Restoring Windows 7 backups

[Feasty]

A while ago I installed Windows 7 on my pc and made a complete backup on a seperate partition of the hard drive. Then the motherboard gave in so I got a new motherboard and graphics card, but then these weren't recognised so the pc would no longer boot into Windows.
I've since reinstalled Windows 7 onto a spare older hard drive wihch works fine, thinking I could restore the backup onto this before reinstalling Windows 7 onto my new drive and moving everything across from the older drive.

However the older hard drive with Windows 7 on it doesn't recognise the backup on the partition of the new drive!?

If I was to reinstall Windows 7 on the new drive would it also wipe the partition that has the backup on it? And if not is there any chance it would restore it once the install has complete even thought the older drive won't?

Finally, does this make any sense at all!!?
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).

[The Artist]

Try putting the backup in and using the win 7 disc recovery mode. If that doesn't work, just do a complete fresh install.

Will save hassle in the long run.

[Feasty]

Yeah I ended up having to move every file individually from the none working Windows 7 drive to the older Windows 7 driver. Then reinstall Windows 7 on the new drive, then move everything back over fron the older drive to the new drive... What a process!
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Previous: Aprilia Habana Retro 50cc (beauty), Yamaha SR125 (fell apart), Honda XR125 (nippy little commuter), Honda SLR650 (Geewhizz), Yamaha Diversion 900S (Smoooooth) written off courtesy of a stupid escaped horse.
(7 year gap), BMW F650 (Relaxing ride). Aprilia Caponord ETV1000 (Big and bold). Yamaha FZS600 (got me in trouble too quick!).
Current: Yamaha TDM 900 (Comfy, light but big, power when needed).