Few Windows errors are as frustrating as seeing your PC suddenly refuse to boot with the message:

File: \Windows\System32\drivers\volsnap.sys
Error Code: 0xc000007b

For many users, this error appears without warning after a Windows update, unexpected shutdown, SSD issue, or system corruption. The good news is that this error does not automatically mean your SSD has failed or that your files are lost.

In many cases, Windows can be repaired without formatting the drive or losing personal data.

This guide explains everything you need to know about the volsnap.sys error, its causes, and every proven method to fix it.

What Is volsnap.sys?

The file volsnap.sys is a core Windows driver responsible for Volume Shadow Copy Services (VSS).

Windows uses this driver for:

• System Restore
• Backup operations
• Recovery points
• Disk snapshots
• File recovery operations

Because this driver loads very early during startup, any corruption involving volsnap.sys can prevent Windows from booting entirely.

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Common Error Messages

Users commonly encounter:

Recovery

Your PC/Device needs to be repaired

File: \Windows\System32\drivers\volsnap.sys

Error code: 0xc000007b

Other variations include:

• volsnap.sys BSOD
• volsnap.sys failed to load
• Startup Repair couldn’t repair your PC
• Windows stuck on Recovery screen
• Error 0xc0000098 followed by volsnap.sys errors

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What Causes volsnap.sys Errors?

Several issues can trigger this problem.

1. Corrupted Windows System Files

Windows system files may become damaged due to:

• Interrupted updates
• Power outages
• Malware infections
• Failed driver installations

This is one of the most common causes.

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2. File System Corruption

Improper shutdowns often damage:

• File indexes
• Directory structures
• Windows registry data

This corruption prevents Windows from locating required startup files.

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3. Failed Windows Updates

Windows updates sometimes fail during installation.

When critical startup files are left incomplete, Windows may become unbootable.

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4. Corrupted Boot Configuration Data (BCD)

The Boot Configuration Database controls how Windows starts.

If the BCD becomes damaged, Windows may display:

Error code: 0xc0000098

before later progressing to volsnap.sys errors.

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5. SSD or HDD Errors

Although less common, storage devices can develop:

• Bad sectors
• Read errors
• Corrupted file tables

Fortunately, many of these issues can be repaired.

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Before You Start

Before attempting any repairs:

1. Disconnect unnecessary USB devices.
2. Remove printers and external drives.
3. Verify your SSD is detected in BIOS.
4. Create a Windows installation USB.

A Windows USB recovery drive will provide access to advanced repair tools.

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Method 1: Run CHKDSK

CHKDSK is often the most effective first repair step.

Boot from a Windows installation USB and open:

Repair your computer → Troubleshoot → Command Prompt

Run:

chkdsk C: /f /r

What CHKDSK Does

The utility:

• Repairs file system corruption
• Recovers orphaned files
• Repairs damaged indexes
• Checks for bad sectors

During severe corruption, CHKDSK may take several hours to complete.

Do not interrupt the process.

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Method 2: Run System File Checker

After CHKDSK finishes:

sfc /scannow /offbootdir=C:\ /offwindir=C:\Windows

System File Checker compares Windows files against protected copies.

Possible results include:

No Integrity Violations

Windows files are healthy.

Corrupt Files Repaired

SFC successfully fixed damaged files.

Unable To Repair Some Files

Additional repairs using DISM may be required.

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Method 3: Repair Boot Files

If startup files are damaged, rebuild them.

Run:

bootrec /fixmbr

Then:

bootrec /scanos

Finally:

bootrec /rebuildbcd

If Windows installations are detected, add them to the boot list.

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Method 4: Rebuild EFI Boot Files

UEFI systems may require boot file reconstruction.

First identify the EFI partition:

diskpart
list volume

Locate the FAT32 partition.

Assign a drive letter:

select volume X
assign letter=S
exit

Then recreate boot files:

bcdboot C:\Windows /s S: /f UEFI

A successful result should display:

Boot files successfully created.

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Method 5: Use Startup Repair

Windows includes automatic repair tools.

Navigate to:

Troubleshoot
→ Advanced Options
→ Startup Repair

Startup Repair scans:

• Startup files
• Boot configuration
• Critical Windows components

Although useful, Startup Repair cannot fix every case of severe corruption.

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Method 6: Repair Windows with DISM

Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) repairs the Windows component store.

Run:

dism /image:C:\ /cleanup-image /restorehealth

If DISM reports:

0x800f081f
The source files could not be found

you may need to specify the Windows installation media as the repair source.

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Method 7: Verify volsnap.sys Exists

Sometimes the file itself is missing.

Check:

dir C:\Windows\System32\drivers\volsnap.sys

If the file exists, the issue is likely corruption elsewhere in Windows.

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Method 8: Check BIOS Settings

Verify:

• SSD is detected
• Windows Boot Manager exists
• UEFI mode is enabled
• Boot order is correct

Incorrect BIOS settings can prevent Windows from loading.

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How to Back Up Files Before Reinstalling

Before performing a clean installation, always back up important data.

Connect an external drive and use:

robocopy "C:\Users\YourUsername\Desktop" "D:\Desktop Backup" /E

You can also back up:

Documents
Downloads
Pictures
Videos
Projects

Robocopy is one of the safest methods because it preserves folder structures.

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Signs Your SSD Is Healthy

Many users fear their SSD has failed.

A healthy SSD typically shows:

• Detected in BIOS
• No bad sectors found by CHKDSK
• Windows files accessible through Command Prompt
• User folders still visible

If these conditions are met, the issue is usually Windows corruption rather than hardware failure.

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When You Should Reinstall Windows

A reinstall may be necessary if:

• Startup Repair fails
• SFC cannot repair files
• DISM fails repeatedly
• Windows still crashes after rebuilding boot files

Always back up personal files before reinstalling.

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How to Recover Files After Reinstalling

Even after reinstalling Windows, files may remain available inside:

C:\Windows.old

This folder often contains:

• Desktop files
• Documents
• Downloads
• Pictures
• Previous user profiles

However, a backup is still strongly recommended.

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Preventing Future volsnap.sys Errors

To reduce the risk of future corruption:

• Keep Windows updated
• Use a quality SSD
• Avoid forced shutdowns
• Maintain regular backups
• Create restore points
• Use a UPS during power outages