How do I Replace Missing Windows 7 Backup Folder Files

[gopher22]

Today I discovered that my Windows\winsxs\backup folder is empty and I need to replace the files.

I did my semi-annual “Create a System Image” onto an external drive, then decided to also create a System Repair Disc. While the repair disc was being created, the process failed most likely to one or more corrupt files.

It was at this point that I found my windows\winsxs\backup folder was empty.

I do have the original Windows 7 OEM install disc. Is there any way to easily extract, copy or whatever the missing files from the install disc back into the backup folder?

If my question has been answered elsewhere in the forum, please direct me accordingly.

Thanks in advance.

Peter B.

 

[gopher22]

I guess no-one here can help with this problem.

 

[Layback Bear]

With problem like yours this is what I would do.

Read Brinks tutorial and see if is what you are looking for.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/3413-repair-install.html

Sorry it to so long to get to your threadand welcome to our forum.

From post #1.

I do have the original Windows 7 OEM install disc.

That is good but make sure you still have the COA key because you will need it.

 

[gopher22]

Thanks Bear, I will read the tutorial and give it a go later tomorrow. In the mean time, we are getting ready for Erika which is heading our way. Need more gas for the standby Jenny.

Peter B.

 

[carwiz]

I suspect you will need to do a clean install of Windows if you don't have a Restore Point prior to its removal. A repair install won't restore the Backup folder. That will also get rid of whatever utilities or malware you have loaded to "clean Windows" which most likely caused the problem. You shouldn't be tampering with any files in the Winsxs folder including the subfolder Backup. This is handled by Windows when you uninstall or update software and contains previous versions of software. The Backup folder has nothing to do with usual system backup functions and does not contain "copies" of current software.

 

[gopher22]

I suspect you will need to do a clean install of Windows if you don't have a Restore Point prior to its removal. A repair install won't restore the Backup folder. That will also get rid of whatever utilities or malware you have loaded to "clean Windows" which most likely caused the problem. You shouldn't be tampering with any files in the Winsxs folder including the subfolder Backup. This is handled by Windows when you uninstall or update software and contains previous versions of software. The Backup folder has nothing to do with usual system backup functions and does not contain "copies" of current software.

I tried to create a System Repair Disc and not doing a backup, that was completed earlier. While the repair disc was being created, the process failed due to one or more corrupt system files. I ran SFC/SCANNOW but it could not fix anything due to the fact that the files in winsxs and in the subfolder were missing. It is these files I need to restore or copy back to the folder.

I do not know when they disappeared, so going back to an earlier restore point is not an option. If I invoked a restore point from a year ago, that would wipe out all changes made in the last year.

 

[Layback Bear]

You stated this.

I do have the original Windows 7 OEM install disc.

That will work quit well and even better than a Repair Disc.

If you can't do a repair with that you have two choices as i see it.

By Brink:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/2083-system-repair-disc-create.html

From the tutorial

Information
This will show you how to create a Windows 7 system repair disc to be able to use to boot to system recovery options to help recover your Windows 7 installation if you don't have a Windows installation disc, can't find your Windows installation disc, or can't access the recovery options provided by your computer manufacturer.

A system repair disc is not able to install Windows 7.

Repair Install
Clean Install

 

[carwiz]

All the "repair" procedures use the Winsxs files. (SRD and SFC.) If Winsxs files are corrupt or missing, repair is not an option unless retrieved from prior repair files. Restore Points use a separate hidden folder called System Volume Information.

I may have misspoke when I said a Windows Repair Install would not recreate the Backup folder. It may; However, it most likely can't contain recent roll-back files. I'm not tech-savvy on how/where Repair Install will check for historic files but it's probably your best option here.

You will need your original Windows Install Disc then follow this Tutorial for Repair Install.

 

[carwiz]

Ops! I was typing while Bear was posting.

 

[gopher22]

I will post a followup when I get to give the suggestions a go. It may be a while though, have some other pressing matters to take care of first.

Thanks for the advice ans suggestions.