0xe00086cc Backup Exec _top_ May 2026

The error code 0xe00086cc in Veritas Backup Exec is a common stumbling block for administrators, typically signaling that the software cannot find a specific resource or that a connection to a remote agent has failed. This essay explores the technical nature of the error, its primary causes, and the methodical steps required for resolution. The Anatomy of Error 0xe00086cc At its core, this error is a resource discovery failure

. Backup Exec operates on a client-server model where the media server must establish a stable handshake with the Remote Agent for Windows Servers (RAWS) or Linux Servers (RALUS). When the media server attempts to initialize a job—be it a backup, restore, or simple browse—and finds that the target volume, database, or virtual machine is unreachable, it throws the 0xe00086cc exception. Primary Triggers The root causes generally fall into three categories: Network and Connectivity Issues:

This is the most frequent culprit. If DNS resolution fails, the media server may attempt to contact the remote host using an outdated IP address. Similarly, hardware firewalls or Windows Firewall may block the default port (10000) used by the Backup Exec Agent. Service Failures: For a backup to succeed, the Remote Agent service

must be running on the target machine. If this service has crashed or is hung in a "Starting" state, the media server will report a resource failure. Authentication and Permissions: Changes in the System Logon Account

or the specific credentials used to access a resource (like a SQL instance or an Exchange mailbox) can lead to this error. If the account lacks the "Log on as a service" right or has had its password changed without being updated in the Backup Exec console, the handshake will fail. Strategic Troubleshooting

To resolve 0xe00086cc, a structured approach is necessary. The first step should always be verifying the status of the Backup Exec Remote Agent service

on the target server. Restarting this service often clears temporary communication glitches. If the service is functional, the focus shifts to network transparency . Admins should use tools like

to ensure name resolution is accurate. Furthermore, checking the Selection List

is vital; if a folder was deleted or a drive letter changed on the target server since the job was originally created, the software will fail to find the "resource," triggering the error. Re-selecting the backup sources often refreshes the pointer and resolves the conflict. Conclusion

While 0xe00086cc can be frustrating, it is rarely a sign of data corruption. Instead, it serves as a diagnostic signal that the bridge between the media server and its target has been broken. By systematically checking service health, network paths, and credential validity, administrators can quickly restore the integrity of their backup environment. specific environment

, such as a virtual machine or a SQL database, where this error is occurring?

The error code 0xe00086cc in Veritas Backup Exec typically indicates an Access Denied"

, often occurring during remote agent installations or when attempting to back up a SQL Instance. Primary Causes & Solutions Incorrect Credentials

: This is the most common cause. The account used for the job or installation must have full administrative rights on the target machine. : Verify and re-enter the System Logon Account credentials in the Backup Exec console via Network > Logon Account Service Account Mismatch

: The Backup Exec Service Account (BESA) may not match the System Logon Account, or it could be locked in Active Directory. : Check for locked accounts in Active Directory Users and Computers . In the Backup Exec console, use the Service Credentials tool to ensure the service account is up-to-date. Missing Trust Relationship 0xe00086cc backup exec

: For modern versions of Backup Exec, a trust must be established between the media server and the remote computer. : Right-click the remote server in the Backup and Restore tab and select Establish Trust WMI or Permission Blocks

: Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) may be blocked by a firewall or disabled on the target server. File and Printer Sharing Remote Registry services are enabled and not blocked by a firewall. Environment Specifics (Workgroups)

: If the machine is in a Workgroup rather than a Domain, "Simple File Sharing" might interfere. Simple File Sharing in Folder Options on the remote machine. Veritas Technologies If you are seeing this while backing up a SQL Instance

, ensure that the SQL server recognizes the account and that the Backup Exec agent is properly installed and trusted on that specific node. Are you receiving this error during a backup job installing the remote agent

It looks like you're encountering the error 0xe00086cc (often associated with 0xe00086ce or similar codes) while trying to install or use a Veritas Backup Exec Remote Agent.

While the error itself is frustrating, user reviews of Veritas Backup Exec generally highlight its reliability once configured, though they note that its complexity can lead to cryptic error codes like the one you're seeing. Positive Highlights from User Reviews

Despite setup hurdles, long-term users and IT professionals often rate Backup Exec highly (averaging 7.8/10 to 9.5/10 on sites like PeerSpot) for the following reasons:

Granular Recovery: Users on Software Advice praise the ability to restore individual files, emails, or SharePoint documents rather than entire databases.

Unified Management: It offers a single console to manage backups across physical, virtual (VMware/Hyper-V), and cloud environments.

