System Image Failed, but Working?

[RunOrDie]

Hey everyone,

After I ran into a major issue with my laptop, I decided to use my System Image and restore it to the previous state.

After two attempts, both System Images failed. BUT, I am able to use my laptop again, and everything seems to me like it is working fine. But I don't want my laptop to crash on me in the near future.

Is there anything I can do to see if it is actually fixed? And why would it say System Image failed when I am able to use my laptop now?

Thanks in advance!

 

[gregrocker]

Did you use System Image Recovery or System Restore?

Sometimes System Restore will say it failed but actually completes.

Check over your laptop using Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7.

 

[RunOrDie]

Sorry, it was System Image.

Both times, I got the same error message:

"The System Image Restore failed.

Error detail: The requested system device cannot be identitifed due to multiple indistinguishable devices potentially matching the identification criteria. (0xD0000451)"

But all is going fine now, I did rum Malwarebytes and 8 viruses popped up...

 

[gregrocker]

WHere do you have the image stored? Have you moved it? Is it WIn7 backup imaging?

Run Malwarebytes and your AV again until they came up clean.

Then run SFC /SCANNOW Command to see if system files were damaged.

I'd also complete the Troubleshooting Steps for Windows 7 to know you went over thoroughly.

 

[RunOrDie]

My System Image was stored on my external HDD. It was never moved. I made it through Windows 7.

I am currently running Microsoft Security Essentials. Will run SFC /SCANNOW Command next.

What happens is errors pop up?

 

[gregrocker]

I'd handle the error the same way it says to handle repeat errors in the logs: google the text and any identifying number to see how others have resolved it. I've not heard of it before, but if it's out there then Google has heard of it.

 

[RunOrDie]

Ok, no viruses from full scan via Microsoft Security Essentials. Also, no problems when running SFC /SCANNOW Command.

Is this considered weird? When the System Image Restore says failed, but everything seems to be running normally.

 

[RunOrDie]

That's the thing, I can't find anything through Google about my specific error...:s

 

[gregrocker]

There are weaknesses in Win7 backup imaging we've seen here all along.

When I highlight the error text in your quote above, rightclick to search with Google, it returns no results other than this thread. So it is an odd error, maybe unknown to now.

Did you try re-imaging from the booted Win7 installer? If not I would try that.

Make sure System Restore is turned on and has plenty of disk space apportioned since that should be a first line of defense before resorting to re-imaging. System Protection - Change Disk Space Usage

You can try saving another Win7 backup image to see if it works better, try another free imaging app like Macrium - Image your system. If you have a WD or Seagate drive, their free Acronis apps are excellent. WD Acronis free cloning app

 

[RunOrDie]

I tried the System Image Restore first from my USB Repair/Recovery Disk. And after that restore, I had the Boot Mode options etc.

Then I just restored again using the same System Image using my USB Repair/Recovery Disk.

How do I restore from "the booted Windows 7 installer"

 

[gregrocker]

Is this a System Repair Disk?

How was it written to stick?

Use the booted Win7 installer. That is the DVD or stick used to install WIn7 from boot. It's available in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

I had asked you before if you followed the steps exactly in System Image Recovery which show how to use the disks to do this 3. From the System Recovery Options Screen at Boot.

 

[RunOrDie]

Is this a System Repair Disk?

How was it written to stick?

Use the booted Win7 installer. That is the DVD or stick used to install WIn7 from boot. It's available in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7.

I had asked you before if you followed the steps exactly in System Image Recovery which show how to use the disks to do this 3. From the System Recovery Options Screen at Boot.

I used an ISO bootable USB with the Repair Disk on it. I then followed the steps from the System Recovery Options screen.

But it seems to be running normally....But is it actually? :sarc:

 

[gregrocker]

I asked you how it was written to stick. I've not seen this work correctly except once. The Repair stick would be in question.

This is why we suggest burning the installer ISO to flash stick in Troubleshooting Windows 7 Failure to Start to do repairs.

 

[RunOrDie]

Well basically, the Repair Disk was made into a bootable USB as my laptop doesn't have the DVD Drive (I replaced DVD with 2nd HDD).

At that time, my laptop could not boot. so I had to have either the Windows 7 ISO or the Repair Disk ISO. And so, I decided to make the Repair Disk ISO as it is smaller in size and does the same thing, which is for me to access the Recovery options.

 

[gregrocker]

What did you use to write the Repair Disk ISO to flash stick?

I would try re-imaging with the booted WIn7 installer provided in Clean Reinstall - Factory OEM Windows 7

 

[RunOrDie]

I used PowerIso. I don't think its the USB's fault.
After the first restore when it said unsuccessful, I had Recovery Options when i turned on my laptop, so i used the laptops built in Recovery Options.

 

[gregrocker]

The built in Recovery Options using F8 Advanced Boot Options will not often successfully reimage the OS. But normally you'd get a prompt to reboot into Installation DVD.

I would not trust a repair flash stick as I've only seen it work once.

Try with the WIn7 installation flash stick System Recovery Options which I've provided you repeatedly.

 

[RunOrDie]

Even tough everything seems to be running perfectly, should I attempt to use my System Image following your instructions?

 

[gregrocker]

Just to see if it will queue up. No need to apply the image unless you want it more, or have another HD to test it with this HD unplugged.