How to fix the Windows Backup error code 0x800700E1

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Windows Backup is a built-in application that allows users to easily backup important data on their computer’s hard drive. However, some Windows users have encountered error 0x800700E1 when trying to back up important files or data to an external drive. This error code does not allow users to create a backup. With this error code, a full error message is displayed on the computer screen:

Error 0x800700E1: Operation failed because the file contains a virus or potentially unwanted software.

If you are also affected by this problem, read this message. In this guide, we have listed some effective methods that can help you solve this problem.

What causes Windows Backup error code 0x800700E1

Malware, adware, or spyware: you need to make sure that you have removed the virus infection before you focus on fixing corrupted system files or ignoring false positives that can cause this problem.

Windows Defender or another third-party package can stop the backup process and cause error code 0x800700E1 due to false positives – this happens regularly due to unsigned apps, hacked executables, and game mods.

How to fix Windows Backup error code 0x800700E1



Full scan your hard drive

As you can see from the error message, there may be a virus on your hard drive that interferes with the backup process. So if Windows Backup fails, the first thing to do is to perform a full disk scan.

1. If you already have an anti-virus program installed on your computer, please run it to scan and remove any malware, adware, or spyware that may be causing this problem.
2. If you do not have antivirus software, download and install professional software and use it to destroy viruses or remove malware.

System protection

The system protection function must be enabled if you want to create a system image.

1. Click on the button with the Windows logo in the lower-left corner.
2. Scroll down to find and expand your Windows system.
3. At the bottom, select Control Panel.
4. Make sure the “View by Category” option is enabled, and then click the “System and Security” link.
5. Click on the System link in the right pane.
6. In the left pane, select System Security.
7. Make sure that System Drive is selected under Protection Settings.
8. Click the Configure button at the bottom.
9. Under Recovery Settings, select Enable System Protection.
10. Click Apply, and then click OK to confirm your changes.

Delete the WindowsImageBackup folder that you created earlier

1. Click the Windows logo button in the lower-left corner.
2. Scroll down to find and expand your Windows system.
3. At the bottom, select Control Panel.
4. Make sure the “View by Category” option is enabled, and click the System and Security link.
5. Click on the File History link in the right pane.
6. In the lower-left corner, click the System Image Backup button.
7. Navigate to the WindowsImageBackup folder.
8. Open File Explorer, navigate to this folder and right-click it.
9. Select Delete from the context menu.
10. Click Yes to confirm the deletion.

Disable Windows Defender, the firewall, and other security packages

1. Press Win + I to open Settings.
2. Select Update and security.
3. In the left pane, select Windows Security.
4. In the right pane, click Virus and Threat Protection.
5. Click Manage Settings.
6. Set the Real-Time Protection switch to OFF.
7. Go back to the Windows Security window and click Firewall and Network Protection.
8. Select the network that is currently active.
9. Set Windows Defender Firewall to Off.

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