Backup application does not start - why?

[Michael Moser]

After installing lots of apps and drivers I would like to create a new
recovery console setting. But wen I click the backup application (i.e.
Start => Accessories => System Tools => Backup) then nothing happens.
Sometimes after something like 5 minutes I get a popup "looking for
backup devices" but usually nothing (visually) happens. If I check with
TaskManager, then the ntbackup.exe (the app that sits behind the Backup
menu entry) sits there (apparently running), but I don't get a UI or
anything.

Any idea, what could causing this? What could block ntbackup.exe from
starting up properly? Can one somehow re-install it (without
re-installing windows of course)?

This is on WinXP with SP2 and all fixes that Windows update found
installed.

Michael

 

[Guest]

Michael:

Just to say that I now have the same problem. I have never let it run for
mover 5 minutes, so I have never gotten the "looking for...." message. One
time I got a window entitled "backup utility" but the window had no content.

The last time I used ntbackup as in May 2006. After that the only major
change on my machine was to install Office 2007 beta which I then
uninstalled. Since that ntbackup has not worked.

Anyway, I hope someone can help us with this since I have backup files that
are now worthless.

 

[Guest]

Michael:

I think I found the solution.

First, open "Manage" by right clicking on MyComputer.
Then click on "Removable Storage"
If nothing appears (rountine just hangs) then use Task Manager to close the
"Manage Computer" application

Now often Explorer delete the FILES in folder \system32\NtmsData\ located
in your WinXP folder (for me the folder was C:\WINNT\system32\NtmsData)

Then start Ntbackup. It should first say that it is search for backup
devices and then the Wizard will start.

(if all goes well, you can go back to Manage Computer and click again on
Removable Storage - it should now work (and will show any DVD, CD, or tape
drives that are in your system)

I think what happens is the the removable storage databases located in
\system32\NtmsData\ get corrupted.

Hope this helps. It worked for me

Cheers
Chip

 

[Joseph W. Rider]

Worked for me. This has been bugging me for a year. Thanks Chip.

Joe