How To: Remove and Replace the ShadowXafe/SPX Snapshot Driver

This article details how to remove and replace the ShadowProtect® snapshot driver in ShadowXafe and SPX 6.8.x and newer; it is recommended to use the ShadowProtect/SPX Snapshot Driver Troubleshooting article before following the steps listed below.

All steps MUST be performed during a Maintenance Window, as the required reboots CANNOT be postponed.

Removal and Replacement Process:

1. Using an Administrative Command Prompt, verify the current status of the snapshot driver:

   • fltmc

   
2. Perform the manual un-installation of the snapshot driver via an administrative command prompt:
   1. Navigate to the install directory for the snapshot driver tool:
      • SPX 6.8.x:

        "C:\Program Files\StorageCraft\spx\PnP-ReFS"

      • SPX 7.0.x and newer:

        "C:\Program Files\StorageCraft\spx\"

      • ShadowXafe:

        "C:\Program Files\StorageCraft\Xafe\PnP-ReFS"

        or

        "C:\Program Files\StorageCraft\Xafe\"

   2. Perform the following command:

      • stcinst.exe -u

      
      If the "stcinst.exe -u" command fails to remove the snapshot driver use the "-w" switch, (e.g., "stcinst.exe -w"). StorageCraft recommends using "-u" whenever possible, as it is graceful whereas, "-w" brute forces the uninstall process. Make sure to backup the registry before proceeding.
3. Immediate Reboot Required
4. After Reboot perform the manual installation of the snapshot driver via an administrative command prompt:
   1. Navigate back to the install directory for the snapshot driver then perform the following command: 

      • stcinst.exe stcvsm.inf

      If "stcinst.exe" is not in the same directory as "stcvsm.inf", it may necessary to use the full path (e.g., "stcinst.exe "C:\Program Files\StorageCraft\Xafe\PnP-ReFS"\stcvsm.inf")
      
5. Immediate Reboot Required
6. After Reboot confirm that the snapshot driver installed correctly via an Administrative Command Prompt by using the following commands:

   • fltmc

     then

   • fltmc instances

   
7. Take a backup through the ShadowXafe Director or SPX Console to ensure the snapshot driver installed correctly.