I did some deeper searching on other newsgroups and found the solution!
The .VHD file is clearly accessible on the portable drive, so using the help
found in the links below, I managed to get full access to it so that I could
copy selected files to my real hard drive just using Explorer.
1. This very helpful article let me know that I needed Microsoft Virtual
Server -- a Vista compatible product.
http://community.bartdesmet.net/blog...9/02/4385.aspx
2. I downloaded and installed the "Virtual Server 2005 R2 SP1 Beta" from
Microsoft Connect at this link:
https://connect.microsoft.com/Downlo...spx?SiteID=151
3. It required me to have activated the Windows Vista components for
Internet Information Services (IIS), which I did via Programs and Features
off the Control Panel. (That is, the first time I tried the install, it
didn't quite complete. After activating everything, I tried it again and it
completed successfully.)
4. I then used the vhdmount utility, described in the article, to
successfully mount that .VHD file as a virtual drive. The drive's root
directory then appeared in Explorer under the drive letter I assigned it: my
entire old C: drive.
5. After a time-consuming assortment of administrative permission
adjustments so I that could look at, access, and copy, I got my files!
6. I also followed the instructions in this help article for future ease of
mounting the drive:
http://blogs.msdn.com/virtual_pc_guy...01/734435.aspx
Thanks to the previous posters for their help.
"victorcamp" wrote in message
...
On Windows Vista Ultimate I made a complete backup using the Backup and
Restore Center ("Back up computer") to a USB 100Gb portable drive. It went
fine, and the drive shows a WindowsImageBackup folder on its root. It
totals about 65Gb. 2 days later that laptop crashed and I got another
laptop with the same Windows Vista Ultimate. I want to restore some
selected files (client work, not system or application) to the new laptop.
When I choose Advanced Restore - Advanced Restore - Files from a backup
made on a different computer - Hard disk, CD, or DVD - PHOTON F: (the
name of the USB 100Gb drive with the backup), it says:
Windows was not able to find any backup sets on F:\.
Please select a different location.
I searched for other posts, but didn't find one dealing with a selective
restore.
The drive and its subfolders are all visible with Explorer, so it's
definately there. What can I do to make it recognize it? I need those
files!!!