Windows 7: Scheduled backup of system image is not allowed on removable devices

I just upgraded from Vista to Windows 7 Home Premium x32. When I tried to set up Backup and Restore, I got the message "System image cannot be saved on this location." More Info gave me "Scheduled backup of system image is not allowed on removable devices." This seems to be a very strange message since external drives appear to be the most popular backup devices. Backup and Restore setup lists both the C: and the FToshiba external) drives but if I try to create a System Image, it does not list the Toshiba as one of the choices.



I have a Toshiba 500GB usb drive that I was working fine with Vista and Macrium Reflect. I now want to switch to MS Backup and Restore.

Use free Macrium, then you won't have that problem. Imaging with free Macrium

Thanks, I have tried Macrium, Acronis, and others but I prefer the built in Windows version for my rather simple needs.

Strange it wont let you an easy workaround would be to save on local disk and then copy to ext drive after image has completed

Just be aware that many times you cannot recover with the Windows 7 default image. Should that happen to you can recover with the procedure I have made: System Image - Recover a Broken Windows 7 System Image

The reason I recommend free Macrium is because I know that it works 100% of the time - and it is easy to do.

I have 2 other Windows 7 systems, one Home Premium 32x and one Professional 64x. Both have Windows Backup and Restore working flawlessly daily timed backups on external HDs.
I really want to find out why my third machine will not produce an Image file on my external HD.