Unable to Backup MSFS for Reinstallation

[RandallR 446]

After having continuous CTDs I've been unable to run MSFS for about a week.  After running all checks and fixes nothing works so I want to run an uninstall/reinstall operation.

I've researched all of the pointers on this from MS and this forum (I have the Store version).  The best way seems to be to make a copy of the Official folder (or simply the OneStore folder), then simply copy the data back in when running the reinstall.  However, this will not work.

I am unable to copy or backup the folders.  In fact, when I check my Acronis back-ups it turned out that MSFS isn't being backed up at all!  Apparently, it's been denied access all of this time by something in Windows!

No matter what I try I get the following message: Your organization does not allow you to place this file here.  I'm stymied, as I don't want to have to redownload everything as part of the reinstall...  Any way around this?

[vgbaron 3,630]

You might try zipping the folders and moving them to your backup drive.

[Bobsk8 12,743]

I just checked on my system, I use Macrium Reflex, and all my MSFS is backed up. 

[rickjake 243]

I use Acronis for backup and have no issues with MSFS backups. I just checked and all my files are available to be restored.  Athough my MSFS installation is on a seprate SSD and not installed in the default protected file folder in Windows.  

If you have MSFS installed in the default location, maybe thats the reason Acronis cannot back it up, as this is a Windows Protected folder.  Just a thought. .

[RandallR 446]

3 hours ago, vgbaron said:

You might try zipping the folders and moving them to your backup drive.

I'll try this first - otherwise I'm starting from scratch

[RandallR 446]

3 hours ago, Bobsk8 said:

I just checked on my system, I use Macrium Reflex, and all my MSFS is backed up. 

Bob - where did you install it?

[RandallR 446]

2 hours ago, rickjake said:

If you have MSFS installed in the default location, maybe thats the reason Acronis cannot back it up, as this is a Windows Protected folder.  Just a thought. .

I didn't install it to the default location (C:\, I believe?).  However, I did install it to D:\ without creating a special folder.  Would this have created the same problem as taking the default?

[Bobsk8 12,743]

29 minutes ago, RandallR said:

Bob - where did you install it?

I have in on a M2 drive, moved last year from C drive. 

[Baron58 6]

Been using Synctoy since the dawn of time. Although it is not supported anymore, you can download it from https://m.majorgeeks.com/mg/getmirror/microsoft_synctoy_for_windows_xp,1.html.

It works in Win10 and Win11. I use it before every MSFS update to backup the official folder and the community folder. One of the best utilities ever.  

[Matt Webb 171]

9 hours ago, RandallR said:

I didn't install it to the default location (C:\, I believe?).  However, I did install it to D:\ without creating a special folder.  Would this have created the same problem as taking the default?

What folders do you have in your d: drive?

Edited March 23 by Matt Webb

[Reader 2,026]

10 hours ago, RandallR said:

However, I did install it to D:\ without creating a special folder.

Why?

[cseu 25]

7 hours ago, Baron58 said:

Been using Synctoy since the dawn of time. Although it is not supported anymore, you can download it from https://m.majorgeeks.com/mg/getmirror/microsoft_synctoy_for_windows_xp,1.html.

It works in Win10 and Win11. I use it before every MSFS update to backup the official folder and the community folder. One of the best utilities ever.  

at my end synctoy can not syncronize or echeos or contribute files which are encrypted, is there a hidden switch or something else what I'm missing (Win10, all updatet)? Best regards

[RandallR 446]

3 hours ago, Matt Webb said:

What folders do you have in your d: drive?

Many - a lot of programs. 🙂

However, way back when FS2020 came out and it asked for a location for installing it showed a default of C;\.  I changed it to D:\ (the root).  After the installation and a rather frustrating search I found it in...

D:WpSystem\S-1-5-21-2610037304-2891976329-3409416837-1001\AppData\Local\Packages

Edited March 23 by RandallR

[Bobsk8 12,743]

The reason I have used Macrium Reflex for years, is once my Hard drive crashed. I went to Best Buys, bought a brand new Harddrive, installed it, started Macrium, and it loaded my brand new harddrive with everything that was on the original. Restarted PC, and I was right back where I left off. Can't beat that. 

[RandallR 446]

3 hours ago, Reader said:

Why?

I mainly wanted to make sure it didn't get on my C:\ drive, as I only allow the OS and associated system maintenance programs I use to reside there.

Most programs install into \Program Files and or make their own obvious subfolder on the chosen drive.  I was installing MSFS 2020 early in its history and we were still learning of its idiosyncrasies.  I was surprised to see where it ended up, but once I made a desktop shortcut to it for quick access, it was OK.

The only reinstall I have ever done was in January after building a new system.  I had cloned everything over to the new drives but the MSFS folders were empty (now we know why).  I did a complete reinstall and everything has been running with no issues (until now).