win 2008 R2 boot Cd can't see backup images on local drive

[davecason]

HI,

I want to try to do a windows restore from a valid backup folder.My 2008 R2 Server's C:\ (boot) drive failed I've replaced it and I have installed a new server OS on a new drive that I want to over write .......

That new system can see the old second hard drive I sent all the backups to - it now sees that drive as E:\ - Yep, I have C:\ the new drive - D:\ sys reserved - and E:\ my old backup drive - and I can see the backup folder(s) on the second hard drive when I browse with windows explorer ..... (normal)


When I boot off the 2008 CD I get:


- it loads the CD's file (normal)


- pick language and keyboard (normal)



- I choose repair your computer instead of install now (normal)


- I then see the system recovery options and it says I can restore the "Windows Server 2208 R2" and it shows me the partition size and the fact that its on the E:\ ?! OK! As above during a normal boot - that's right.



- The other radio button says I can "Restore your computer using a system image that you created earlier" (so first - which one do I use?)


- If I pick the default top selection and highlight the "Win Svr 2008 R2" in blue and click next I then see the "Choose recovery tool" window so I pick "System Image Recovery"


- Now it screws up and says it can't find a system image on this computer - WTF!?!


If I hit retry it briefly shows "scanning for system image disks" and then pops back to that same error screen. If I hit cancel then I get a new window that says: Re-Image your computer" and in that it says:



"Select a system image backup" and the radio button is already selected and it says: Select a system image - so next!


So I'm in the window that shows: Location - Most recent system image - Computer


They're all blank, how do I get this this little sod to see the E:\ drive and my 3 valid back up folders!?

The refresh button does nothing to help. I have a feeling that the boot CD has shifted all my drive letters or something - keep reading ......



THATS the main problem!


If I hit the advanced button on the bottom:


It says: Search for a system image on the network ..... or install a driver. Oddly enough if I pick install a driver I then browse to the local PC all the drive letters have SHIFTED but I can see everything!


C:\ - sys reserve
D:\ - sys reserve
E:\ - the new installed C:\ root
F:\ - now my backup drive - I can see the folders there
X: - Boot


Why can't windows backup see my spare hard drive in it with my backups on it? As either the native E:\ or if I explorer the drive F:\ either way - the drive is there! It must be child-proof (grin)



Cheers'
Dave

 

[Laith]

Well, install Windows Server 2008 R2 in the new C:/ drive and go and look if your backup files are still there. If they are not try doing an Previous version.

But what you should note that Windows Server 2008 is outdated and you should probably be running Windows Server 2012.