System Image - Unprotected network drive needs credentials

MrPatko0770 · 02 Apr 2017

Hey there.

Let me get straight to the point. I've been using Windows's built-in system imaging tool to backup my drives for a few years now, alongside File History. Recently, I've (finally

) bought a router with a USB port, so that I could start making these backups over the network, instead of having an external drive permanently connected to my PC. I started with File History, and got it working easily. The problem arose when trying to setup the system images to be saved to the network drive.

The network drive works flawlessly with File History, and I also didn't have any problems mapping it as a network drive in This PC. However, when I try to use it as a drive to save the system image on, I get asked to input a Username and a Password.

System Image - Unprotected network drive needs credentials-credentials.png

The problem is, the drive is not password protected, so there's nothing for me to input there, but Windows won't let me continue unless I input them both.

I've tried using various combinations of my account credentials, the router's administration credentials, and various other tips I've found online, but no combination was correct.

So I'm asking, is there even a way to save a system image on an unprotected drive in Windows 10 (because I know it WAS possible in Windows 7), or do I have to use a 3rd party tool to do so? Thanks in advance. :)

bro67 · 02 Apr 2017

You are not making real backups with File History. It even states that on Microsoft's website. If you want real backups, you need to use third party backup software.

As for the username and password, it needs that to access your drive on your router if it uses FTP and SMB.

Bree · 02 Apr 2017

MrPatko0770 said:

Recently, I've (finally

) bought a router with a USB port, so that I could start making these backups over the network, instead of having an external drive permanently connected to my PC. ... However, when I try to use it as a drive to save the system image on, I get asked to input a Username and a Password.

The problem is, the drive is not password protected, so there's nothing for me to input there, but Windows won't let me continue unless I input them both.

I have a 2TB drive in the USB socket on my router. I too have File History working (using a "\\server\share" address).

I normally make my system images to a second partition on the same drive (for a quick and easy reinstall) and to an external USB drive (for safety). I've not tried over the network as the WiFi speed may be a limiting factor, but for you I've tested it.

And yes, System Image does ask for a Username/Password. It seems to be written on the assumption it would be used on a proper domain with real users and passwords. It then uses these credentials to try and connect, if it succeeds the network drive can be used. There's no account/password needed to connect to my shared USB drive, so in theory anything should do (because my router should ignore them). I've tried various random Username/Passwords like Guest/Guest and even x/x. All work and let me continue with the system imaging (I've got one running as we speak).

Edit: at about 7Mbps it's going to take some time....

2nd. Edit: ...over four hours later it's about half done (I knew trying over WiFi was a bad idea :)). ~~I'll let it run to completion while I sleep, just to be sure it works.~~ Failed due to WiFi connection dropping, trying again on Ethernet.

Last Edit: over the Ethernet it completed the system image successfully - but it's not something I'd recommend @MrPatko0770 would want to try at home. Took over 14 hours to make a system image of a minimal install - no more than 16GB of used space on this C: drive. This same system take 5-10 minutes to an external USB drive.