Location of Windows 7 Backup Images

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elmo2006

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Hello...

I am very curious as to where the Windows 7 Backup Utility stores the backup images. Currently I have all my Windows 7 Backups stored to an external HDD, however if I were to peruse the external HDD, all I can see are two files:

The name of the computer in my case SPENCER-PC 0 bytes and MediaID.bin 588 bytes however Windows Explorer shows the HDD has over 650GB of used space.
I have also changed the attributes for hidden/system files so that I can view to no avail.

If I were to double click on SPENCER-PC, all it does is launch the Windows 7 Backup Utility. I've searched the inter-tubes with no luck and as such I hope that someone here can point me in the right direction.

Much appreciated...
 

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elmo2006 said:
Hello...

I am very curious as to where the Windows 7 Backup Utility stores the backup images. Currently I have all my Windows 7 Backups stored to an external HDD, however if I were to peruse the external HDD, all I can see are two files:

The name of the computer in my case SPENCER-PC 0 bytes and MediaID.bin 588 bytes however Windows Explorer shows the HDD has over 650GB of used space.
I have also changed the attributes for hidden/system files so that I can view to no avail.

If I were to double click on SPENCER-PC, all it does is launch the Windows 7 Backup Utility. I've searched the inter-tubes with no luck and as such I hope that someone here can point me in the right direction.

Much appreciated...
Click to expand...

Windows can store its backups in system volume information. Since it is a locked folder that is not going to help you much.

Are you trying to delete the files or what? why do you want to "see" them?

Ken
 

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zigzag3143 said:
elmo2006 said:
Hello...

I am very curious as to where the Windows 7 Backup Utility stores the backup images. Currently I have all my Windows 7 Backups stored to an external HDD, however if I were to peruse the external HDD, all I can see are two files:

The name of the computer in my case SPENCER-PC 0 bytes and MediaID.bin 588 bytes however Windows Explorer shows the HDD has over 650GB of used space.
I have also changed the attributes for hidden/system files so that I can view to no avail.

If I were to double click on SPENCER-PC, all it does is launch the Windows 7 Backup Utility. I've searched the inter-tubes with no luck and as such I hope that someone here can point me in the right direction.

Much appreciated...
Click to expand...

Windows can store its backups in system volume information. Since it is a locked folder that is not going to help you much.

Are you trying to delete the files or what? why do you want to "see" them?

Ken
Click to expand...

Would you happen to know exactly where? Curiousity has peaked my interest. I would like to know where and how if possible.

Thanks for the response.
 

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???
For Backups
You go into Backup & restore > Restore my files
then browse folders or files
You can then copy a file from your backup if needed.

For images
Attach a vhd under Disk management. The vhd should look (via explorer) like the disk the image was taken from.
 

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elmo2006 said:
Hello...

I am very curious as to where the Windows 7 Backup Utility stores the backup images. Currently I have all my Windows 7 Backups stored to an external HDD, however if I were to peruse the external HDD, all I can see are two files:

The name of the computer in my case SPENCER-PC 0 bytes and MediaID.bin 588 bytes however Windows Explorer shows the HDD has over 650GB of used space.
I have also changed the attributes for hidden/system files so that I can view to no avail.

If I were to double click on SPENCER-PC, all it does is launch the Windows 7 Backup Utility. I've searched the inter-tubes with no luck and as such I hope that someone here can point me in the right direction.

Much appreciated...
Click to expand...

go to external harddrive, right click spencer-pc, and click open
 

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elmo2006 said:
Hello...

I am very curious as to where the Windows 7 Backup Utility stores the backup images. Currently I have all my Windows 7 Backups stored to an external HDD, however if I were to peruse the external HDD, all I can see are two files:

The name of the computer in my case SPENCER-PC 0 bytes and MediaID.bin 588 bytes however Windows Explorer shows the HDD has over 650GB of used space.
I have also changed the attributes for hidden/system files so that I can view to no avail.

If I were to double click on SPENCER-PC, all it does is launch the Windows 7 Backup Utility. I've searched the inter-tubes with no luck and as such I hope that someone here can point me in the right direction.

Much appreciated...
Click to expand...
excellent question.
Just keep expanded that Spencer-PC folder.
You are looking for .VHD file
That's if you did a system image baciup. In fact, if in your systemimage backup you backed up three drives, then you will find 3 .VHD drives.

If you simply backed up files, for example your libraries, then you will find .ZIP files.

the zip files can be unzipped.

You can "attach" the .vhd files using DISK MANAGEMENT. Once a vhd is attached, then you can explore and extract any file/folder you would like. In fact, you could edit it.

I don't have my external drive with me right now, but in about an hour I'll include a snapshot of the step to attach a vhd from the backup drive.
 

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MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bitAMD A10-4600M6.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-12-28)AMD Radeon HD 7660G
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Toshiba Satellite S875D-S7239 laptop
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HP Wireless Optical Mobile Mouse Model FHA-3410
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What the local pub, local coffee shop offers.
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Optical Drive:MATSHITA BD-CMB UJ160B ATA Device


Also have an Asus ha1002xp netbook with Win 7 Ultimate installed.
elmo,
Here's a series of screen snapshots. On my Asus netbook I have two partitions-the 100 meg system reserved and a 76.67GB C partition.

This shows the files on the backup drive, the vhd attached, and so forth.
 

