VSS_E_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_SNAPSHOTS_REACHED: meaning and diagnosis

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Description:

The provider limit for snapshots was reached. Review retention and existing shadow copies.

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VSS_E_SNAPSHOT_SET_IN_PROGRESS	VSS_E_WRITER_INFRASTRUCTURE

VSS_E_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_SNAPSHOTS_REACHED

VSS_E_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_SNAPSHOTS_REACHED means that the target volume or remote file share is already associated with the maximum number of shadow copy sets accepted by the provider. VSS did not add it to the requested set.

How to investigate for VSS_E_MAXIMUM_NUMBER_OF_SNAPSHOTS_REACHED

List existing shadow copies and identify retention policies or abandoned snapshots.
Check available diff-area capacity and the provider-specific shadow-copy limit.
Delete or expire only snapshots that are no longer required by backups, restores, or Previous Versions.

Microsoft: maximum snapshot return value

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