macrium reflect

[wingyuu]

I just had a complete crash on a laptop running Windows Vista Home Premium (I had already checked it for spyware/viruses/etc with a computer expert). Luckily, I had imaged it earlier with Macrium Reflect (free edition - latest release). After I successfully restored the image (which was a problem in and of itself), I noticed that I'm missing files and folders. I know all about folder options and I can see all hidden files/folders. With important files missing (like every .dll in C:\Windows\system32\drivers\ or custom/personal folders), I find myself seriously wondering whether I should continue to use Macrium, since I use it on all my desktops and laptops. I've checked Macrium's forum, which you can only post to if you bought a paid version, and it seems no one over there has this problem. The only reason I would till use Macrium is because I can mount disk images and navigate via explorer. Is this problem only happening to me? Should I switch to Paragon Backup and Recovery (which narrowly outranked Macrium on Gizmo's Best Freeware website)?

 

[Shadowjk]

Are you still able to access System restore If so are your Restore points Missing if Not could you Run System Restore to a Point before you did the Recover

See http://www.vistax64.com/tutorials/76905-system-restore-how.html?ltr=S For More Information

Hope This Helps,
Josh

 

[MilesAhead]

You say restoring the image was a problem. Would you provide more details? That may be a clue as to why system files are missing. Did you by any chance try to restore the Windows system while you were booted to the same Windows partition you were restoring? Also are you talking file/folder backup or entire patition backup?

 

[eldinv]

I restore about 4 times so far and never ever had a problem. If you created an image and the image contain the same problem. (sorry)

It can only restore files and folder that were created with the image. Can you explain so more what kind of problem your having?

 

[wingyuu]

No system restore points. I tried several times to restore an entire partition and had trouble with my restore disk because it wasn't in compatibility mode, which i later used. 1st wouldn't boot, 2nd time wouldn't boot, 3rd time corrupt mbr, 4th time success (i had been trying something new each time, all based on forum advice to others who had the same problems).

The exact problem is that I restored from this image, only to find that either this image was incomplete at time of creation or somehow the data in the image went missing. There are random areas where I am missing files/folders, so I can't be exactly sure what was lost. When I mount the image, I find the same areas where files are missing, which leads me to believe that when the image was created, reflect didn't include all my files/folders.

Either way, I'm pretty much screwed since that is my only recovery option. Since this happened on a laptop plagued with problems (it's not mine, but my sister's; i've done all i can do to try and fix it), i'm gonna do a fresh reformat/reinstall and migrate over what remains of any personal data/programs.

 

[ilikefree]

TestDisk - CGSecurity

Tools here might help recover MBR

 

[MilesAhead]

If the image creation didn't work I think I'd check the HD with a diagnostic. Apparently there's no way now to know if said files were on the partition when the image was made. Could be Reflect had errors or it could be some malware removed or corrupted a bunch of system and other files. If there was no software cause then it could be HD related.

If the HD shows serious problems, you might save yourself a lot of head banging trying to fix hardware with software. If it tests out OK, then the reformat reinstall may be worth it.