Windows 7 forum: Help, my windows 7 won't do a backup.

Assuming the last backup was performed before these problems began, I would not delete it as you may need to use it in order to resolve the current issue without reformatting and starting over. Even in the best case, it's a backup of your files you should not surrender until you have another recent backup of those files.

Since HP's maintenance program identified file corruption, I would start by running System File Checker per these instructions. You'll want to have your Windows 7 DVD ready in case it is requested. In addition, I would verify that the external hard drive has sufficient room for another full backup and try using a different backup media to see if it is the utility or the hard drive that is the issue.

Regards,
John

Note: This post was edited by forum moderator to correct broken link on 10/29/2010 on 2:32 PM PT

New computers no longer come with a Windows or recovery DVD, instead leaving it to the purchaser to burn the DVD from the recovery partition on the hard drive. It's highly recommended that you burn that DVD as soon as possible (look for 'Recovery Disc Creator' or something similar in your Start Menu) as it may be needed to repair/reinstall Windows in cases of file corruption, hard drive failure, etc.

Let us know what System File Checker turns up.
John

Back up hasn't completed in a few weeks...Changed windows back-up setting from manual to 'automatic'.... then ran a full scan of the system using Microsoft System Essentials... the scan took forever but identified about 4 items that had been quaranteed... trojans of some sort. I clicked on 'remove' and then restarted the computer, ran back up again and this time...presto it worked! It is certainly helpful to share problems and ideas like this on such forums- much appreciated! Ian Hope, Edmonton AB