Windows 10: Windows 10 wrongly labels my secondary HDD as "System" in backup

Hi,

Assuming nothing important is in the Recycle Bin, you could empty that.

But what are alle these $$Pending files about that are there for over more than a year if I may ask ?

Cheers, *Wink

 

Did you by any chance move ProgramData/Programs Files folders from your Windows OS to this drive ?. What I saw there is you have 2 folder called: Program Data + Files and Other Programs. According to this link:
http://earthwithsun.com/questions/52...f-pendingfiles
You have a folder $$pendingfiles. This might be the cause.

 

Hi,

Looks as if Link Shell Extension was used (or similar tool). Probably under Win 7.

That explains why Windows Backup wants to include it into the backup job if this WIN10 install is an upgrade install.

Excellent find BTW, topgundcp. *Cool

Cheers, *Wink

 

I am now quite confused. I did have windows 7 previously and did an upgrade install to window 10. However I have no idea what "Link Shell Extension" is and as far as I know I have never moved any programs from my main OS drive to my secondary HDD. When I had windows 7 I installed a lot of programs on my secondary HDD but have never moved anything there from another drive with the exception of the storage of windows live mail emails.

What does this all mean? How do I get windows to unrecognize my drive as "System"? I just tried removing the $$pendingfiles and rebooting but it didn't change anything.

 

Ummm.... if the first step is going to be to use Macrium Reflect - why not just use Macrium Reflect to make the system image with and save all those subsequent steps?

 

Hi,

Because, as I understand it, TS wants to use Windows Backup as his primary backup tool.

Not saying that's what it is but it sure looks like it and explains your problem too.

Here's an explanation of what hardlinking is:

http://schinagl.priv.at/nt/hardlinks...l#introduction

The shell extension is just something to ease the entire process.

Cheers, *Wink

 

Hmmm....well if you have to use a second backup tool to make the first backup tool work.....seems kind of pointless to me....but I'm a KISS type of guy myself, Keep It Simple...

 

Hi,

It's just to sidestep a problem TS is having with Windows Backup insisting on including his secondary drive in the system backup, something he does not want and is trying to figure out why Windows Backup insists on doing so.
As are we for that matter.
Hence Macrium to backup and then clean that disk so it will no longer be included in the system backup set.

Cheers, *Wink

 

May I suggest to open the case and swap the sata cables between G: & C: drives so that Windows OS will be on disk 0. Also make sure that you set the Windows OS drive to be first boot priority in BIOS.

 

If I were to do this, wouldn't I have the same problem after restoring my secondary HDD back to its original state? If I wanted to make another newer backup at a later time, windows would still recognize my secondary HDD as system wouldn't it?

And to address another matter, yes I would prefer to use the built in windows backup rather than a third party software. Sorry if that seems like the wrong choice. If I have to keep troubleshooting windows backup for a couple more days I will probably give up and switch to a third party software.

 

Done and done. No change... *Sad

 

Thanks. At least we try for a possible cause. From Admin Command Prompt:

• diskpart
• select disk 1 ===> should be G: drive now.
• list partition
• exit

What Type does it show for the partitions ?

 

Hi,

Not necessarily, you cleared the disk using diskpart, remember ? If some of the files you have on there are actually part of the OS and go missing because the disk was wiped clean then Windows will start complaining, that's for sure.
But at least then we know what to do to fix it and from what I've seen on that D: drive these ar not essential files as far as Windows is concerned.
When the hardlink to the second drive is broken Windows will try to recreate the folder(s) locally.
Not that I'd bank on it but I know it is capable of doing so.

All this and what topgundcp is asking you to check serves the same goal really. We need to find out which is which before advising any further.

You do not want the OS spread across several disks I presume, right ? *Wink *sarc

Cheers, *Wink

 

Hi,

So it's not the disk itself it's what's stored on it that Win Backup sees as part of the system.

On your d: drive there's a folder called "Program Data + Files". Do you mind taking another screenshot with that folder expanded and "other programs" as well while you're at it ?

Thanks.

Cheers, *Wink