Image restore without Windows installed

[LM2008]

Can i still restore a system image (with Windows Backup & Restore appplication) if i don't have a Windows 7 installed? i want to install a new hard drive and avoid the hassle of installing the OS and then restore.

 

[DavidE]

If you want to use the Windows built in utility, see if this tutorial by Brink helps:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/675-system-image-recovery.html

If you can still boot Windows with the old HD, you could consider using Macrium free to "transfer the OS" to the new HD.
Here is a tutorial by whs:
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/149969-ssd-install-transfer-operating-system.html
It's for transferring from a HD to SSD, but the same concepts apply to transferring from a HD to a new HD.

The built in Windows utility is more "finicky" in how it works and what it does...
I recommend using Macrium or some other 3rd party imaging utility, they offer more options and control ...
I've "migrated" to a new HD or SSD using Macrium or Acronis, many times.