Backup and restore cannot locate my external HD yet icon is visible

If your PC is not booting then work through these steps for Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Boot

hi guys. i have had a refreshing weekend now ready to sort this pc out! have updated profile and here are screen shots.

hi karl, the files are as is. i have simply attached whatever was saved from that tool. will try to boot with no devices attached now. i am sure it will boot fast because it usually only takes a very long time when off for awhile. will see anyway...

edit - as suspected, unplug all external devices (mouse and another keyboard) shutdown. turn on and boot begins immediately. i will turn off and leave for a few hours and try again.

are you assuming the files have been edited because there is nothing in the pc? i have done (or tried to) do a clean install remember.

i have reinstalled windows. sorry 'nothing' meaning next to nothing... no offense guys but i wonder if you are reading from the top of this thread. my trouble is i have done a clean reinstall yet cannot access my ex hd which has my backup file so i can return it to how i left it.

the boot issue is not my greatest concern, but of course i want to sort that out. really just want my old pc back! : (

ok, i will try again. but the reason i intitially decided to do a clean reinstall was because; first, usb devices not being read and second, boot times begin to take 10mins, 40mins, a few hours etc.

i did the clean reinstall twice with same issue (cannot find restore file). i have a 'windowsbackupimage' file in my ex HD that cannot be found by the restore tool. please tell me that is the correct backup file.

my ex HD appears and has a letter (H) expansion drive. see images

ok i may have solved the restore issue. and if so please accept my humble APOLOGIES for wasting anyone's time (golden, karl or greg!).

i am currently restoring pc from system image in my ex HD (usb 3). i missed the option 'recover system settings on your computer'. i was clicking the 'select another backup to restore files from' link.

i used an installation disk and product key for the reinstall.

have run the malwarebytes, no issues.

i only created a system image for backup. i did drag some individual files to save but thought the system image would save everything. is that correct? or have i lost some files? (photos etc). i did drag and save cherished items and have this little netbook with things on it. but i'm hoping the system image will restore everything. am i wrong?

cheers.

oh, and yes the boot issue. as i am now waiting for re-image to complete i will have to tackle that issue later. i am assuming it will occur again. if it is happening after clean install could it be a power issue? although it is plugged in.