Windows 7 Restore problems

Question

I have a problem that seems to be preventing me from restoring a disk image that I made with the Windows 7 RC before installing Windows 7 Ultimate that I purchased. I made a backup of my files and such using Windows Backup and Restore centre with the RC version of 7. However, since upgrading to the retail version of 7 ultimate, I can not restore any of the files made in the backup.

When I go to to select the restore image,  I get the following error message:

"Windows was not able to load the selected backup for the following reason:

There is a problem with the backup catlog. Restore from a different backup or create new, full backup (0x810000E3)

Verify that this location is valid and try again, or consider choosing a different backup."

Anyone any ideas as to why this is not working.

Answer 1

Hi boyle.james,

If you have created a backup with the Release Candidate, you will not be able to restore it on your computer.

Since you have created a System Image, you will not be able to restore it on your Full edition.

However, you can try the below steps to check if you are able to restore the files.

1. Click start and type “Backup and Restore Center” in search box and press Enter.
2. Click on the Advanced Restore link under “Restore Files” button.
3. A new window titled “Backup Status and Configuration” will open.
4. Click “Advanced restore” to continue to next step.
5. In the this step, select “Files from a backup made on different computer” and click Next.
6. A new window will ask you to select the source drive/network share where the backup is located.
7. Select the first option and select your partition/removable media where the backup is located and click Next.
8. After searching through the selected drive, a list of backups present on your drive will be presented to you.
9. Select the most relevant one and click Next.
10. Here you would be asked to select Files/Folders that you want to be restored. If you want to perform complete restore, select "Restore everything in this backup" and click Next or choose the files that you want to restore.
11. Next you would be asked to choose the destination drive/folder where you want to restore your backup. Select one and click continue.

When you insert the backup disk:

1. Right click on the disc and click on Explore.
2. You will find the backup file with the extension .bkf
3. Copy this file to some location on your computer.
4. Follow the above steps from the advanced settings and give this location when you try to do an ‘Advance Restore’.

Hope this helps you.

Regards, Manasa P - Microsoft Support.