Stability: Reviewers on Gartner Peer Insights frequently mention its high uptime and consistent performance once the initial "trust relationship" and agents are established.

Affordability for SMBs: Compared to high-end enterprise solutions, it is often viewed as a cost-effective choice for small-to-medium businesses. Understanding Error 0xe00086cc

This error typically indicates a connection or trust issue between the media server and the remote computer. To get back to a "good experience," Veritas and community experts suggest these steps:

Establish Trust: Go to the "Backup and Restore" tab, right-click the remote server, and select Establish Trust.

Check WMI Services: Ensure that Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) is running on the target machine and isn't blocked by a firewall. The error code 0xe00086cc in Veritas Backup Exec

Manual Install: If the "Push Install" continues to fail with this code, users often find success by performing a manual agent installation directly on the remote server.

For more detailed troubleshooting, you can check official guides on the Veritas Support Portal.

Are you attempting a push installation from the main server, or did this error appear during a scheduled job? Backup Exec Reviews - Gartner Peer Insights

The error code "0xe00086cc" in Backup Exec is a specific issue that users may encounter. Let's dive into what this code generally signifies and potential steps to resolve it.

Common causes

  1. Device name changed – The storage device’s logical name (e.g., tape drive, RDX, or disk volume) has been altered or removed from the system.
  2. Device offline – The tape drive or disk is powered off, disconnected, or in an error state.
  3. Driver issues – Corrupt or incompatible tape/storage drivers.
  4. Permission problems – Backup Exec service account lacks access to the device or path.
  5. Device reservation conflict – Another process (like Windows native tape recognition) has locked the device.
  6. Storage media missing – No tape/disk in the drive, or media is corrupted.

The "Nuclear" Option: Reset the Backup Exec Database

If none of the above work, the issue isn't the target—it's the source’s catalog. The Backup Exec database (BEDB) sometimes loses track of a file that doesn't exist or thinks a drive letter changed.

The Anatomy of a System Failure: Understanding and Resolving Backup Exec Error 0xe00086cc

In the realm of enterprise data management, few events induce as much anxiety as a failed backup. For system administrators relying on Veritas Backup Exec, the appearance of a hexadecimal error code often signals a disruption in the digital safety net. Among the most common and frustrating of these is error 0xe00086cc. Far from being a cryptic random number, this error serves as a specific diagnostic signpost, pointing to a fundamental breakdown in the communication between the backup software and the storage hardware. Understanding the technical meaning, root causes, and systematic resolution of error 0xe00086cc is essential for maintaining the integrity of any data protection strategy.

At its core, error 0xe00086cc translates to a storage communication failure, often accompanied by the description: "The device is not ready" or "The request could not be performed because of an I/O device error." This indicates that while Backup Exec successfully initiated a job, it lost reliable contact with the target destination—typically a tape drive, a disk-based storage folder, or a deduplication disk. In technical terms, the software’s SCSI (Small Computer System Interface) or network commands are being rejected by the physical or virtual storage layer. This is not a corruption of the data itself, but rather a disruption of the conduit through which that data must flow.

The causes of this error are multifaceted, often requiring a methodical diagnostic approach. The most frequent culprit lies within the hardware stack, specifically the connection between the media server and the storage device. For tape-based backups, a failing SCSI terminator, a loose Fibre Channel cable, or an outdated tape driver can easily trigger 0xe00086cc. Similarly, for disk-based backups, a failing USB or eSATA controller, a network-attached storage (NAS) suffering from packet loss, or a local hard drive with bad sectors can produce identical symptoms. Another common cause is a resource conflict within Windows, where the operating system’s volume mount manager or a third-party filter driver (such as an antivirus real-time scanner) temporarily locks the target volume, making it appear "not ready" to Backup Exec.

Resolving error 0xe00086cc requires a disciplined, layered troubleshooting strategy. The initial step should always be hardware verification. Administrators should check physical connections, replace suspect cables, and consult the storage device’s native diagnostic tool (e.g., tape library’s front panel or vendor-specific utility) to confirm operational status. Next, one must examine the Windows System Event Log for concurrent disk or controller errors. If hardware is cleared, the focus shifts to Backup Exec’s configuration: updating device drivers to the latest Veritas-certified versions, cleaning the tape drive heads, or running a "TDI (Tape Diagnostic Information) test" from within the Backup Exec console. In many cases, simply restarting the Backup Exec Remote Agent service or performing a rescan of the storage devices through the "Devices" tab can flush transient communication locks. A more advanced solution involves adjusting the SCSI timeout values in the Windows Registry or disabling "write caching" on the target disk drive to prevent command timeouts.

