can't restore from 2011 version of backup
I have acronis true image home 2011. I created a full single archive image on 10/26/12 before I attempted to install ubuntu in a dual boot configuration. During the process of trying to get the dual boot setup working my windows efi file got wiped out or something because now windows won't load and complains about not finding it.
So I thought no problem I just made an image not too long ago. I started the recovery procedure and now it's asking me to specify the location of the new partition 1-0. My drive was divided into the C drive and a 200mb partition. The problem is that when I click the link to select the location the only drive that then shows up is the drive containing the backup file. I can select that but clicking next says I can't do it there... not that I wanted to anyway.
So, I have two questions.
1. How do I specify my internal drive if it's not showing up in the list?
2. Is there a way to simply restore the efi file so I don't have to go through the entire restore procedure?
Thanks.
Are you trying to do the restore from the bootable Acronis Rescue Media?
.....because now windows won't load and complains about not finding it.
He must be.
Here are my specs. Asus G75VW-BBK5 Intel i7-3610QM, 16gb ddr3 memory, 1 tb drive, nvidia gtx 660m. The original OS was windows 7 home premium 64 bit. Unfortunately the computer didn't come with a windows dvd only a restore partition but I can't even get to that now.
And yes, I'm trying to do the restore from the bootable acronis rescue media from a usb drive.
What's odd is that if I browse for a restore archive it does show the C drive (in this case it shows up with the letter N) along with the restore partition and the other partitions that ubuntu created. However when I go to restore the partition/disc and select the location it only shows my backup usb drive.
Ah, ROG gaming laptop. There are probably a few ways to tackle this, but your options are slightly limited because you don't have a windows DVD, or an (easy) way to build a boot CD that would allow you to see your disk. Does this laptop have a dedicated Recovery button or key sequence you are aware of by any chance? Since the disk configuration is changed, you might not be able to access it anyway.... Need to check out a few things... and get back to you.
Not that I'm aware of unfortunately. I was able to get a dvd where I work but it's win 7 pro and I'm on win 7 home premium. I tried to do a repair your computer option but it gives me the error "This version of system recovery options is not compatible with the version of windows you are trying to repair. try using a recovery disc that is compatible with this version of windows." You'd think the pro could repair the home premium... guess not.
I tried to then just do a clean install but it gives me an error that it can't install on a disk of GPT partition style.
Trying to use the upgrade option tells me to boot into windows and run it from there which of course I can't do.
Ya. You're in a pickle if you didn't create a Restore CD from within windows shortly after purchasing the notebook.
So, I've done a little research.
Do you have two disks in RAID 0 or 1? ... or just a single drive/SSD?
With no USB or CD inserted, start the system and try pressing the F9 key (tap, pause, tap, pause...) This takes you to the asus automated system recovery, but again you may not even be able to get here since the disk configuration has been modified. Note; I'm not suggesting that you blow away your install, but you did say you were willing to do a fresh install if needed.
v2011 is not certified to support UEFI or GPT disk structure, so your boot disk probably will not work with this hardware.
Can I create a restore cd on another windows 7 machine and use that?
As for the raid question, ugh, I'm not sure. I know it's not an ssd.
I've found that I can successfully copy files over even though I can't seem to do a disk recovery so I'm wondering if I just copy all the folders that say boot from the recovery archive to their corresponding destination on my laptop if that would restore the boot information?
Paul,
I cannot recommend that you do that. I have no way to determine the outcome. Merely copying files over will not likely work. Your disk configuration has been modified after your attempt to create and install a dual boot environment. It is not possible to recover the source disk from an image made with Acronis seamlessly unless you can select it as a target during recovery.
Your current boot media does not appear to be able to do this. If you have the Plus Pack version of 2011, it might be possible for you to build a WinPE recovery CD that includes the storage controller drivers that Acronis needs to properly detect your disk(s). Your laptop is sold in several configurations. One or multiple disks/RAID configurations.
Below is another GOOD option:
Your Acronis product is working as it should. The disk image back up you made was created using the storage controller drivers specific to your system. The Acronis (linux based) boot CD does not contain all drivers for every system, OS and configuration. This is not physically possible. To facilitate support for this, the plus pack version of Acronis products includes a WinPE plug in that allows you to build a boot CD that specifically supports your hardware.
The F9 Asus boot option can be used to restore systems to a factory state, but not if the partition structure of the disk has been modified. An Asus boot CD can be created and used to restore a system that cannot start or has become corrupt, but again, the CD must be created from within windows.
You particular machine did not ship with a OS recovery CD. This is a worth while investment.
Lastly. Acronis does offer no cost support for recovery through it's official support channel, but I'm not completely sure that the version of Acronis you have supports your particular hardware configuration. You can open a support case and investigate this option if you wish.
Thanks a lot for trying to help. I'm wondering if I should just create another bootable usb stick with dos, delete the partitions, format it and start over. I still have the last image so once I get windows back on it I "should" be able to then copy the image over which would restore the restore partition too, right? I'll try to make sure I don't have any dvds/cds that came with the laptop when I get home. Thanks again.
Oh and by the way I have acronis 2011 with the plus pack.
In a typical scenario, you could use the acronis disk image back up you created earlier to restore your system and disks to their configuration prior to the ubuntu install attempt, but again, the boot media has to support the boot environment and hardware. Specifically UEFI, GPT or the RAID controller being used if applicable.
Since you were not sure about the system configuration, some but not all of my suggestions may apply to you. I don't think you will have problems using your current version of Acronis with your system (supports win7 all versions), but you must have a boot CD that detects your storage devices.
Support might be able to help with this, but you do have to open a case first. If you have no other choice but to re-install windows, you can mount the .tib file created earlier as a disk and copy data from it into your new install.
Have a look at your manual as well. If you have two disks which are in RAID, the BIOS offers a "lock" function that has to be activated for restoring. Again I don't know if this applies, but I am skimming through it right now. Good Luck.
You may try registering True Image 2013 trial, downloading bootable media, burning it to CD on som e other computer and restoring using it. It supports UEFI and may have support for the HDD controller.
Look under your start menu under the a folder labelled "Maintenance".
You should have an option to create a Windows Recovery CD.
If necessary, you may have to use the Asus Recovery backup file which is created by the user at time of first use of computer.
Or at least, my G53J provided all the tools I needed to do an initial backup and I was able to create the Windows Recover CD.
Paul,
I know your machine is still down and will not start, but dev-anon does have a good point. If you download and register the 2013 trial, it gives access to the 2013 boot CD .iso which you can use to burn an Acronis 2013 Boot CD. The boot CD supports recovery, not back up. This CD has updated drivers and might allow you to recover your previous back up. Worth trying.
Grover, I don't think he made an Asus back up CD prior to his failure.
Thanks both of you for helping out.
dev-anon I could kiss you - but don't worry, I won't;) That did the trick!! Unfortunately ubuntu is no longer in my bios as a bootable option but we can get that back later. Thanks again everyone!
Great News! And good to hear.
Now give yourself a few options. Create an Asus Restore DVD as Grover suggested and consider upgrading to 2013.