Replace Windows 7 With System Image On External Hdd

HELP

 

Joe Ciaravino...

Do you need to restore a system image you made at some point in the past?

 

I have the system image on a HDD. I want to replace the installed windows 7 on my desktop with the system image from the HDD. Do I have to format the C drive first. If so then what do I do next?

 

Joe...

What program did you use to create the image?

You don't need to format the drive to restore a backup image...

 

Microsoft Windows Backup

 

Joe Ciaravino...

If you haven't, yet, you will need to create a "System repair disk". In search bar type backup and select "Backup and Restore Center". Top left select "Create a system repair disk".

You will need a blank CD/DVD to create the disk

Microsoft links:
Create a System repair disk:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/create-a-system-repair-disc

More about the disk:
http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/...ns#what-are-system-recovery-options=windows-7

Once you have created the disk, restart the PC and place the disk in the tray before the PC reboots. When prompted, press a key to run the disk, which will take you to the options screen. Choose "System Image Recovery" to begin the restoration process.

Recommended reading:
http://pcsupport.about.com/od/windows7/ht/system-repair-disc-windows-7.htm

Make sure you place a label on the disk case that reads "Windows 7 Image Restore/Repair" or something of the sort and keep it someplace where it will be at a normal temperature, so that you will have it any time you require it...

Is your backup on the same drive or a remote/secondary drive? If at ALL possible it's best to keep your backups on a remote/secondary drive in case your main drive experiences a mechanical failure. This would make all data on the drive inaccessible, so that you couldn't even restore to a different drive. This is a different situation that the situation of a drive that will not boot into Windows due to failing sectors. In this case, you may still be able to use an image on such a drive...and maybe not, too.

 

ATLBO: Are you saying that I MUST use a CDROM or DVD for the install. Are you certain that I can't transfer from the external HDD, especially given the fact that I'm booting directly into Windows. OR DOES THE CREATION OF A RESCUE DISK ENGAGE AN ENTIRELY DIFFERENT INSTALLATION MENU AND PROTOCOL.

I have succeeded in finding the correct procedure to have the system image on the installation replaced by the one on the external HDD (Drive N) without using a CD ROM.

I proceed with trepidation because the process stops repeatedly with the question: "the file already appears on your installation drive, do you want both copies or do you want to replace it". THIS DOES NOT SOUND LIKE A LOGICAL QUESTION TO ASK ONE WHO IS REPLACING THE ENTIRE SYSTEM IMAGE. So, therefore I halted the installation.

Has anyone done this, and if so please walk me through it as if I'm a complete idiot. Thanks, or should I say "much obliged".

 

Joe Ciaravion...

The rescue disk is just something that is HIGHLY recommended that you create if you have Windows 7. This will give you the ability to restore to a new disk if you cannot boot into Windows. You can restore an image from within Windows (if you can boot into Windows) using the Windows backup program, also. However, with restoring images and backup there are a number of issues to consider, so I am glad you are asking questions.

I feel strongly that it's important that you settle on a single methodology for creating and restoring backups. There are many programs that can create an image, but each creates a different kind of image file and requires its own methodology for restoration. You can't, for example, use Macrium to restore a Windows (.wim) image. Neither could you use Paragon to restore a Image for Windows image. Actually, there are probably some imaging programs that will give the ability to restore a .wim (made by Windows backup), since it is the Windows imaging program. I'm sure someone thought of this. That said, I am not sure which if any of the imaging programs will do this. I know that non-Windows imaging programs cannot restore each other's images.

Since you have started with the Windows imaging program, it's best to with that and stick with it, until you are ready to make a change over...should you decide to do so ever. It is a BIG transition to do this, as you have to be ready to replace your Windows backup .wims with another type of backup and then you will likely have questions about which if any of the .wims to keep and so on. This is important when getting started. Sticking with the one program is always best by far.

The next thing to do is to settle on a drive you will be saving the images to and restoring from. Remember, an image is the entire contents on an entire OS partition. This includes everything in the partition and during restoration also serves the purpose of creating the actual partition for the image if this is required (restoring to a new/replacement drive).

If you aren't familiar with the term partition, this refers to a portion of a hard drive. You can divide drives into segments (partitions) and use the segments for different purposes. Some recommend creating a partition for your personal files as a precaution against losing the files in case you can't boot into Windows. I don't see the point, honestly. Any rescue media will give you access to the files even if you can't boot into Windows. There are other reasons for creating a partition (other than the normal OS partition). One of these is dual booting. This entails creating 2 bootable OS partitions on a single drive. It requires two Windows keys if Windows is used for both partitions and gives you the option during boot to choose which OS installation you would rather boot to. All this in mind, manufacturers, do use partitioning in many cases to create a restore partition on new PCs. In this case, the manufacturer will provide rescue media (for the restoration).

Beyond all of this, I feel it's important to be clear on what you are trying to do before you get started with your restore. I have a few questions about what exactly you are attempting to do so here is what I recommend. Start by typing Disk Management in the search bar. Click on the "Create and format hard disk partitions" to open the dialog. From there, please tell me what is on Disk 0, Disk 1, Disk 2, etc. by partition. Let's make sure, we are going to be restoring the right thing to the right thing before starting. Your Disk Management dialog should look something like the attached picture below.

