Does the image created by Windows 7 File Recovery include all of my software or just the Windows OS?

[Snake Guy]

I am wondering if the disk image created through the Windows 7 file recovery process will include my entire software configuration or just the operating system? I am not backing up the data, just using "create a system image" which points at the system reserved partition and the C: drive. Thanks!

 

[Alabalcho]

You can check this by yourself - the image should be one (very large) .VHD file. Mount this VHD file in Disk Manager, and check the contents.

 

[Snake Guy]

You can check this by yourself - the image should be one (very large) .VHD file. Mount this VHD file in Disk Manager, and check the contents.

Thanks for the reply.
I know where the backup is, the folder is called WindowsImageBackup/(computer name)/(date & number) and the image files are .vhdx
There are 2 .vhdx files, I presume one for the system reserved partition and the other for the C: drive system files.
A right click on either file offers me the option to mount.
But, then I get an error message.
"The disk image isn’t initialized, contains partitions that aren’t recognizable, or contains volumes that haven’t been assigned drive letters. Please use the Disk Management snap-in to make sure that the disk partitions, and volumes are in a usable state."

 

[Snake Guy]

You can check this by yourself - the image should be one (very large) .VHD file. Mount this VHD file in Disk Manager, and check the contents.

OK, got it. The .vhdx files show in disk management but had no drive letters. After assigning a letter, they mount. And yes, the image of the second partition has all software from my C: drive.
Thanks for the help!

 

[WinOutreach2]

As it seems you have already determined, yes the image provided by the Windows 7 File Recovery feature includes your current configuration complete with applications, configurations, and data. You can also use RecImg to create a factory image complete with your applications and configuration that is compatible with the Windows 8 Refresh and Reset feature. Details on creating the image are outlined here by Microsoft Support. This image can then be included when creating a recovery drive for a solution to recover the environment in case of hardware failure. It can then be combined with File History for a complete solution to back up data and environment.