Can't create system image

[MickDundee]

Hi guys.

I am trying to image my hard drive. I have a Corsair Force 120 SSD.

When I try to back it up onto multiple discs, it doesn't even get past the first one. It seems like it is writing data to the disc, but there's nothing on it. Also it keeps asking me to insert a blank disc and label it disc 1. It can't seem to progress onto further disc numbers.

I recently tweaked the system using the guide on the Black Viper website to optimize performance, and perhaps I turned off a service which the imaging system depends upon, only I'm not sure which one.

Any help would be great.

Cheers

Mick

 

[marsmimar]

Hello Mick and welcome to the Forum.

There has been a long-standing problem with Windows 7 being able to create a system image to disks. People have reported that sometimes a -R disk works while a +R doesn't, or a +RW works and a -RW doesn't. Also, the Win 7 imaging tool seems to have a specific preference for the brand of burner. This is just one Microsoft forum that talks about the disk issue. There are many more.

Problems creating system image onto DVD-RW

I think most people would recommend putting your image on an external hard drive. Prices have come down considerably so you could store multiple images. Also, people recommend updating a system image periodically. It's a lot easier doing that on an external HD rather than using multiple disks. Too much of a chance that one disk may not burn properly and then you can't restore to the image.

 

[richc46]

When I first tried to use a Disc, I made progress to about 45%, then it froze. I was finally forced to shut down via the power button (a no, no). My advice is to use an external hard drive or to use free software like Macrium Reflex to make your image.
http://www.macrium.com/reflectfree.asp

 

[rap33042]

MickDundee:
Welcome to SF!

This is what I do:

• Use a third-party backup solution; Acronis, Macrium, whatever (limit the size(s) of the backups to the medium you plan to use)
• I make the backup to a HDD; granted, macrium, etc, will burn to DVD's, I find it more reliable to send it to the HDD
• I then use ImgBurn to burn it to a DVD/RW

Yes, this is a two-step process, but it works reliably for me. Reliability is important, I think.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

 

[MickDundee]

Hello Mick and welcome to the Forum.

There has been a long-standing problem with Windows 7 being able to create a system image to disks. People have reported that sometimes a -R disk works while a +R doesn't, or a +RW works and a -RW doesn't. Also, the Win 7 imaging tool seems to have a specific preference for the brand of burner. This is just one Microsoft forum that talks about the disk issue. There are many more.

Problems creating system image onto DVD-RW

I think most people would recommend putting your image on an external hard drive. Prices have come down considerably so you could store multiple images. Also, people recommend updating a system image periodically. It's a lot easier doing that on an external HD rather than using multiple disks. Too much of a chance that one disk may not burn properly and then you can't restore to the image.

Thanks Marsmimar, but I don't think that is the issue. I have backed up a number of images on the same DVD drive, using the exact same type of disc, but on a different machine.

Thanks for the link, I'll keep searching for a solution.

Cheers

Mick

 

[etienne]

Hello Mick,

i have exactly the same problem with my HP Elitebook 8540p. And I came to the conclusion that it is not gonna be solved on a short term. On an HP forum I posted the following messages on this issue:
HP Community - Can not create a system image (Elitebook 8540p) - Enterprise Business Community | HP Online Forum

etienne