Windows 7: Backup and Restore: There are no backups available at this location

Hello there.

When running SFC /scannow the other day because my iTunes was not working, I disovered that I had corrupt files. Using all the brilliant advice from this site, I was able to do a repair install.

Once bitten twice shy as they say. I decided to use the Windows 7 Ultimate Backup and Restore feature so that if I ever had corrupt files again, I could simply restore from this backup. I plan on having the backup updated weekly.

Once the first backup was created to a separate drive in the machine yesterday, I wanted to test the restore process. So I changed the settings to Daily so that I had something to test the incremental backup with. In the Control Panel, I can see that the last backup was at 1 pm today. When creating the backup (and this is where my problem is, I think) I only created an image of my drive. That is, when setting up the backup, I did not have a tick anywhere. The Contents row in the control panel shows only 'System image'.

When I click on 'Restore my files', I get the message: There are no backups available at this location. You can go to the Backup and Resore Control Panl and select a different backup location.

Is this because in order for me to access the system image, I need to create a system repair disc and boot from that? I assume that the 'Restore my files' button only works when the backup contains data files and folders.

The strange thing is that when I look at the Date Modified column of the WindowsImageBackup, the date shown is 16 April 2012, the day before when the backup was first created.

So I am not sure that my backup procedure is working. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

I prefer using Acronis or Macrium for image backups.
They offer more control than Windows Backup.
I've never had a problem with them.

Macrium has a free version.
Acronis has a free version if you have a WD or Seagate HD.

I also use and trust Full backups, but incrementals will save disk space.

As you just re-installed, give these a try...

Take a look at this SF tutorial.
Imaging with free Macrium