[VISTA] Windows restore failure to formatted HDD

Edm-Oilers · 15th April 2010, 1:20 AM

Hi Folks,

I need some help or advice with Windows backup and restore on a Vista Ultimate laptop. I figure this has been seen before by OCAU members and probably solved so here goes.

1. I purchased full version of Win 7 and proceeded to upgrade my Asus N50vn from Vista Ultimate to 7. Prior to doing so i performed a full PC Backup to a WD USB HDD 320Gb. Vista backup reported a succesful backup with HDD showing the 79GB package.

2. After installing Win 7 i attempted to restore the Vista backup/files to Win 7. The restore recognises the USB HDD but reports it cannot find the backup image, even though i can see it when i open the HDD.

3. I then decided to re-format the HDD and re-install Vista Ultimate, figuring i would re-image the HDD and get my most important files and licence keys etc off the drive for using later and scrapping the 78gb image. I re-installed and went through the Vista restore files etc and only to be presented with the same message "cannot find the backup". I tried using the restore from another PC tab which allows me to select the drive but same error ensues.

Its driving me crazy because i believe i have done the backup correctly as per MS instructions yet still no joy. I have done some digging through Google and it appears to have occured quite often but no-one has posted a resolution hence my question in here.

The backup string appears correct and i cant think of anything else to do except forget it and start from scratch but alot of data is here that i need.

If anyone knows of the fix for this issue could you please post something as it would be most appreciated.

TIA,

Edm-Oilers

ruffy01 · 17th April 2010, 12:53 AM

I've never used Windows backup but just a couple of thoughts.

I regularly use Acronis backup software and the latest release, Acronis True Image Home 2010, has an option to convert Windows images to Acronis images.
It may be able to salvage your backup.

As to why your image is corrupt; maybe trying to restore it using Win7 when it was created by Vista caused a problem?
I probably need to have a closer look at Windows backup......or not

Good luck,
Ruffy

Edm-Oilers · 17th April 2010, 2:28 AM

Thanks for the info on Acronis, i appreciate it. It's worth a shot as i have nothing to lose now, the data is still stored on the USB HDD so its not going anywhere, i could try moving it to a partioned drive and trying to open with acronis.

I have done more digging in Google forums and its seems to have occured to a helluva lot of people, especially after backing up on Vista. I tried again last night just to be met with the dreaded "cannot find backed up data". Its sees the USB Drive but wont read anything on it.

Very odd indeed.

15th April 2010, 1:20 AM	#1
Edm-Oilers Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canberra/Canada(temp) Posts: 14	Windows restore failure to formatted HDD Hi Folks, I need some help or advice with Windows backup and restore on a Vista Ultimate laptop. I figure this has been seen before by OCAU members and probably solved so here goes. 1. I purchased full version of Win 7 and proceeded to upgrade my Asus N50vn from Vista Ultimate to 7. Prior to doing so i performed a full PC Backup to a WD USB HDD 320Gb. Vista backup reported a succesful backup with HDD showing the 79GB package. 2. After installing Win 7 i attempted to restore the Vista backup/files to Win 7. The restore recognises the USB HDD but reports it cannot find the backup image, even though i can see it when i open the HDD. 3. I then decided to re-format the HDD and re-install Vista Ultimate, figuring i would re-image the HDD and get my most important files and licence keys etc off the drive for using later and scrapping the 78gb image. I re-installed and went through the Vista restore files etc and only to be presented with the same message "cannot find the backup". I tried using the restore from another PC tab which allows me to select the drive but same error ensues. Its driving me crazy because i believe i have done the backup correctly as per MS instructions yet still no joy. I have done some digging through Google and it appears to have occured quite often but no-one has posted a resolution hence my question in here. The backup string appears correct and i cant think of anything else to do except forget it and start from scratch but alot of data is here that i need. If anyone knows of the fix for this issue could you please post something as it would be most appreciated. TIA, Edm-Oilers Last edited by Edm-Oilers; 15th April 2010 at 1:23 AM. Reason: Spelling mistakes

17th April 2010, 12:53 AM	#2
ruffy01 Member Join Date: May 2005 Location: Geelong Posts: 916	I've never used Windows backup but just a couple of thoughts. I regularly use Acronis backup software and the latest release, Acronis True Image Home 2010, has an option to convert Windows images to Acronis images. It may be able to salvage your backup. As to why your image is corrupt; maybe trying to restore it using Win7 when it was created by Vista caused a problem? I probably need to have a closer look at Windows backup......or not Good luck, Ruffy __________________ E8400@5472: http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=364292 D930@5850: http://valid.x86-secret.com/show_oc.php?id=339642 I used to be indecisive; not so sure anymore.

17th April 2010, 2:28 AM	#3
Edm-Oilers Member Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Canberra/Canada(temp) Posts: 14	Thanks for the info on Acronis, i appreciate it. It's worth a shot as i have nothing to lose now, the data is still stored on the USB HDD so its not going anywhere, i could try moving it to a partioned drive and trying to open with acronis. I have done more digging in Google forums and its seems to have occured to a helluva lot of people, especially after backing up on Vista. I tried again last night just to be met with the dreaded "cannot find backed up data". Its sees the USB Drive but wont read anything on it. Very odd indeed.