Windows 10: Unable to restore the System Image created by Backup and restore Windows 7

Hi,It is my habit from the many years that before installing a major update in Windows 11, I create a system image using the control panel's "Backup and restore Windows 7" in a different partition of my hard drive. Many times, I have restored the image through system>recovery...>Trouble shooting>restore system image.Yesterday when I tried to do so once again, the process was stopped after selecting the image which was kept at a partition named "Recovery" on the same hard drive. A pop-up menu directed me to create a system image disk by inserting a CD in CD Disk Drive.I have repeated

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System Image and Backup& Restore

Windows 10 uses a digital entitlement. Your product key is stored in ACPI table, and is automatically detected by Windows 10, so knowing your product is key isn't necessary with Windows 10. The use of Backup and Restore (Windows 7) does not affect the activation status of Windows.The activation status of Windows. If Windows 10 is not activated for any reason, when you attempt to activate Windows, the product key will automatically be detected.

Backup and Restore (Windows 7), System Images, do indeed include your personal files. However, you will back up the entire drive, you don't have any control over any exclusions.

You cannot create a system image, if the system image, includes a location included in the system image. You will want to back up the disk that contains the system image using another method. You will not have control over what is restored using Backup and Restore (Windows 7).

Additionally, the system image can contain any partitions you want except, the one where the system image is going to be located.

Any partitions that are selected,
will not show, up in the list of disk to store the backup. You can backup disks other than the system disk.

The system state will be exactly as it was.

 

Motherboard too different for restore?

I just had the windows backup and restore format the drive and restore it using the latest backup and it seems to be working now. I'm not sure what fixed it, but it's working at the moment. Perhaps the windows system image isn't just an exact image of the backup but something more complex?

 

How to delete inactive System Image Restore Points in System Restore

AndreTen - I have tried Disk Cleanup but unfortunately the problem entries did not go away.
I feel certain Bree (VIP Member) has identified the correct cause of this problem as above and his adviced solution should also do the trick.

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Bree - Thank you. I must admit that I did use 'Create system image' a few times in 'Backup & Restore (Windows 7)' instead of 'Backup now' and these ghost entries relate to those actions. You have rightly identified the cause of this issue.
It is crazy that Microsoft has put two different backup options causing the issue of these ghost restore points.

Regarding your advice on how to rectify the issue - I must add that I am not very computer savvy and feel reluctant to use Diskpart utility etc to delete 'WindowsImageBackup\SPPMetadataCache' and 'WindowsImageBackup\Catalog folders' from within 'System Volume Information' folder with command Prompt as I fear damaging the pc by making any mistakes, as I have never done this before.

Please advice if there may be another simpler method to delete the above folders OR if you are able and have time to post a step by step instructions (with pictures if possible) on how to follow your advice. Much appreciated.