The persistence of error 0xe00086cc in Backup Exec environments underscores a critical lesson in data protection: the backup system is only as reliable as the weakest link in its communication chain. While modern backup software includes sophisticated retry logic and error handling, it cannot compensate for failing hardware, misconfigured drivers, or resource contention. Administrators who master the interpretation of codes like 0xe00086cc move beyond reactive firefighting to proactive system hardening. Ultimately, resolving this error is not merely about clearing a job failure; it is about restoring confidence that when data is needed most, the path from storage to software will be clear and ready. In the high-stakes world of disaster recovery, where every byte counts, understanding the language of these error codes is not a technical luxury—it is an operational necessity.

0xe00086cc in Backup Exec typically indicates an "Access Denied"

failure during a backup or restore job, often specifically related to the Backup Exec Remote Agent Backup Exec Service Account (BESA)

lacking the necessary permissions to access a remote resource. www.veritas.com Common Causes of Error 0xe00086cc Credential Mismatch

: The username or password for the service account has changed, been disabled, or is locked out in Active Directory. Missing Permissions : The BESA does not have Local Administrator rights on the target remote server. Restricted Resource Access Device name changed – The storage device’s logical

: Certain directories (like "Profile Compatibility Junctions") or offline files cannot be traversed by Backup Exec because of underlying system access rights. Firewall or Network Blocks : Ports required for communication (like TCP Port 10000

for NDMP) are blocked by a firewall or another application on the remote machine. Third-Party Conflicts

: Antivirus scans or third-party snapshot providers may interfere with Backup Exec's ability to use the Microsoft VSS provider. www.veritas.com Recommended Troubleshooting Steps Backup Exec Tutorial How to restart the services

The error 0xe00086cc in Veritas Backup Exec typically points to an "Access Denied" failure. This often occurs when the Backup Exec engine cannot authenticate or communicate with a remote server, such as a SQL instance or a Windows agent. The Story of Error 0xe00086cc: The Failed Handshake

Imagine a backup job as a late-night courier (the Backup Exec Server) arriving at a high-security warehouse (your Remote Server). The courier has a manifest to pick up data, but when they reach the gate, they are turned away. This "Access Denied" story usually unfolds in one of these ways:

1. The Invalid ID (Credential Mismatch)The courier is using an old ID card. In Backup Exec terms, the Logon Account used for the job might have an outdated password, or it may not have the right to "Log on as a batch job" or "Log on as a service" on the remote machine.

2. The Guard Doesn’t Recognize the Courier (Trust Issues)In newer versions of Backup Exec, the server and the remote machine must "trust" each other. If this trust relationship hasn't been established, the remote server ignores the backup request. You can fix this by right-clicking the server in the Backup and Restore tab and selecting Establish Trust.

3. The Gate is Locked (Firewalls & WMI)The courier can’t even get to the gate because it's locked. Firewalls often block the communication ports (like NDMP port 10000) or WMI (Windows Management Instrumentation) services needed for the "push" installation or initial connection. How to Fix the "Access Denied" Plot Twist Solved: Backup exec access is denied - Experts Exchange

The hexadecimal code 0xe00086cc corresponds to a specific error message in Veritas Backup Exec: "The Virtual Machine is not synchronized with the Virtual Machine Manager."

While an error message might not seem like a "feature" at first glance, the resolution for this error introduces a helpful feature designed to maintain data integrity during backups.

Here is a breakdown of the error and the "helpful feature" involved in resolving it.

For Hyper-V Backups:

Error 0xe00086cc often appears when backing up a Hyper-V guest.

Primary Causes of Error 0xe00086cc

Before jumping into fixes, you must identify the root cause. The error typically stems from one of the following scenarios:

  1. Incorrect Backup Exec Logon Account – The account used to access the remote machine does not have sufficient privileges.
  2. VSS Writer Failures – One or more VSS writers on the source server are in a failed or unstable state.
  3. Corrupt Shadow Storage – The shadow copy storage area on the target volume is corrupted or full.
  4. Antivirus or Security Software Interference – Third-party software is locking VSS files or blocking Backup Exec processes.
  5. Windows File System Permissions – The System account or Network Service lacks access to the volume root or shadow storage.
  6. Hyper-V or VMware Snapshots – In virtual environments, the host or guest integration services are misconfigured.

4. Clean and check media