My problem revolves round this, obviously popular, error code.I'm running a split new 64 bit Windows 7 Ultimate straight from the box. I did a complete re-installation on what was an upgraded Win 7 Premium from a Vista 64 bit original system.I have 4 Gb RAM and a 2.5 GHz processor so it's a fairly competent machineI looked forward to an inclusive system backup in the new simpler Win 7 system.After failing totally with backups on theupgradeI was anticipating success with the new installation.Nope! Still no success. But I did manage to ascertain that the error I was getting under the code 0x80070002 was actually the inability of the process to find format information.5 Mb of log file lines, each with the very same ending.I found this error only appeared on backups attemptedto an external HDD (NTFS)- also new from the box and working well for other purposes and with loadsa space.Backup of users' data to DVD ended successfully.However I baulk at the prospect of doing a full system image backup to DVD's even on a modest Homesystem with only 2 users - just think of the time involved AND the number of discs!Is there any help out there that doesn't rely on stuff like registry editing, third party problem solvers that only make matters worse, or supposition that leads the wrong way?I've followed other threads for this error code on this forum without any success.And I am aware that your error 0x80070002 may not equate to the same cause that mine is guilty of, and I'm aware that Win 7 is still new and that beta testing NEVER gets all the bugs out - but surely, somewhere, someone has had the very same results on backup- because simply everybody backs up there system - don't they?

Here's a couple or other forums posts that refer to the same error code when backing up. http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itprogeneral/thread/52d70cd1-5ddb-4b85-9099-fdef5aae0102and http://social.technet.microsoft.com/Forums/en-US/w7itprogeneral/thread/bff71aac-c78e-42bd-a959-116019c93478see if either one of those threads will help in your situation.MCSE, MCSA, MCDST

Suggestion: Give Paragon Drive Image 10 (free) a try, see if the same problem occurs. If yes, then at least you know it's something basic to Windows 7 and not specific to Backup. If not, then stay with Paragon or buy a copy of Acronis True Image.Rich

Hi Old Codger,Can you zip and email the contents of <SystemDrive>\Windows\Logs\WindowsBackup to sneham_at_microsoft_dot_com (Remove underscores and replace words with characters wherever applicable)?Thanks,Sneha[MSFT]

How does it work if you backup to a location on the local hard drive? Does the backup finish if error code 80070002 shows up? Please temporary disable the anti-virus program and then run backup. If the issue persists, I suggest you exclude system image backup in the scheduled Windows Backup and then let us know if the backup still reports the error code in this case. Also please open Event Viewer, open the log "Applications and Settings\Microsoft\Windows\Backup\Operational". Please let us know the detail error message. I suspect that the issue is caused by the external hard drive. How does it work if you change the drive with another one?Arthur Xie - MSFT