Hi!!
Yes, I still need help! I haven't been able to restore the computer, files, programs, etc.
Let me make sure I am being clear with my problem:
What Happened: The hard drive had fatal error messages. We called HP support for help. They said to do a System Image BackUp asap (I did with Windows Advanced Options Menu after getting the troubleshoot options from a shift-restart, win8).
I actually did a FILE HISTORY backup too (that option came up later). We sent it to HP; they replaced the hard drive; and we received the pc restored to the factory settings just a couple days ago.
2. The backup is on a new Seagate 1TB external HD. I can see the back up on the HD when I use the HD on a different pc. However, when doing the win 8 System Image Recovery, the pc doesn't see the HD, therefore I can not select the file to recover my pc.
3. I am doing a system image recovery because that is what HP told us to do when we got the pc back. I am assuming the System image backup is all my files, programs, documents, pictures, settings, browser settings, and etc....and because this is what HP said a system image recovery would contain.
4. The problem is after windows restarts to the system Image Recovery and i select the option to read my HD, my HD doesn't appear. Its blank!!!
5. So, I did some troubleshooting myself after reading several win forums; the Hp website; and Seagate website....
i did the following to try to make my pc read my hard drive :
a. "refresh" .... result: no HD recognized or files to see on HD
b. file sharing is "on"; and the HD properties are all set to full control ..... result: nothing.
c. I went to the Seagate website and download and installed win 8 drivers for the HD (the 2nd option was to 'Install driver"); after doing all that.... result: nada. nothing!
d. I did all the win 8 updates (126 of them!!; bc a forum said a win 8 update needed to been done to recognize the HD); then tried the entire procedure again, .... result: nada, nothing on HD.
My computer wont read the HD; therfore I cant access the backups. I have read through so many forums and help topics that my eyes are going to burst.
This use to be so easy to do in winXP or win7. What am I not doing right?
Please assist! Much Thanks!