Issue restoring image with Windows Backup

[BrandonT]

I just replaced a hard drive in my computer and having an issue restoring the backup image of the previous installation to it. The drive is the same model as previously, although maybe a different revision, and the same size (although the former hard drive was also partitioned). I formatted it first so it does not have the 100mb system recovery partition which may be an issue? Anyways after formatting I hooked it up and also hooked up the external drive (USB) with the image, booted off the Win7 disc and went to restore image. It picks the last image correctly, I start the backup process, but it fails right away with an error message about not having a disc that can be restored.

After trying that a few times I decided to install a fresh copy of Win7 and name the computer the same as before, thinking maybe Win7 Backup is looking for that old install. This also failed with the same error as before. Any ideas?

 

[VirtualLarry]

The HD you are restoring to must be the same number of sectors as the HD that was imaged, from what I understand.

 

[BrandonT]

So if I partitioned the original drive, the new one must be partitioned so C: is exactly the same size? How does the 100mb recovery partition factor in to this?

Did other image apps have this? I don't remember it being an issue back when I used Ghost.

 

[SimMike2]

The HD you are restoring to must be the same number of sectors as the HD that was imaged, from what I understand.

I don't think this is true. I think the Windows 7 image backup software is designed to reinstall to different drives.

 

[VirtualLarry]

I don't think this is true. I think the Windows 7 image backup software is designed to reinstall to different drives.

I dunno, I've read that there are issues restoring Win7 image backups to different-sized drives. Especially drives that are smaller than the original drive, but in fact still have enough space for the image file.

 

[deustroop]

I use Casper to clone HDDs. Like a charm, it works.Does not use images, uses a bit for bit copy process. Clones all items on the original drive or selected partitions and will fill new drive with that partition--also formats and makes the new drive active.

 

[BrandonT]

From the guides I've looked at, Win7 should have no problem going to a new drive, as long as it is at least as big as the old drive. Seems there is a hiccup in the restore process though, here are some things to try: http://social.technet.microsoft.com...l/thread/947e2c06-211a-4518-bbd7-7b9e3aee099c

Tomorrow night I'll try again and see where things are going wrong.