Ok so I have a backup image of my OS (Windows 7) on an extrenal HDD. I have used it multiple times to restore my PC no problem. I tried to do it again and I got an error message saying that "I needed to format the partition before I could reinstall the OS." The only that changed since my last install is I split my HDD into two partitions. It reccomended that I create a system restore CD and boot from that. I did that and I got a error:

something like:

"0x40012000100" (thats not it exactly, I am not on my pc to look)

I tried looking up the error and got no real leads. Anyone have any insight?

Thanks,

Nick

You mean a backup of, literally, the installed operating system, or an image of the installation disc? If the former (if I understood you correctly) then depending on what your backup is (a .iso, presumably) your target partition needs to be exactly the same size as the original partition, otherwise it won't work properly. Is there any problem just wiping your HDD, creating a fresh new unique partition and dumping your backup OS there? You can always repartition it after.