A SQL backup job fails consistently or occasionally with the following error:
The database is in an invalid state for backups: ___. State = Normal, AutoClosed
Explanation
The AutoClose property of an SQL database determines how the database acts with respect to database utilization. If AutoClose is set to "True" then, during a period of inactivity, the database is closed and its resources are freed. If AutoClose is set to False, the database is kept open whether it is being used or not. The reason we require AutoClose be set to False is that we cannot back up a data that is closed. Having AutoClose disabled guarantees the database is always in a state we can back up.
Resolution
Follow the steps in this article to change the value of the AutoClose property for any databases not backing up because of this problem.