127GB System Image but says empty folder?

[redrooster01]

My desktop HP P6-2203a has only 1 hard drive bracket but Ive crammed another 1TB WD Blue Caviar in there for backups.(it stays cool) Ive just noticed when I ran my mouse over the system image text it said empty folder but when I opened up manage space in backup and restore, it said system image 127GB? I did a clean install of win 7 not long ago and it didn't work out too well when it came to restoring my documents, photos and pictures.They weren't their just the empty folders?All my downloads were there though.Is there something here I can fix! or is it OK and I should leave it alone?

 

[GokAy]

I know not the answer you are looking for but, would you consider switching to the free Macrium Reflect which many use here without any issues?

 

[redrooster01]

I know not the answer you are looking for but, would you consider switching to the free Macrium Reflect which many use here without any issues?

I know not what you speak! What is this mysterious Macrium Reflect to wit you allude?

 

[GokAy]

It is an backup and imaging software - Macrium Reflect Free

And here is a tutorial http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html

 

[redrooster01]

It is an backup and imaging software - Macrium Reflect Free

And here is a tutorial http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/73828-imaging-free-macrium.html

I already have the system image backup on my hard drive according to Backup and Restore,the problem is that when I open the backup HDD and I mouse over System Image it says Folder Empty? So its there on the HDD its just not registering on the System Image Folder.Is there some way I can move it to the System Image folder so it will work properly? I had a look at Macrium Reflect,it said its to be used with an external HDD,mine is internal?

 

[GokAy]

It can work with either. I have my laptop imaged with Macrium and no problems what so ever. And I am sorry I have no idea about your current issue.

 

[redrooster01]

It can work with either. I have my laptop imaged with Macrium and no problems what so ever. And I am sorry I have no idea about your current issue.

OK, thankyou for the idea GokAy,Ill give it a try and see how it goes.

 

[mjf]

when I ran my mouse over the system image text it said empty folder

If you are saying Windows Explorer reports [WindowsImageBackup] as "empty". That is normal and it isn't empty. The folder should actually contain a very large vhd file. You can attach the system image using this tutorial and check.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/24771-system-image-extract-files-using-disk-management.html

You might want to still look at free Macrium Reflect as an additional more flexible imaging software as suggested.

 

[redrooster01]

when I ran my mouse over the system image text it said empty folder

If you are saying Windows Explorer reports [WindowsImageBackup] as "empty". That is normal and it isn't empty. The folder should actually contain a very large vhd file. You can attach the system image using this tutorial and check.
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/24771-system-image-extract-files-using-disk-management.html

You might want to still look at free Macrium Reflect as an additional more flexible imaging software as suggested.

I tried the (VHD files) but it didn't work either? Its only showing image backups from 14/6/2015? I then went to computer clicked on F drive,(my backup drive) and clicked on backup image MediaID 11/01/2015,it then it opened at 14/06/2015 files again? I distinctly remember doing a system image backup on 11/01/2015 but the only reference is MediaID and it wont open in internet explorer or Adobe reader? This is too much of a hassle to worry about anymore,I think Ill just put up with it because at least I have a recent backup,I just hope its going to work if I ever need it? Thanks for taking the trouble to try and help me out I appreciate it.

 

[GokAy]

This is too much of a hassle to worry about anymore,I think Ill just put up with it because at least I have a recent backup,I just hope its going to work if I ever need it?

Why risk it like this? Use Macrium and be done with it. You should see the amount of threads here that could have been easily fixed with proper imaging.

Wish you the best, whatever you choose.

 

[redrooster01]

This is too much of a hassle to worry about anymore,I think Ill just put up with it because at least I have a recent backup,I just hope its going to work if I ever need it?

Why risk it like this? Use Macrium and be done with it. You should see the amount of threads here that could have been easily fixed with proper imaging.

Wish you the best, whatever you choose.

I'm 62 y/o and wasn't bought up using computers so it gets too complicated for me to work this stuff out.I'm self taught with the help of Google and Wiki but when it comes to things like this,I have no-where to go.Even with a tutorial I'm like a fish out of water. LOL

 

[GokAy]

If that's the issue just ask us I am going out now and won't be home for possibly until 23-24:00.

In the meanwhile can you post Disk Management screenshot please? http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/274797-disk-management-post-screen-capture-image.html as described in the tutorial.

(How to attach a screenshot here http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-screenshots-files-upload-post-seven-forums.html)

 

[mjf]

redrooster01,
Windows has 2 very different file backup mechanisms under "Backup and Restore". One is for personal file/folder type backup and the other is system imaging. I think this does confuse those who "just want to get the job done".

You may really find Macrium easier. I think playing around with it is well worth your time and look at the tutorials. Lots of people here will help you out.
BTW 62 y/o is the new middle age bracket - it really isn't that hard.

 

[hazel123]

I've just had the same thing. I have a Transcend 1TB usb hard drive for my system images. I've just made one of a new install and it is showing an empty folder on the Transcend. Also all the other folders are showing as empty (system images of other computers). Now I'm wondering if they have always been empty and it just doesn't work! Or is my Transcend losing stuff? Unlikely as this is a newly done one on a new installation.

I definitely selected 'make a system image' and definitely selected the Transcend as the drive to use. Does anyone know why or how this can happen. I doubt there actually is anything in the folders as when I look at properties it says 0 bytes.

I did try Macrium once but it didn't work - I probably had the wrong usb cables or something.