If you like you could post a picture/screenshot (PrntScrn). I need to know where the backup is located and where you plan to restore the backup. Also, I would like to know the extension of the image file you will be restoring. It should be a .wim file...

The pic is hard to see (sorry), but it is 3 hard drives and 3 cd/dvd drives. Only the first drive is partitioned. It has what is called a "System" partition, and this is normal for a Windows 7 installation partiton. The second and third drives do not have an OS installation on them...

 

Joe Ciaravino...

To focus on your question about the "System repair disk" you can create in Windows 7, this is not a backup that you are creating. This is a program that gives you access to a number of MS/Windows tools that you can use to make repairs to the OS if it is not functioning properly. One of the tools available to you is a tool that makes it possible for you to restore a Windows created image.

Overall, this disk is an amazing tool to have. Being able to boot to what amounts to the Windows backup program without ever entering Windows is very powerful. Create the disk and then take a look. Boot with it in the CD drive, and you will see.

Here, by the way is what the program looks like when the CD runs before Windows opens:



No joke, this menu can really save your bacon if a failed drive won't allow you to start up Windows. You can replace the drive and then restore an image (assuming you have created one) to the new drive. There are other uses for this dialog, but this is the most important one if you are relying on the Windows 7 backup program to create your images...

 

AtlBo,

I looked in my "toolbox" and lo and behold, I found an old repair disk. I booted into it and got the menu you show above. I used it to install the image from my HDD. I'll now see whether this disk image is free of all defects.

Thank you very much for all of your help!

 

Joe Ciaravino...

That's great. Yes, the "System repair disk" tool is invaluable for getting back going when the PC is acting up. Wise of you to have kept it, and to have made an image backup. Let us know if you have any other issues. Hopefully, the restored image will work well for you...

 

The first bug report is in.

Because this backup (image) is from July 2015, I am obviously missing quite a few Windows updates. However, when I try to search for updates, the CPU works very hard, and the "Searching For Updates" dialogue continues on and on and on...........ad infinitum but with zero results. Something seems amiss with Windows Updates. Finally, one way to get the CPU activity to calm down is to end the WUCLT (sic) in Task Mgr.

I will do a web search about this problem while awaiting your possible reply.

 

Joe Ciaravino...

I went through this same thing a few days ago. It will take a couple of hours and maybe longer. I have read that some people think it's all the Windows 10 downloads getting in the way.

What I did was open "Insomnia" which an MS program that can be dowloaded here:

http://www.majorgeeks.com/files/details/insomnia.html

It blocks Windows from sleeping. With it open, I stepped away from the PC for a couple of hours. When I came back the search was finished.

If you're lucky, I would say an hour, based on what I have been reading...

 

Wow!
I'll simply change the "sleep" setting temporarily in power options.
Thank you.

 

Computer is running well. I am satisfied; however, of 55 updates, 6 failed while all the rest were successful. I need some help in getting the 6 failed updates to install.

PS: I have temporarily turned off "Windows Automatic Updates" to keep CPU activity quiet. I like it. I intend to manually check for updates from time to time once I get the current update problem fixed.

 

Please post the 6 failed update KB numbers so I can research them.

 

KB3057154
3042058
3081320
3080079
3101246
3042058
3057154
3121918
3071756
3081320
3080079
3101246
3042058
3057154
3121918
3071756

 

You said 6 failed updates. Why are there 16 items listed?
Are there 16 failed updates?

I don't want to be wasting my time searching when I'm not clear on the exact number of failed updates.

 

Yes, I meant to say 16 failed, not 6.
Thanks.

 

Ok. Let me do some looking.
First your list is a mess! There are repeats. You don't make it easy for someone trying to help you.
3057154 appears in first, seventh and fourteenth place in your list.
3042058 appears at slots 2, 6 and 13
3081320 slots 3 and 10
3080079 slots 4 and 11
3101246 slots 5 and 12
3121918 slots 8 and 15
3071756 slots 9 and 16

I think I have it sorted out. You have 7 failed updates:
3057154, 3042058, 3081320, 3090079, 3101246, 3121918 and 3071756

 

First go here https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/947821
and scroll down to Windows 7 section.
Download the x86 or x64 package and run it. This is the System Update Readiness tools and is used to fix update problems.

Then go here and download the first update in the list if you are running a 64 bit version
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=47764

Does it install?

 

I have 4 Windows 7 computers and the update from May 2015
https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/kb/3042058
was not offered to any of my computers. I just checked optional, installed and hidden and I don't have it. For the moment we'll put that one on hold
I found this KB3042058 requires KB3020369 be installed. I was not offered that April update either. I was offered 302370.

 

If 3057154 installed and you've rebooted, then try to install this
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49586

3080079 from Sept. 2015 is optional. I do not have it installed on any computer. Skip.

