I have copied my system image files to my external HDD and now need to restore. However, Win 7 cannot see these files since I moved them onto my external HDD and then copied them back into the folder: windowsimagebackup. Note: I had a problem with my data drive where the windows images were stored, which required a disk format... and had to copy the data off. Then I deleted the drive and formatted it, then copied the data back. This has now caused the problem. I have looked at the security settings as I realise there may be some difference but I cannot find anything major. If I make a new system image file Win 7 can find this however, the previous one that was moved onto the external HDD and copied back cannot be found by the system. IT must be possible to copy this file to a back up disk in case of failure/prob Note I have a number of system image files including the vanilla build of my system, I would like to be able to use this in the case of any problems to be able to restore the system back to day one. Any help gratefully received. Many thanks. Simon

Hi Simon, The Complete System image is tied to the hard disk GUID, because the Backup versions are stored in Shadow Volume Information directory, copying the WindowsImageBackup directory won’t copy the Backup versions, it is not supported. Currently you need to extract the backup and manually copy your personal files to restore. Reference: How to Manually Restore Files Backed Up Using Windows Backup Best Regards Dale Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.