Shadow Copies are properly created, but in Explorer I can’t access to “previous versions” (reported as not available)

Question

Windows 7 Ultimate 64 bit: I always utilized the shadow copies, not only to restore the OS to a previous version: I mainly use the shadow copies to restore single files, by using the "Previous Versions" tab in the files properties panel.

Today, suddenly, as I attempted to restore a modified file (is the same if I attempt to restore a deleted file), I always get "there are no previous versions available", but I am sure that instead there are previous versions available, because, eg, if I launch the "Shadow Copy View" utility from NirSoft I can access to the previous versions and deleted files, as I am also able to manually restore them.

Furthermore, if from a command prompt I type vssadmin list shadows, I can also see the path of the shadow copies, eg \?\GLOBALROOT\Device\HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy1 and if after I type mklink /d c:\shadowcopy \\?\GLOBALROOT\Device\HarddiskVolumeShadowCopy1\ I can directly access shadow copies from Explorer file manager of Windows.

The services for shadow copies (Microsoft Software Shadow Copy Provider and Volume Shadow Copy) are active, and in restore settings is enabled the option "restore system settings and previous versions of files". But, however, Explorer insists to tell me that "there are no previous versions available" on my files (obviously when, eg, I modify them). What else should I check?

Answer 1

Edit2 - adding missing part(s)

I think the main problem with Shadow copy is that the Microsoft is giving the users a "nice feature" but does not specify the quirks and features.

Based on Microsoft's best practices the shadow copy needs to be on separate volume on another disk (perhaps separate volume on the same disk will work too, but I have yet to test it).

The disk needs to be a one that is not having shadow copy on it . Using separate volume on different drive improves the system behavior under high I/O load which could cause the shadow copies to be deleted. It also improves the performance of the shadow copy.

This configuration is highly recommended on file servers otherwise you may suffer consequences such as deleted shadow copies.

Edit - since I have been falsely accused of using LLM - here are the screenshot from running production system that suffered same symptoms till the shadow copy was separated

• Here is disk C: snapshots with shadow copy

• This was claimed not possible - Disk C: having storage area of snapshots on volume F:

• Separated volumes from the Windows explorer:

• Nothing else than snapshots are stored on the volume F:

Note (for the accuser(s)): Do not try to claim that something is not factually correct when you know nothing of it!