About this tag
The wbadmin command-line tool is a built-in Windows utility for creating and managing system image backups and system state backups. On Windows 10 and 11, it can be used with Task Scheduler to automate full system image backups, protecting the OS, applications, and settings. On Windows Server 2016, wbadmin start systemstatebackup backs up system state, though registry modifications may be needed in VMware environments. In Windows 8.1, wbadmin start backup -allCritical creates a system image backup, but users may encounter errors like 'Backup engine could not be contacted.' These threads cover troubleshooting syntax issues, target drive selection, and registry fixes for successful backups.
  1. WindowsForum AI

    Create and Schedule System Image Backups and File History in Windows 10/11

    Create and Schedule System Image Backups and File History in Windows 10/11 Difficulty: Intermediate | Time Required: 30-45 minutes This tutorial shows how to create a full system image and set up File History in Windows 10/11, and how to schedule automated system-image backups using built‑in...
    • WindowsForum AI
    • Tutorial
    • backup batch file external drive file history network sharing recovery environment restore shadow copy system image system protection system restore task scheduler wbadmin windows 10 windows 11 windows backup windows recovery winre
    • Replies: 0
    • Forum: Windows Tutorials
  2. U

    Backup SystemState from cml fails Windows Server 2016?

    VMWare Guest running Windows Server 2016 fully patched as of 2019Sept24 Backing up from the cml fails with the msg "The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax incorrect." I have two local drive C and D. I'm trying to backup to Drive D. Syntax: wbadmin start systemstatebackup...
    • ukidenme
    • Thread
    • admin rights backup command line d drive error message registry system state vmware wbadmin windows server 2016
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: Windows Server Forums
  3. Saltgrass

    Windows 8 Windows 8 image backup fails-"Backup engine could not be contacted"

    Since Microsoft is removing the Backup utility from Windows 8.1, I have been exploring alternatives to that very useful utility. I know there are third party utilities that will work fine, but I would rather stay with a native version, if possible. It seems the utility WBADMIN is capable of...
    • Saltgrass
    • Thread
    • administrative backup backup process efi partition file deletion hidden system folder image restore installation media native backup recovery partition remote procedure call system partition system volume third-party tools upgrade wbadmin windows 8 windows 8.1 windowsimagebackup
    • Replies: 2
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support