Transferring User Profile after Backup

So here is the problem I have ran into a few times now when backing up and transferring a customers profile to a new windows 8 or 8.1 install.

1. Remove customer hard drive from pc running windows 8 or 8.1, and connect to tech bench running Windows 8.1.

2. Transfer profile data to folder with inherit 'Everyone' full NTFS permissions folder on tech bench. I usually use Terracopty or Windows Explorer. The problem exists with both methods.

3. Install fresh Windows 8 or 8.1 on users PC from either built-in recovery partition or Windows 8/8.1 OEM Disk (USB).

4. Remove hard drive again from customers PC, connect to tech bench, and transfer old profile back to users 'Desktop' folder.

So here is what happens next:

When i boot the customers PC back up, the old profile folder is missing. It's not hidden as I have checked, BUT it takes up space on their hard drive? When I put the customers hard drive back onto my tech bench, the folder is there. When i try to delete it, i get an error message that the files are corrupt, but can open any file with in it. It's the weirdest thing.

I have even tried deleting the folder, and re-copying it with a Linux Distro, and/or a Fat32 based Live OS (Hirens).

The only 'fix' I have found is to re-install 8/8.1 on the users PC, and connect my 'Storage' drive via USB or SATA(if desktop) and transfer the old profile back from the customers booted PC.

Anyone experienced this, or have any idea on how to prevent it?