If you are running 64 bit go here
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49575
download and install 3101246 from Nov. 2015

and https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=50478
for 3121918 from Jan. 2016

https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=48410
for 3071756 from Aug. 2015

Change your update settings so optional updates are not installed.
My one computer has over 60 optional updates I have never installed and have no problems with the computer.

 

You are absolutely correct!
Sorry, but I never even thought to look for repeat failures.
Makes me feel better that I only need 7 updates instead of 16.

3057154
3042058
3081320
3090079
3101246
3121918
3071756

So can I assume that the updates require prerequisites? If so then if the earliest failed update is solved then most or all of the later ones should install successfully? If that's true, then I'm thinking that 3042058 is the culprit??

 

I have Windows 7 Home Premium, 64 bit version.
I have not yet followed your instructions per post # 21.
Shall I begin?

 

3057154 installed successfully after following instructions post # 21.
This was the only installation shown . There was no list.
How shall I proceed?

 

Okay, next do this
If 3057154 installed and you've rebooted, then try to install 3081320
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49586

and reboot.

If that works, go here
https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=49575
download and install 3101246 from Nov. 2015
and reboot.

That would be 3 installed and 3 more to go because I think skipping 30080079 , an optional one takes the 7 failed down to 6 failed.

I might drop that down to 2 more because I'm still not sure about the 3042058 depends on 3020369. I need to look into that further. I have 4 computers in the house and my notes seem to indicate that none of the four was offered either of those two updates.

 

Security Update for Windows 7 (KB3081320) is only available in x86. No 64 bit version shown on your link. Of course, the x86 version would not install.

 

I went ahead and installed
Security Update for Windows 7 for x64-based Systems (KB3101246)
successfully without installing
Security Update for Windows 7 (KB3081320)

 

I successfully installed 3042058 by using windows update on my computer.

There are now 6 important and 6 optional updates available for my computer.

 

The 6 important updates were successfully installed using Win Update on my computer.
Six optionals left

 

I have successfully installed 14 updates today, which includes all on the list I posted, plus the additional ones that became available over the last few days.

The System Update Readiness Tool which you asked me to install seems to have fixed any issues. Thank you!!!!

A check for available updates now shows Windows 10 and SKYPE For Desktop, neither of which I have any intention of installing. I have hidden both of them.

I have Updates OFF and will check myself from time to time. The update service is what has been overdriving my CPU.

I am extremely happy to finally have a stable, working OS again running after months of torture.

Thank you all again for your expert help!

 

You're welcome. I'd double check the settings that you don't have MS automatically installing optional things otherwise you might get things you don't want like higher versions of .NET framework and Silverlight.

Also, I do not put it past MS to change settings. From personal experience, I had updates hidden and when a new "version" came out, it was removed from the hidden section and put into the recommended - again.
KB3083324 was hidden in September. I had to rehide it in October when it was re-issued.

If you absolutely do not intend to get Windows 10, I suggest you install GWX Control Panel and have it monitor. (I have it installed on all four of our Windows 7 computers). As things change, Josh Mayfield, the author, updates the program to take care of MS's changes to our settings.

explanation: http://blog.ultimateoutsider.com/2015/08/using-gwx-stopper-to-permanently-remove.html
download: http://ultimateoutsider.com/downloads/

 

Thanks plodr.
Installed and enabled applicable aspects of GWX Control Panel.
Which versions of Silverlight and Net Framework should I avoid? I have all updates installed to 2/5/16. Should I uninstall any?
I want my computer "lean and mean".

 

Well my go to gal for all things related to Windows updates is Susan Bradley.
https://social.technet.microsoft.com/profile/susan bradley/ a MS MVP
In a paid newsletter I subscribe to, she said that in order to be safe, either have .NET 3.5 SP1 installed, nothing higher or if you go higher, 4.5.2 or 4.6.1

Windows 7 came with .NET 3.5. So three of our Windows 7 computers are running 3.5 SP1. (I had removed v4 from one computer. A program that I no longer use complained that I needed it. I uninstalled the program and .NET 4).

The last Windows 7 netbook I bought came with 4.5 installed so I made sure I patched that. I wasn't offered 4.6.1 so if I am, I'll install it.

The netbooks came with Silverlight because there was a month free streaming of Netflick. I didn't uninstall it on those. I am running 5.1.30514.0

I removed it from two desktop computers because I had no intention of streaming on them. My notes indicate that when I removed 5.1.20913.0 from a XP desktop, Revo Uninstaller found 7,147 registry items! Then once I removed those, it found another 89. It took me a long time to remove all the remnants of Silverlight.

If you have it installed, be sure to update it and you should be okay.

 

I have Silverlight 5.1.41212.0 and stream NetFlix onto my big screen TV via Roku, so very rarely stream and watch on the PC. Is there any advantage to uninstalling it? If it's doing no harm and not hogging resources, then I'd like to keep it.

.NET framework 4.6.1 is installed

 

No problem keeping Silverlight on. Just make sure it is up to date.

 

Thanks again.
Computer is running excellent!
I am a happy camper.

 

Make an image while it is in tip top condition and all the updates are installed!

If it takes a turn for the worse, restore the image.

 

You bet