Windows 7 Help with windows backup file

I assume that your backup file was not stored on the partition into which you have reinstalled Windows - did you previously have a partition which has disappeared after you Windows reinstall?

no,I only had one partition. I stored the backup file on an external hd.

*EDIT*
I also check the properties on the backup file and it says 0 bytes.

when I connect my external hd with the backup file on it, to my laptop it still gives me the same error message, but in the properties it does show the correct file size, 235 GB. So I know that the back up file should be still good, what's going on with this?

*EDIT*
I just tried something. When I was in the backup and restore area there was a link in the bottom left that said "Windows easy transfer" I clicked just out of curiosity and was able to actually get into my backup file and see some of the folders such as the Backup set folder, but no files. Is there any software out there that can read windows back up files and restore them?

Try the method described here to mount the backup file and extract the files you require:

Link Removed

Long as it's sorted - thanks for the feedback.