Windows 7: Trouble installing windows 7 to new hdd using recovery disk

Just put the file in the root of the external, plug it into the target machine, boot the DVD/Repair CD and follow these steps: System Image Recovery

Under the System Image Recovery selection it tells me that Windows cannot find a system image on this computer. I have my external hard drive with the WindowsImageBackup file in the root directory attached to the computer. It still does not give me that option. So I tried the Select a system image option, but my backup is still not listed.

You've done everything you can then, unless you have Acronis True Image home edition which can convert Windows 7 backup images to Acronis format then you have much more flexibility to work with image.

Otherwise boot the HP Recovery Disks you've made or order from Tech Support, or find a Windows 7 DVD to clean reinstall following these steps to get it perfect: Reinstalling Windows 7

Thanks for your help. I have already tried my recovery disks several times, so I guess I will just have to order a set from HP.

Actually if you can find a Windows 7 intallation DVD it is a much cleaner reinstall without the factory bloatware and useless factory utilities which have better versions built into Windows 7.

You can borrow one from a friend or download from the web to reinstall using the Product Key on COA sticker on your machine. Be sure to get a safe copy by googling "official Windows 7 download at My Digital Life."

Then folllow the steps I linked above to get a perfect reinstall.

I didn't know that you could do that. I am trying to download it right now although it is going very slow. My only concern is what to do once it is downloaded. I am using my laptop. I guess I will need to install it onto disks and then try installing on my now HDD. I will let you know how it goes. Thank you.

Let me try a third time.

Click this link and it explains exactly how to clean reinstall factory OEM: Reinstalling Windows 7

Sorry if it took a while for me to "get it". My problem is solved. After downloading Windows 7 from Mydigitallife.com. I was able to burn it to dvd and load it onto my new HD. It worked great, and I am back up and running. Thanks for much for your time.

Thanks for reporting back. Let us know if anything else comes up.

You can mark the thread Solved at the top.