System image restore

Hello folks,

I'm having an issue restoring my Windows 8 professional images.

My pc is capable of running both a Windows 8 32 bit OS as well as a 64 bit version.

I install the 32 bit version of Windows 8 professional from the iso image.
I then, create a backup image on my second hard drive.
(I restore this image and back it up several times until I get things correct.)


I then install the 64 bit version of Windows 8 pro.
Get that set up just the way I want it.
And then create an image of THAT on my second hard drive. (I append the existing 32 bit backup image name with an extension of ".32".
So, at this point , I know that the back and restore process works.

Here's the rub.
On my Windows 8 pc, the last OS that was installed was the 64 bit version.

Start-of-loop

Before starting the image restore process, I ensure that I have my 32 bit backup image of Windows 8 renamed correctly.

I then boot the pc with the 32 bit version of the repair CD.
I don't ever get to the point where I am asked to select an OS image.
After what looks to be the normal restore procedure I receive a message that tells “what I am try to do, is not supported”.

I perform this same procedure by the way, all the time, on my 32\64 bit version of Vista and Windows 7.

Hmmmmmmmmm.

I then, boot the pc with a 64 bit repair CD.

I DO get to the point of selecting my 32 bit backup image.
But then, I get a dialog that tells me I need to reboot the pc with a 32 bit repair CD.

GoTO: Start-of-loop


So the question is, how in the wide wide world of sports, might I restore a 32 bit Windows 8 image backup to a (on top of\in replacement of) 64 bit OS ?

Any ideas or suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Hello Ray, and welcome to Eight Forums.

I'm taking that you replaced the 32-bit Windows 8 installation with 64-bit Windows 8, and are now wanting to restore 32-bit. In this case, you should be able to delete and/or format the 64-bit installation in a command prompt at boot using the same 32-bit repair disc, then do a system image recovery of the 32-bit.

Hope this helps,
Shawn

You’re a genius !

Doing a “format C: /FS:NTFS /Q”, from a command prompt first, did the trick.
I can now change from a 32 bit version of Windows 8 and back to a 64 bit version, at will.

I can’t thank you enough.