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Error Code 23: Internal Error

  • Last Updated November 4, 2026

Issue

Image backups fail with the error message, "Error 23: Internal Error."

Environment

NinjaOne Device Backup

Cause

This error is typically caused by a bad block being reported on the local disk. This is an issue with the local disk and will need to be addressed before the Image backup can be completed successfully.

When clicking into the error provided in the Status column on the Backup → Overview section for a specific device. You will see the warning message below, which points to the affected volume and disk.

Error (1)
Too many files open
Warnings (1)
C: (\?Volume{12345678-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx}) Disk 0, NTFS 464.33 GB

Double-check the local system events for any errors related to the affected disk. You will usually find the “bad block” error thrown at or around the same time as the backup failure reported by NinjaOne.

Event[214]
Log Name: System
Source: disk
Date: 2026-01-23T00:42:17.7970000Z
Event ID: 7
Task: None
Level: Error
Opcode: N/A
Keyword: Classic,
User: N/A
User Name: N/A
Computer:
Description:
The device, DeviceHarddisk0DR0, has a bad block.

Resolution

Depending on the state of the local disk, commands like sfc /scannow and chkdsk /f /r may help address any issues found on the disk. Before running these commands, make sure you understand the disk's state and consult your vendor’s documentation whenever possible.

If you are using a RAID array, do not run chkdsk /f /r. The chkdsk command is not RAID-aware and may cause additional damage if the RAID array is degraded. Instead, consult your hardware RAID manufacturer's management utility or controller software (such as Dell PERC CLI or HP Array Configuration Utility), or check SMART statuses to diagnose the physical disk.

If, after taking the appropriate actions to address the issue, the backups are still failing due to Internal error (23), and you are still seeing "bad block" reported in the system events, you will need to take further action to repair or replace the affected drive before an image backup can complete successfully.

As an alternative, you can always run a File/Folder backup job on the affected device until you can repair or replace the affected drive.

Additional Resources

For additional troubleshooting guidance, refer to NinjaOne Device Backup: Troubleshooting Error Codes.

FAQ

Next Steps