Backup job reports Unfreeze Error (Over VIX)

Challenge

Backup job returns an error:

Unfreeze error (over VIX): [Backup job failed.]

Running vssadmin list writers command within the guest may result in:

Non-Retryable error for Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) of the Microsoft Exchange Replication service

Cause

This issue is Microsoft-related and occurs when the VSS writer in charge of Microsoft Exchange Replication fails.

Solution

1. Reinstall or perform a repair-install of VMware Tools.
2. Reboot the guest operating system of the backed-up VM if possible.
3. If neither of the above solutions works, see the Broadcom KB344277.
4. If none of the above helps, please contact Microsoft Support for further assistance.

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