Windows System Image Showing 0 Bytes

Windows 8.1
I created a windows system image on another partition of my SSD. However, the image is showing a file size of 0 bytes. I tried
1. sfc scannow. This didn't indicate any problems.
2. Since I was using said partition with a different computer (I would unhook the drive and go back up a different computer on it), it seemed that the problem that I was facing could have something to do with folder permissions. Instead of dealing with that, I just reformatted the drive entirely. But, problem remained.

Right now, the only thing on that partition is the system image. When I right click on the partition (as opposed to the folder), I see that a lot of space is indeed taken up on the partition.

 

I have only used the built-in Windows 7 system imaging very briefly maybe 3-4 years ago, simply to compare its operation and capabilities with third party software. It failed miserably and I haven't used it since. I can't now remember all the reasons I dismissed it but do remember one in particular that may be related to your current problem. When you use it it will locate the image at the root of a connected drive or partition and name it something like WindowsSystemImage. If I have slightly misremembered the filename apologies but what is important is that you cannot create another image on the same partition without first renaming the existing one. As you have run the software on two computers it is guesswork as to what the drive actually now holds, which is no good at all.

I would strongly advise you to use one of the free third party utilities and forget the Win 7 feature. There are several capable programs available but I usually advise using either Macrium Reflect or AOMEI Backupper. AOMEI has the easier to use interface.

 

I agree that the built in Windows programs are somewhat unusable.
For example, file history will only run for the partition that your OS is installed on.
When you create a system image, it must be on the entire OS partition drive.

So if you keep all data on your OS installed partition, your system images end up being very big, so you can't have as many of them, given that you are limited by the size of your backup drives.

 

Not so. You can add other drives/partitions and choose exactly which folders to include or exclude. (Win 10)

That's the case for all imaging software, and if you have moved any system files to other drives, those drives will be included too. However third party imaging programs allow you to choose which drives/partitions to include in the image. Also....

True. The answer is to create a data partition and move your personal files and folders to it. That greatly reduces the backup time factor and also keeps your data safe from problems with the system partition. Essential if you are serious about regular imaging.