usb flash drive not a valid backup location for system image

Anonymous
2013-08-14T13:07:06+00:00

OK, Microsoft continuing to confuse me and others it would seem.

Tried to make system image to USB flash drive in Windows 8 and Yes it would not work. It States " the drive is not a valid backup location ".

Yes its formatted to NTFS. and I have read various sites where it gives instructions how and ive read sites and Microsoft who seem to have conflicting statements.

Please can someone HELP all I want to do is go to windows 7 file recovery in windows 8 - press make system image - select usb drive and sit back.

Windows for home | Other | Recovery and backup

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  1. Anonymous
    2016-12-11T12:59:27+00:00

    Well. it seems no one can actually confirm an alternative way to use the successfully created image on a usb flash drive to restore a broken/corrupted hdd using the said backup. its a shame that ms just like apple doesnt wanna make it easy for users to use a legit image of your own system regardless of where its stored. an image is an image and beyond me why its not being recognised to restore because its saved on a much cheaper and compact drive? do they have a contract with bigger hddcompanies? Otherwise why on earth would they go to this length to ensure windows 10 does not restore from cheaper smaller usb drive that has the image on it but of no usee when trying to restore.

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  2. Anonymous
    2017-07-17T03:37:41+00:00

    I have use Microsoft since it began.   I have always had trouble creating backup images.  I have used the correct DVD-RWs, Microsoft's software, Acronis, and a couple of others.  I use "Integrity Checking" and pass with flying colors.

    When I go to use the image, there is generally trouble.  I think I will simply try and make a new virtual drive on my "C" drive and put my image there.   It seems the most direct.  Then I can transfer the image to an attached hard drive external to the laptop, and see how that works.  Anyone used this "sound" sounding method?

    I am trying to stick with Windows 7, though frankly I was always happy with the solid Windows XP.  I will try a crossover--red--network cable, and see how that works, you can skip most of the administrative give and take of privileges that way.  I hope.  I hate 8 and 10.  It is a revolving door of marketing crapola and always has been.

    Hal Hill

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  3. Anonymous
    2017-08-24T00:49:52+00:00

    AMEN I hear ya

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  4. Anonymous
    2017-12-05T17:04:18+00:00

    Sorry to say ...  This is not a logical  answer.  Now a days there are very large USB sticks.  I am using 256GB USB stick  and my backup is 93GB.

    Third party  tools have no issues like this. 

    best regards

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  5. Anonymous
    2017-12-10T06:28:54+00:00

    nice work-around

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