Backup and Restore: There are no backups available at this location

Hello there.

When running SFC /scannow the other day because my iTunes was not working, I disovered that I had corrupt files. Using all the brilliant advice from this site, I was able to do a repair install.

Once bitten twice shy as they say. I decided to use the Windows 7 Ultimate Backup and Restore feature so that if I ever had corrupt files again, I could simply restore from this backup. I plan on having the backup updated weekly.

Once the first backup was created to a separate drive in the machine yesterday, I wanted to test the restore process. So I changed the settings to Daily so that I had something to test the incremental backup with. In the Control Panel, I can see that the last backup was at 1 pm today. When creating the backup (and this is where my problem is, I think) I only created an image of my drive. That is, when setting up the backup, I did not have a tick anywhere. The Contents row in the control panel shows only 'System image'.

When I click on 'Restore my files', I get the message: There are no backups available at this location. You can go to the Backup and Resore Control Panl and select a different backup location.

Is this because in order for me to access the system image, I need to create a system repair disc and boot from that? I assume that the 'Restore my files' button only works when the backup contains data files and folders.

The strange thing is that when I look at the Date Modified column of the WindowsImageBackup, the date shown is 16 April 2012, the day before when the backup was first created.

So I am not sure that my backup procedure is working. Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

I prefer using Acronis or Macrium for image backups.
They offer more control than Windows Backup.
I've never had a problem with them.

Macrium has a free version.
Acronis has a free version if you have a WD or Seagate HD.

I also use and trust Full backups, but incrementals will save disk space.

As you just re-installed, give these a try...

Take a look at this SF tutorial.
Imaging with free Macrium

DavidE, This is a crap solution to propose non windows apps such as Acronis or Macrium to rectify the problem. What is required is a solution to the error message "Backup and Restore: There are no backups available at this location" preventing the use of Windows Backup and restore.

You can bang your head against the wall on this if you want, but Dave's advice is sound. Just use Macrium, it is more reliable than the built in windows backup sorry to say. I have dozens and dozens of backup and restores with Macrium without a hitch - and it is fast. This is after suffering numerous headaches with windows backup. Like you said once bitten twice shy. Macrium reflect is a quality product with more features than than the windows backup. I think you may have to buy the commercial version for incremental (to image) backups. I don't know, I don't use incremental feature anymore; disk is cheap and fast and I can do a full image backup on the live system in < 5 minutes.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The point of this post has always been about finding a solution to this error message "Backup and Restore: There are no backups available at this location"

If the solution given is to purchase another product instead to bypass this error message I don't see the point in raising this post in the first place.

Windowsbackup works very well so I don't see why we should advice someone to fork another 50 Euros for a product that will end up doing exactly the same job with a nicer user interface.

I am sure that there is someone on this planet that knows how to fix this error message "Backup and Restore: There are no backups available at this location"

Ironically I have the same problem and I will not purchase Acronis or Macrium to rectify the problem because Microsoft already provides such tool with their operating systems.

I think it is just a matter of time that someone from around the global will come up with a solution...

Let's wait patiently and see

windowsuserinbo said:

Ladies and gentlemen,

The point of this post has always been about finding a solution to this error message "Backup and Restore: There are no backups available at this location"

If the solution given is to purchase another product instead to bypass this error message I don't see the point in raising this post in the first place.

Windowsbackup works very well so I don't see why we should advice someone to fork another 50 Euros for a product that will end up doing exactly the same job with a nicer user interface.

I am sure that there is someone on this planet that knows how to fix this error message "Backup and Restore: There are no backups available at this location"

Ironically I have the same problem and I will not purchase Acronis or Macrium to rectify the problem because Microsoft already provides such tool with their operating systems.

I think it is just a matter of time that someone from around the global will come up with a solution...

Let's wait patiently and see

I never suggested purchasing another product.
FREE versions of Acronis and Macrium are available as stated in Post #2.
AOEMI also has a FREE version and many people feel that is the best Backup program.
I didn't know about AOEMI when I posted over 2 years ago.
Best Free Backup Software for Windows 8.1, Windows 8, Windows 7, Vista, XP

I used Windows Backup when Win 7 was released over 5 years ago.
I didn't care for it for a number of reasons so I don't use it, and can't do any testing to try and re-create this error and find a solution.

The Windows Backup Image must be in the same location and named the same as when the Image was created when you want to restore it.
If you have moved or renamed the image, maybe that is causing this error ??? (just guessing here)

If you want to use Windows built in Backup here is a tutorial by Brink you might find helpful:
Backup Complete Computer - Create an Image Backup

The OP never replied to my post, so there is no way of knowing if the OP found the cause/solution of the error message, decided to use Acronis or Macrium, or ...