Windows 10: Create User folder image and restore it

I'm looking for a way to use DISM to create a backup of the User folder and be able to reapply that image back to the drive when needed. I have an image created but I can't get it to apply.

I've used the instructions here to move the User folders to a non-SSD drive and would like to keep a separate backup of them for re-imaging.

To create the image I used:
dism /Capture-Image /ImageFile:F:\Image\UserProfiles.wim /ConfigFile:E:\WimScript.ini /CaptureDir:C:\ /name:"User Profiles" /Compress:maximum

And I used this to try and apply it:
dism /Apply-Image /ImageFile:F:\Image\UserProfiles.wim /ApplyDir:C:\

Upon trying that I get an error 87 the parameter is incorrect

Does the ApplyDir need to be completely blank? I've tried to apply it to a specific folder (like C:\temp) but it still fails.

:)

 

Restoring Windows 10 Image using Macrium Reflect


In addition to the above. Here's my suggestion in step by step.
I assume you have Macrium Installed in your current HD and already made a backup copy.

1. Connect your new HD via USB port and boot up.
2. Run Macrium, click on Restore tab then select the Backup Image that you made to restore
3. click on "select a different target disk" then select your new HD as destination
   
   
   
4. Proceed to restore then Shutdown and disconnect the old HD and replace with the new HD
5. Boot up with your new HD.

 

I accidentally changed a User folder into a a desktop. Is there a way to restore original user folder?

That error was shown because the your user name folder was renamed to Desktop. To fix that error, follow these steps:

1. Rename the new Desktop folder to your user name. Let assume user name is Andrew. For example, the renaming will be from C:\Users\Desktop to C:\Users\Andrew.
   
2. Check if a folder exists as C:\Users\Andrew\Desktop. If that folder doesn't exist create a Desktop folder in C:\Users\Andrew directory.
   
3. Then try to 'Restore Default' as usual. See this article for further reading.
   

 

Setting New Location Of User Folder to another User Folder

Hi Renee,

Having an easy access to the Desktop folder can give you a convenience on opening your files. Regarding your concern about the Desktop folder that was moved to the Downloads section, we recommend that you create a new local user or administrator account to
resolve the issue.

To create a local user or administrator account, follow the steps listed on this
link.

In addition, to move your files from the Downloads folder back to the Desktop folder, we suggest that you manually copy and paste the files to avoid any data loss.

Feel free to post back if you need more help.