Attachments

  • SelectAttachVHD.png
    SelectAttachVHD.png
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  • Browsetovhdfiles.png
    Browsetovhdfiles.png
    26.6 KB · Views: 13
  • SelectingtheVHDforCdrive.png
    SelectingtheVHDforCdrive.png
    124.7 KB · Views: 33
  • 100MegSystemResevedMuchSmaller.png
    100MegSystemResevedMuchSmaller.png
    88.6 KB · Views: 13
  • ConfirmSelection.png
    ConfirmSelection.png
    30.9 KB · Views: 11
  • RtClkonnewdriveChooseOpenorExplore.png
    RtClkonnewdriveChooseOpenorExplore.png
    121.2 KB · Views: 24
  • exampleOfDrillingtoSpecificFile.png
    exampleOfDrillingtoSpecificFile.png
    162.7 KB · Views: 27
  • RtClkChooseDetachVHD.png
    RtClkChooseDetachVHD.png
    31.4 KB · Views: 29
  • ConfirmDetach.png
    ConfirmDetach.png
    39.6 KB · Views: 12
  • AfterDetachment.png
    AfterDetachment.png
    78.4 KB · Views: 14

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bitAMD A10-4600M6.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-12-28)AMD Radeon HD 7660G
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Toshiba Satellite S875D-S7239 laptop
OS
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
CPU
AMD A10-4600M
Motherboard
AMD Pumori (Socket FT1)
Memory
6.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-12-28)
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon HD 7660G
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor (1600x900@60Hz)
Screen Resolution
1600x900@60Hz
Hard Drives
SSD 119GB Corsair CSSD-V128GB2 ATA Device
Keyboard
Standard PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse
HP Wireless Optical Mobile Mouse Model FHA-3410
Internet Speed
What the local pub, local coffee shop offers.
Other Info
Optical Drive:MATSHITA BD-CMB UJ160B ATA Device


Also have an Asus ha1002xp netbook with Win 7 Ultimate installed.
karlsnooks said:
elmo2006 said:
Hello...

I am very curious as to where the Windows 7 Backup Utility stores the backup images. Currently I have all my Windows 7 Backups stored to an external HDD, however if I were to peruse the external HDD, all I can see are two files:

The name of the computer in my case SPENCER-PC 0 bytes and MediaID.bin 588 bytes however Windows Explorer shows the HDD has over 650GB of used space.
I have also changed the attributes for hidden/system files so that I can view to no avail.

If I were to double click on SPENCER-PC, all it does is launch the Windows 7 Backup Utility. I've searched the inter-tubes with no luck and as such I hope that someone here can point me in the right direction.

Much appreciated...
Click to expand...
excellent question.
Just keep expanded that Spencer-PC folder.
You are looking for .VHD file
That's if you did a system image baciup. In fact, if in your systemimage backup you backed up three drives, then you will find 3 .VHD drives.

If you simply backed up files, for example your libraries, then you will find .ZIP files.

the zip files can be unzipped.

You can "attach" the .vhd files using DISK MANAGEMENT. Once a vhd is attached, then you can explore and extract any file/folder you would like. In fact, you could edit it.

I don't have my external drive with me right now, but in about an hour I'll include a snapshot of the step to attach a vhd from the backup drive.
Click to expand...

Awesome, followed your directions and *BANG* there they are. I never realized that the Spencer-PC icon was an actual folder, everytime I clicked open, the Windows 7 Backup utility would launch, I guess I was doing something wrong, thanks for the information.

As for everyone else, I did not know that the system images were saved as VHD files. I currently use a third party utility for drive images, but this information will be very useful and beneficial for future knowledge.

Thank you everyone for all your quick responses, simply awesome and proves I came to the right place for the right answers...

Thank you,
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

Windows 7 x64 UltimateIntel Quad Core Q6600OCZ Platinum 2x4GB 1066Asus EAH 3450
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Home Built
OS
Windows 7 x64 Ultimate
CPU
Intel Quad Core Q6600
Motherboard
Asus P5Q
Memory
OCZ Platinum 2x4GB 1066
Graphics Card(s)
Asus EAH 3450
Sound Card
On board
Monitor(s) Displays
Dell 17'
Hard Drives
1xsata 320GB OS
1xsata 500GB VM
1xsata 640GB Dynamic mirrored with 1.0TB
1xsata 1.0TB Dynamic mirrored with 640GB
1xsata 1.5TB External via E-sata Docking Station
PSU
OCZ 700MXSP
Case
Thermaltake full-tower
Cooling
Air
elmo,
Your welcome and I'm glad that we could be of assistance. It's nice to "win one".
Karl
 

My Computer My Computer

At a glance

MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bitAMD A10-4600M6.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-12-28)AMD Radeon HD 7660G
Computer Manufacturer/Model Number
Toshiba Satellite S875D-S7239 laptop
OS
MS Windows 7 Ultimate SP1 64-bit
CPU
AMD A10-4600M
Motherboard
AMD Pumori (Socket FT1)
Memory
6.00 GB Dual-Channel DDR3 @ 798MHz (11-11-12-28)
Graphics Card(s)
AMD Radeon HD 7660G
Sound Card
High Definition Audio Device
Monitor(s) Displays
Generic PnP Monitor (1600x900@60Hz)
Screen Resolution
1600x900@60Hz
Hard Drives
SSD 119GB Corsair CSSD-V128GB2 ATA Device
Keyboard
Standard PS/2 Keyboard
Mouse
HP Wireless Optical Mobile Mouse Model FHA-3410
Internet Speed
What the local pub, local coffee shop offers.
Other Info
Optical Drive:MATSHITA BD-CMB UJ160B ATA Device


Also have an Asus ha1002xp netbook with Win 7 Ultimate installed.
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