Windows 7: Windows can't find restore image

Hello,

I created an image backup with Windows 7. It created a large VHD file and appeared to complete correctly. I copied the image to my thumb drive and tried to do a restore. I can find the thumb drive and browse it and all the files are there but if I try to do a restore it doesn't find the restore image. I also tried putting it on a network drive - it can't find it there even though I point it to the share it is in.

I've tried using a restore CD, as well as installing Windows and using the recovery in control panel.

The folder structure is as follows
WindowsImageBackup\computername
under that folder are three folders
backup 2012-07-15 232717
Catalog
SPPMetadataCache
metadataid

It seems odd there is no obvious way to just say this is the VHD - right here in this folder - use it and restore.

If someone can help a restore newbie out I could use your help.

Here is how to restore from a VHD.

How to restore VHD file backup? - Microsoft Answers