Error 0×81000031 When Using Windows Backup; Fix

Several users have reported an issue in which Windows Backup (under Windows 7) fails with error 0×81000031. The program may also display the message:

“Check your backup Windows Backup failed while determining libraries location of one of the users included in the backup [...] BitLocker Drive Encryption cannot be used because critical BitLocker system files are missing or corrupted.”

Fix

This problem may occur when Windows Backup attempts to backup Windows 7 Libraries. In order to avoid the issue, simply exclude Libraries by using the following steps:

• Open Windows Backup, then choose “Change Settings”
• Select the drive you want to back up
• In the “What do you want to back up?” window select “Let me choose”
• Deselect all Libraries and deselect “Include system image”
• Select the files you want to back up — usually this would include your user folder C:/Users/username

Fix #2

Microsoft offers an alternative fix that requires creating a Windows 7 system repair disc.