Image Restore can't find Backup Image

mjf · 11 Apr 2012

For me Windows imaging has worked flawlessly for multiple imaging and restores to existing and new HDDs on two completely different PCs. That is not to say that some people have issues.

If you copy an image folder across HDDs or partition boundaries then this involves a physical copy of data and not just a directory change. I would not recommend this as you need to transfer GBs of data. More importantly if you have made multiple images with the "Backup and Restore" to the same WindowsImageBackup folder you are relying on shadow storage disk space to store difference imaging.

So I recommend you only use the "Create a System Image" button and only work with single images. Do not include Winsows imaging as part of your backup configuration. Delete them, rename them, move them within partition boundaries is fine as long as the image you wish to reimage is renamed and moved to the root of a partition as "WindowsImageBackup".

You can also use very reliable (free and paid versions) products like Macrium Reflect.

damarques · 17 Apr 2012

I have the same issue as Gryphyn.

I've been merrily backing up my laptop (win 7 pro) over the network using Windows Backup. I included a System Image with the regular backup.

The other day Windows starting hanging, and I ended up having to do a factory reset (it's a Lenovo, so that was available in the recovery environment)

So now I am trying to restore my latest system image but it is not so easy!
I figured out how to install my ethernet driver while in Recovery mode so that it could browse the network location but it either gives me the 'enumerating backup' error, or just silently fails. I've tried putting everything in the root of my backup drive, and sharing the root. Didn't work.

So then I tried copying everything from the network backup directory to an external USB drive. I can browse this while in recovery mode, but the Re-imaging program will not see it.

The structure of the external drive is:

G:\
-> \WindowsImageBackup
----> \LAPTOP
-> \LAPTOP
-> MediaId.bin

From what i've read on this forum, that structure is valid, and Windows should see it.

Can anyone shed any more light on this?
Any help greatly appreciated!!
I'd like to avoid reinstalling everything

Thanks

mjf · 17 Apr 2012

Many people here aren't a great fan of Windows inbuilt imaging. However, I use it all the time with total success so far - lucky me.

My suggestion: The Windows 7 OS is not bad and I wouldn't ditch it over this. I use free Macrium Reflect as well. It has great support on this forum. Give it a go if you haven't tried it already.
Macrium Reflect FREE Edition - Information and download

Note: you will need to do a one time download of the Windows WAIK tools (1.7GB) to make the recovery pe Rescue DVD. Macrium holds your hand through the process.