Windows 7: Backup and restore cannot locate my external HD yet icon is visible

If your PC is not booting then work through these steps for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot

hi guys. i have had a refreshing weekend now ready to sort this pc out! have updated profile and here are screen shots.

kenzoic,
Quick question.

If you disconnect all external devices, is your boot problem gone?

I want to first address the boot problem, consequently, please leave external drives disconnected till boot problem gone.

Will now look over the files and get back to you.

ken,
I'm a straight shooter and the files you sent appear to be edited and display some unusual features.

Would you send me three unedited files please.

hi karl, the files are as is. i have simply attached whatever was saved from that tool. will try to boot with no devices attached now. i am sure it will boot fast because it usually only takes a very long time when off for awhile. will see anyway...

edit - as suspected, unplug all external devices (mouse and another keyboard) shutdown. turn on and boot begins immediately. i will turn off and leave for a few hours and try again.

are you assuming the files have been edited because there is nothing in the pc? i have done (or tried to) do a clean install remember.

i have reinstalled windows. sorry 'nothing' meaning next to nothing... no offense guys but i wonder if you are reading from the top of this thread. my trouble is i have done a clean reinstall yet cannot access my ex hd which has my backup file so i can return it to how i left it.

the boot issue is not my greatest concern, but of course i want to sort that out. really just want my old pc back! : (

ok, i will try again. but the reason i intitially decided to do a clean reinstall was because; first, usb devices not being read and second, boot times begin to take 10mins, 40mins, a few hours etc.

i did the clean reinstall twice with same issue (cannot find restore file). i have a 'windowsbackupimage' file in my ex HD that cannot be found by the restore tool. please tell me that is the correct backup file.

my ex HD appears and has a letter (H) expansion drive. see images

There are a number of issues that need clarification:

What is your current situation. Did you do a true clean install using a Windows 7 installation disk and your COA PID number or an HP factory restore?

With nothing else connected I'd fix your boot problem first. You should be booting in minutes.

When you say you want to restore your backup are you talking about an image or a file/folder backup?

Is your ext HDD a USB 3 or 2?

If you did a clean install or a factory restore you shouldn't have a Malware issue but I'd still run the free Malwarebytes on your laptop.
Malwarebytes : Malwarebytes Anti-Malware PRO removes malware including viruses, spyware, worms and trojans, plus it protects your computer

ok i may have solved the restore issue. and if so please accept my humble APOLOGIES for wasting anyone's time (golden, karl or greg!).

i am currently restoring pc from system image in my ex HD (usb 3). i missed the option 'recover system settings on your computer'. i was clicking the 'select another backup to restore files from' link.

i used an installation disk and product key for the reinstall.

have run the malwarebytes, no issues.

i only created a system image for backup. i did drag some individual files to save but thought the system image would save everything. is that correct? or have i lost some files? (photos etc). i did drag and save cherished items and have this little netbook with things on it. but i'm hoping the system image will restore everything. am i wrong?

cheers.

oh, and yes the boot issue. as i am now waiting for re-image to complete i will have to tackle that issue later. i am assuming it will occur again. if it is happening after clean install could it be a power issue? although it is plugged in.

More generally you may need to restore an image by booting a "System Repair CD/DVD" (you need to make one of these). You should store your USB 3 drivers on a USB flash drive so you can load them after booting from the system repair CD or else the repair CD will not see the HDD.