the UAC window to confirm access to the console.
In the prompt window, type the following and press Enter:
chkdsk C: /f /r.
The command will not run as the root drive since it is already in use. Type “Y’ and press Enter to confirm the code.
B] Getting a report on the hard disk:
Reboot the PC after leaving the command prompt window.
You can then receive a report mentioning whether you can still use the hard disk or if it requires a replacement.
7] Increase System Reserved Partition size
If the error occurs due to insufficient disk space in the System Reserved Partition, try increasing the disk space. Also, you cannot increase the said size normally. You can create a new system volume and allocate it as the new System Reserved Partition. You can do the same with the following steps:
1] You need to first decide the drive letter for the newly created system volume. Press Win + E to start File Explorer and check all pre-existing letters.
Launch the Command Prompt window as an administrator.
2] On the elevated window, copy the following and hit Enter: bcdboot.exe /s C:\Windows /s G: (In this code, “C” is the root drive, and “G” is the letter for the newly created system volume.
3] You can then execute the following commands.
DISKPART DISKPART> select volume G DISKPART> active
4] After running the codes, you can restart the PC and see if the error is resolved.
With the several solutions mentioned above, we hope you resolve the Backup 0x81000033 error. You can try creating a system backup again after rebooting your PC. We hope you find this useful. Do let us know if you have any suggestions.
What is Windows Stopcode?
The Windows Stop Code provides details on why the system suddenly died. It is also known as bug check and includes every type of Windows error that the PC may encounter.
Related: The backup failed with 0x80780119 error.
How do you know if the system protection is enabled?
You can use the Windows shortcut – Pause to open the system control panel quickly. You can then locate the “advanced system settings” link on the left pane and click on it. You can then switch to the “system protection” tab on the next screen. You will then find the list of all drives connected to the system.
