Odd Problem when trying to backup System Partition??

[Gazjam]

Hi from sunny Scotland UK!
First post.

I've been trying to back up my fresh install of Windows 7 using in build Backup tools and have run into a problem.

Previously in my installation, I had my Swapfile split between the C Drive(System) and my D Drive (Seperate HDD).
I tried to backup my Windows install but both these drives came up as needing to be backed up to make Windows run...not just the C Drive.

I thought..AH!
Its because the D Drive is registered in Windows as being used for the Swapfile...so I'll just disable that in Windows settings (use C Drive only), reboot and all should be ok.

Uhm...no.

Thinking again I searched the registry for any Non C Drive entries relating to the Swapfile, found a couple and edited them out.
That should do it, just a reboot.

No...same problem.
The D Drive is 1TB and I dont have the space to back THAT up!
I've ran out of ideas....can anyone help please?


Thanks.

 

[Hannibal001]

Why not just image the drive c instead of useing back-up ??

 

[Gazjam]

Thanks,

its my first time backing up Win 7...how can I do that?
Sorry for being slow!

 

[Tepid]

Quite honestly, the back up utility in windows is still lacking. Not recommended.
There are several free alternatives that are very good and much more powerful.

Macrium Reflect

Then check this for a tutorial on using it.

I have not used it much myself, but it is recommended by several people here.

 

[Gazjam]

thanks very much!

I found the reason for the original problem?
Both drives C and D classed as Windows drives?

The Bios....
Yup, because the drive boot order of my BIOS made the D drive(Backup) boot forst, Windows wrote a Boot loader to it...

Every days a school day...

 

[SIW2]

You can change that easily.

Post a screenshot of Disk Management Window.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/9733-how-post-screenshot-seven-forums.html

 

[Gazjam]

Oh dear what a bad time ive just had!

I deleted the boot files on the D drive? Thinking I would just do a startup repair?
Windows wouldnt boot - BOOTMGR is missing

Spent ages looking at BCDedit options, Bootsect /nt60 commands, bootrec switches..all to no avail.
Startup repair did not work...Errors like "Bad Disk" and "Startuprepair Offline"

Thanks God for my Ubuntu Linux "emergency get online" CD.
A bit of Google-Fu later and...

Know what caused teh original problem....?
the bios!

Boot order of my hard drives had changed, and the non system Drive was booting first.
Windows decided to put a boot loader on there...and that what was screwing everything up.

Everydays a schoolday I guess....Windows 7 floored by "old skool" BIOS.

Thanks very much for the help....it helped!

 

[SIW2]

If you had posted the screenshot as requested - could have sorted the whole thing out in a few seconds.

I assume it's all working now?

 

[Gazjam]

HI
hadnt noticed your post till this morning which was after I fixed it last night!

Lots of head scratching and frustration, but the good thing is I know how to fix it if it happens again.

Thanks for all the help guys, appreciated.

Gaz.