Vista backup problem... need some guidance

[jj1492]

Hi all. I'll keep this brief. I hosed my Vista installation (BSOD on every boot in normal and safe modes). So, using the restore disk, I created a backup of the files on my C:\. I stored them on my second HD which is labelled as D:\. Now, Vista is reloaded and happy. However, when I go into the Backup and Control Center > Restore Files > Advanced Restore, the only radio button available to me is "Files from a backup made on a different computer". So, I click next, and it asks where the backed up files are. I choose D:\ and it tells me that "Windows was not able to find any backup sets". I can see the files in Explorer. There is one .exe and a bunch of .fbw files. Now, this .exe lauches an HP program called Recovery Manager (naturally, this is an HP Pavillion DV9000 notebook). It says it is a "wizard that will help you restore files that you backed up earlier". When I click next, it asks me to "insert the last disc to continue the restore wizard". However, I created no discs, they're on the hard drive and I cannot choose to browse or anything of the sort. So in other words, I have two programs where I cannot get access to my backed up files. I will build a shrine in your honor if you can help me resolve this!

 

[bsobel]

That HP program isn't part of Vista. Sounds like when you boot the recovery disk your seeing the hidden second partition your OEM (HP Im guessing) put on the drive. That isn't the 'D' drive you backed up to earlier, did you see if it got mounted as 'E'?

 

[jj1492]

The recovery partition gets mounted as E:\. MY second hard drive gets mounted as D:\. It looks more and more like a data corruption issue. I repeated the process, but just backed up internet favorites and settings and using the .exe that gets created, it asks me what I would like to restore instead of asking for the last disc. So, unless someone knows how to open .fbw files, I think I might be screwed.

 

[Smilin]

No idea

Vista full backup backs up to .VHD. The Filebackup backs up to a structure of standard .zip files and creates a catalog to make the mass-restore process work. If the UI is crapping you can always dig into the .zips (yuck!) but it doesn't sound like you are actually using Vista backup.