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Anyone here use "System State" File Backup method?

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I found a "System State" backup that I'd made and tried to mount it, whereupon I get the rather obtuse dialog:

Unsupported File
Error while opening the archive file. The archive format is not supported by this operation.

So I can't mount the thing, and therefore can't browse it to see what exactly "System State" backs-up!?

First of all, is this correct, that System State_@date@.tib files can NOT be mounted? Is there any definite way to know what is in the .tib file other than the Help file's rather inadequate "Choose the System State parameter if you need to back up the boot files, registry, protected Windows files, and COM+ CLASS registration database. Backing up the System state allows you to recover the system files, drivers, etc., but not the data files and folders you use in your work."

I hate when something says "etc." as I want to know EXACTLY what I'm getting when I use this feature. BTW I'm using ATIH2010--is there any better description (or functionality i.e. repair of that ugly nonsensical dialog), or maybe this feature has been removed from newer versions?

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Its function is mostly like a Windows System Restore. You are correct in that it cannot be mounted. This option was dropped after version 10 as it had limited use and very few used the option. This type backup does not provide for a bootable disk if a new disk is needed.

For the most part, use your 2010 version and include all your partitions within the backup. Having a backup of all your partiitions makes restoring to a new disk (if needed) much simpler and having single backups of each partition.

Use the Windows Disk Management graphical view to see all the partitions that may be included on your disk. If you have unlettered partitions, this will not appear within Windows Explorer and the Disk Management is the option to show what partitions are included and the sequence in which they are listed.

Thanks GroverH for confirming my "can't mount it" issue and that the feature's been dropped.

Originally when I'd tried it, it seemed it might have some value as the "system state" tib was only 200Mb in size. Seemed a "cheap" backup of System settings, you know? But yesterday I tried it again and this time it was 2.5GB instead and for that "price" I may as well have complete imagery for sure.

Thanks again.