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

gregrocker · 08 Jul 2012

You say you Clean Reinstalled but now are re-imaging from a Windows Backup Image? When was this image made - before the Clean Reinstall?

Such a long boot delay could be a problem with boot code on another HD or in the same HD's boot sector interfering, so test this by unplugging the other HD's to see if it persists. You may also need to wipe the HD with Diskpart Clean Command before Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7 if the prob persists with the image which may still have the corrupt code.

karlsnooks · 09 Jul 2012

kenzolc said:

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?

Did you use Win 7 Backup and Restore when you made the backup? Yes/No.

Win 7 Backup and Restore creates a file called, a VHD (Virtual Hard Drive).

The VHD file created by Win 7 Backup and Restore can be "mounted" (techie talk) using Disk Management.

In a couple of minutes, I'll get back with a write-up (or who knows maybe we already have a tutorial) on extracting files from the VHD file that is on your external drive.

karl

karlsnooks · 09 Jul 2012

KEN,
here's the link you need to extract from the backup vhd using disk management:
System Image - Extract Files Using Disk Management

kenzolc · 09 Jul 2012

i have re-imaged this pc with the system image taken before i did the clean re-install. everything is here and working. i put the pc to sleep and it took 20-30mins to boot.

if i have re-imaged the pc with with a system image will that contain the same problems that i am trying to erase? should i now begin to work on the boot issue?

thx so much everyone!

mjf · 09 Jul 2012

kenzolc said:

....... and it took 20-30mins to boot.

kenzolc,
This is far too long - 2 minutes maybe.
Go to the Windows start orb type
msconfig.exe
hit the startup tab and see what services you are attempting to start automatically at startup. Keep the list to a minimum.

This tutorial may help you explore your boot time issue
Boot Times - Monitor with Event Viewer

kenzolc · 10 Jul 2012

after leaving off (not sleep) for a few hours the boot time was about 5-10mins.
here is a screen shot of my startup programs looks pretty simple to me...

F5ing · 10 Jul 2012

You can deselect the three Apple items, Adobe, and possibly LogMeIn. They'll start whenever you're good and ready...

kenzolc · 10 Jul 2012

thx. i have deleted those. boot immediately but it was only shutdown for 15 mins or so. the real test will be when i wake up tomorrow. if it boots fine i close this forum.
thanks everyone!

gregrocker · 10 Jul 2012

Why do you have any of those Startup items checked? What is the reason they need to start up with Win7? Are you overclocking so that you need the video adapter software running? If not you do not need it.

I notice you have no AV. Install Microsoft Security Essentials now and run a Full Scan. Turn on the Win7 firewall and keep it updated with all Important and Optional Updates set to Automatic.

kenzolc · 10 Jul 2012

i have no idea. i just unchecked things i thought i didn't need. i assumed i would need windows files... will uncheck all now. also, i do have ad-aware anti virus but not on when starting. should i unistall this and install windows?