Re-Install removed Partition with Backup

After spending a week sizing up my partition [J:\] I was able to perform a complete BACKUP (about 180GB). I didn't want to leave anything out.

I reinstalled Windows 7 with the HP disks. I saw that it would re-format, but I didn't know that meant f**REMOVE MY PARTITION** including the BACKUP image!

This BACKUP has many software programs, including one I work with everyday on Virtual XP.

Should I shoot myself or is there any way to retrieve the BACKUP?
Thanks

HP Pavilion dv6
500GB HD
8GB Ram
64 bit
Win 7 Pro

Hello Slick1983.





If the data wasn't over-written during the install then maybe the program at the link below will be a help; be sure post back to keep us informed.


Recuva - Undelete, Unerase, File and Disk Recovery - Free Download

**I am back in business**
I used Easus 5.1 Pro and retreived the Backup zip files, but Windows refused to find them on a restore, so I am unzipping each one (about 200 GB) and I will copy them over to the hard drive. Tedius, but it is good to see my familar files again!

Always save backup externally.

Did you make recovery disks or are you running Recovery partition?

What is your goal in reinstalling factory image but saving a backup image with needed programs?

Hello Slick, glad to see you have found a solution and thanks for the update.

gregrocker said:

Always save backup externally.

Did you make recovery disks or are you running Recovery partition?

What is your goal in reinstalling factory image but saving a backup image with needed programs?

Click to expand...

I'm not sure I understand. I had corrupted my registry and I was having problems opening and using certain applications. My goal was to do a fresh install, hoping this would clear up the registry. Not having used backup before, I assumed I could pick and chose from the backup or, if not use it to undo the restoration and put the computer back to the same state with the problem registry.
I used the factory disk and it reformatted my partition, as well as rewriting the recovery partition, but luckily I have replaced most of my files using EASUS.

Backup should be to an external HD, secondary HD or DVD - never on the same HD.

In the future use System Restore from the WIn7 DVD or Repair CD to restore WIn7 to before registry was messed up. That is what it is for.

You can also save yourself all of the time reinstalling if you save a Win7 backup image externally so you can reimage the HD in 15 minutes if SysRestore or one of the other repair options don't work.