Error: "The database transaction was rolled back." (4034838)

When performing a backup the job fails with the message of Error: "The database transaction was rolled back." This appears after Ranger has already processed the vmdk files and removes the snapshot for vRanger.

This can be caused in an ESXi 5.1 environment where the new VMware USB controller of xHCI was added to the VM. When vRanger tries to committ the machines configuration file to disk it does not recognize this device and thus the backup fails while trying to write the virtual machine's configuration.

This USB controller is designed for USB 3.0 support, however it is not intended for use with all VMs. Please refere to VMware KB article 2041591 for information regarding this device.

The resolution for this is to roll the USB controller back to the previous version, EHCI+UHCI. Although the controller is not 'supported' for use with USB 3.0 a number of devices will still operate under USB 2.0, they just won't have the added functionality of USB 3.0.