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Problem backup not recognized

Discussion in 'PC hardware help' started by kookie56, Apr 16, 2016.

  1. kookie56

    kookie56 Regular member

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    I had to do a full system recovery on my desktop computer.
    HP model p6774y
    windows 7 home premium
    Before I did the system recovery, it asked me if I wanted to make a backup of my files. I said yes and proceeded to put it on a portable hard drive (as told by sys. recovery)
    Then I did the full system recovery.
    However, when I try to use my backup, it tells me I don't have one.
    There is a backup folder (Backup Files 2016-04-15 225451), but the computer won't recognize the backup file.
    What is the problem? Without this backup file, I lose all my previous items from before.
    Is there anything that can be done to get these files?
    I would appreciate any help.
    Thank you
     
  2. scorpNZ

    scorpNZ Active member

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    Back will only be read by whatever program created it.Even if the backup is a certain size it doesn't mean there 's data in it.You need to browse the backup & see what's there if anything assuming you used an imaging software.
     
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  3. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    had that problem before with a customer's computer, had to use same windows version to recover that backup.
     
  4. kookie56

    kookie56 Regular member

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    When you open HP computer's recovery program. It tells you it is best to create a backup. It then asks where to put the backup (including a portable hard drive). I said yes to the question and created the backup on a portable hard drive using that program.
    I assumed I would then be able to retrieve the items once the computer was fully restored.
    Since I used the computer's backup method, why can I not open it?
    Please help.
    Thank you
     
  5. ddp

    ddp Moderator Staff Member

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    did you try that recovery program to recover your files?
     
  6. Mez

    Mez Active member

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    Statistically, 50% of backups fail. This is because what ever screwed up your C: screws up your backup. The successful 50% is due to hard work. You spot check your backups, you keep more than one version so if your computer goes bad but hasn't crashed yet, you have a backup from when your computer was still healthy.

    The last time I checked you could get WD and Seagate copies of Acronis for free. For these to work you need a WD or Seagate disk attached to your computer. If you make a bootable CD you can always recover your data. I check to insure the backup looks good before I rely on it as a real back up. I keep multiple versions. One bare bones, (new out of the box) no software added. Another after I added all my software like MS office. Then maybe a monthly current backup.
     

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