Unable to Read from Image File During Validation or Differential Backup

Problem:

Image for Windows is unable to read from an image file during validation or differential backup. The image file is typically located on a network path.

The following error message is reported by Image for Windows: Unable to read data from file

Cause:

Multiple issues can cause this problem, including:

• Network interface (driver > NIC > Cable > Switch/Hub > Cable > NIC > Driver)
• Permissions incorrect
• Antivirus program
• Insufficient system resources or not enough server storage available

Solution:

Network interface: Verify that all networking components are working correctly. There are cases where light loads work just fine, but heavy loads fail. Check cables, firmware revisions, driver updates, etc. Backing up to (or validating from) another location may help pinpoint the problem.

Permissions incorrect: Verify that permissions are set correctly to allow access to the image file location. Note that while incorrect permissions may cause this problem, usually they result in other errors (e.g. invalid image file).

Antivirus program: Antivirus programs and similar security programs can interrupt processing and result in an error. Exclude .TBI files from being scanned.

Insufficient system resources or not enough server storage available: This may occur on certain Windows Server systems, including Windows Server 2003, Windows 2000 Server, and Windows NT Server 4.0. For details, please see the following Microsoft KB article: Backup program is unsuccessful when you back up a large system volume