Cannot Restore MS Backup File

[Gilberto]

Hello,

Some time ago I decided to back up all my data to my
slave backup hardrive using MS Backup (XP Pro) and format
my principal HD and install a fresh copy of Windows XP
Pro. I didn't use compression nor password, just felt it
would be easier to backup my files and folders. Well,
after re-installing Win XP and accessing my backup HD I
now select the backup file (which it's about 5GB in size)
and I simple cannot restore my data... it looks EMPTY but
with its original huge size! Anyone had experienced the
same? How can I have my data back? HELP!!!

Gilberto

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Do you receive an error message, if so, what is the error you receive when
attempting to restore the backup file?

 

[Guest]

Well, there's no error messages. It simple shows me the
sandglass and no directory tree is displayed - only the
main one. I did a small backup now and noticed that the
shadow mode is the default one and I may had created my
big backup this way. Would there any implication
regarding shadow backups and no longer having the
original volume on my main HD? If so, how can I re-build
this file's directory tree? It should contain data
because it has a huge size.

Thanks!

 

[Michael Solomon \(MS-MVP Windows Shell/User\)]

Usually, you rebuild by going to Restore, select the file to restore, then
click Device View because the file is on your hard drive. It's been a while
since I used ntbackup. I'm using a fuller featured version on which
ntbackup is based called "Backup My PC," from Stomp but actually is a
Veritas product and Veritas created ntbackup as well. I believe the
procedure would be the same.

You may have to try selecting the file to restore, have it begin and it
should tell you the volume is empty, to go back and select Device View and
then it would rebuild.

If that doesn't work, try the question on the windowsxp.configuration_manage
newsgroup as they might be able to give you better information.