Hi mjf,
When I select an image backup there is nothing on the list, so you have to click advanced. This then gives you the option to search for a system image on the network or install a driver, so I have to install a driver which takes me to computer where again I get my external harddrive containing the WindowsImageBackup, and I just get the same problems as already noted.
Is there something I am missing.
You should not have to use the Advanced Options if you have the external plugged into the same computer you're booting from DVD>Repair>Recover Using an Image.
You already know your external has its driver since you can browse into it using the "Load Drivers" mini-explorer.
As long as folder is in the open root of the External and named "WindowsImageBackup" it should be auto-detected.
If not, try another external HD.
Frustrating for you - but I'm more than happy to keep going.
We know:
1) The Repair disk can see a folder WindowsImageBackup
2) The Reimaging is not accepting it as a valid image
3) What you are attempting to do is valid. It has worked flawlessly for me & others.
Way Forward:
I assume you have tried pressing REFRESH in the process (scan for images screen). Unplug USB HDD plug back (other usb port if possible) & REFRESH.
I also assume that your old disk was out of the computer and the new disk in it's exact sata port location.
On one of your screens you posted you have 2 folders
Backup .....
catalog
& a media ID file
I always have a third folder called "SPPMetadata Cache"
I would now do the following to cover all bases
1) Replace old HDD
2) Rename the WindowsImageBackup to WindowsImageBackupxxx
3) Go into Backup & Restore. Press Create a System Image and direct to your ext HDD. Maybe try another ext HDD if you can get hold of one.
4) While your old HDD is still in. If the replacement is a Seagate or WD download their free (Acronis) cloning software.
5) Download Macrium Reflect (free edition). I image and have restored from this as well.
6) Install Macrium and make an image of your 100MB system partion if you have one and your main OS partition onto an ext HDD (given you only had 1 vhd file it looks like you don't have the 100MB). Make the linux recovery disk.
7) Replace the old disk with the new (same sata port location)
8) Repeat the windows reimaging process.
A progress post would be good now.
9) If no success reimage the Macrium images. If 2 partitions the software lets you select one then go back and select the second. ACCEPT the replace MBR option for a new disk.
Post back.
Edit: perhaps leave out step 4) at this stage
Last edited by mjf; 15 Nov 2010 at 16:27. Reason: Addition
mjf
After reading your last reply, I decided there must be an easier way to recover my backup as I had already wiped my old hard drive and returned it for replacement as it was still under warranty.
I have now recovered my backup by booting with a Acroni Bootable Media disk, from Acronis True Home 2010.
When loaded you choose
Recover My Disks,
File Name (External HD),
Files of Type - Windows Backup Archives (*VHD)
Recover Whole Disks & Partitions.
All is now working as before.
That's great.
Acronis has a lot of supporters. Even though you have to pay it's not that much really.
But I didn't realise it allows you to recover just from the windows .vhd alone. Interesting.
(in the windows image backup there numerous .xml files - I wonder if Acronis needed these as well?)
This is a (related) aside now.
I pulled out a vhd file on its own. I mounted/attached it ok. Imaged it with Macrium. I could mount the Macrium image and read it and presumably restore it.
Macrium can convert their .mrimg to .vhd but don't seem to be able to directly read a vhd.
The fact that Acronis integrates this image compatibility is therefore a +1 for Acronis.
mjf
As far as I can tell Acronis does not need the xml files.
That is one the major shortcomings of Windows sys image.
You can't pick up a vhd if it doesn't find it automatically.
If you can access it with Disk Mgmt, of course you can mount it - make an image with any 3rd party app.- the free versions will be fine - then restore the 3rd party image.
Often , the attempt to restore the image is because you can't get into windows.
Many will need to get a paid 3rd party app. ( Paragon/Acronis ) to get out of that mess.
Will Acronis apply its more flexible same-disk partition imaging, imaging over network, etc. to use the WindowsImageBackup VHD?
How is it cued?
I remember now this being mentioned here about a year ago, before I had Acronis and a bunch of inflexible Win7 image backups.
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