My original Windows 7 system became compromised and wasn't working properly. I did a full Windows Backup to an external HDD. Next I reformatted my internal drive and a fresh reinstall of Windows 7. I then began restoring files and folders from the Backup. Unfortunately I cannot gain any access to things such as original music, image or video files this way. I need to know if I can restore the back up image file onto a separate external hard disk, as I do not want to overwrite the fresh installation, which did resolve the quirky problems I had been having. I'm really only interested in the image backup to locate my video and music files and some app. installers. The VHD file is 358 GB, so I am assuming it has just about everything on it. This is the first time I have used the Windows 7 Backup tool. Thanks for any assistance. regards, Pat. Mitchell

I don't think you can redirect the files from a Windows 7 backup, but you can mount the .VHD in Disk Management and have Read Only access to your files. Open the Computer Management console, Right Click on Disk Management and select Attach VHD.Please remember to click Mark as Answer on the post that helps you, and to click Unmark as Answer if a marked post does not actually answer your question. This can be beneficial to other community members reading the thread.

Thank you very much for this advice. I have successfully mounted the VHD and am now attempting to get correct permissions access.