Cloning GPT disks with Acronis True Image 2016

Cloning GPT disks with Acronis True Image 2016

Use Acronis True Image 2016 to clone GPT disks with multiple partitions.
Clone OEM system restore partitions and keep multi-boot functionality.
Other Acronis versions like ACR 11.5 may prompt convert the GPT disk to MBR, not helpful.
Windows Computer Management does not show all partitions in the correct order.
Acronis does not show all partitions in the correct order.
Use Minitoool Partition Wizard Free to graphically view partion order.
Use the Windows command DISKPART to view partition order.
Use DISKPART to prepare the destination disk with partitions.
Do not rely on True Image default restore settings.
Use the True Image 2016 restore wizard to image each partition to a "new location".

In October 2015 Mustang (Acronis MVP Volunteer) explained in spectacular detail cloning of UEFI/GPT disks with True Image 2016.
101550: Guide to Restoring a UEFI/GPT Windows System to a New Disk with True Image 2016
Original post: https://forum.acronis.com/forum/101550

https://forum.acronis.com/forum/101550

It's a great post with over 50 helpful comments.
I successfully cloned my GPT system disk after reading this.
I'm thankful to Mustang and the other contributors.
I'm respectfully expanding on their work here.
 
Use DISKPART to read all of the partitions on the old source disk:
Command prompt
> diskpart
> list disk
> select disk #
> list partition

Use DISKPART to create the same partitions on the new destination disk:
Command prompt
> diskpart
> list disk
> select disk #
> clean
> convert gpt
> (Delete MSR if created in the wrong place) delte partition override
> create partition primary size=xxxxx   (for each primary partition)
> create partition msr size=xxxx         (for the system reserved partition)

Overview:
Create an Acronis TIB backup of the entire source disk.
Prepare the destination disk by creating partitions
Restore the TIB to the prepared destination disk.
Use the restore wizard to select "New Location" for each partition

The original post...
1. assumed familiarity with the True Image product.
2. assumed only one computer was available.
3. didn't include "delete partition override".
4. glossed over some partition sizing info.
5. wasn't clear on the "MBR track 0" checkbox.
6. was pretty awesome regardless of my notes and advice.

1. So, the original instructions assumed familiarity with the True Image product.
Start by purchasing and installing Acronis True Image 2016.
We can't simpy download the boot media. (No ISO or stand-alone media creator)
Install the True Image product in Windows, then we can generate boot media.
Disregard the Linux boot media, choose the WinPE boot media.
Install WinPE boot media on a blank flash disk.

2. The original instructions assumed that only one computer was available.
I first attempted to do everything from my laptop.
I had trouble correctly loading multiple USB devices at each boot.
SATA/USB docks and USB 3.0 devices don't always perform as desired
In the end I used a desktop with four SATA ports and a couple of extra SATA cables.

In the preparation phase, it's nice to mount the source and destination disks on the same computer at the same time for a side by side comparison.

A "reference desktop" can be any Windows OS running Acronis True Image 2016, Minitool PW Free, and of course DISKPART. See image attachments on this post.
    
Disks connected for Preparation Phase
-- Reference Desktop Computer (SATA)
-- Original Source Disk (SATA)
-- New Destination Disk (SATA)

Three disks were required to make the TIB file.
-- Acronis WinPE Boot Media (USB STICK)
-- Original Source Disk (SATA)
-- Storage for TIB file (SATA)

Three disks were required to deploy/image the TIB file.
-- Acronis WinPE Boot Media (USB STICK)
-- Storage for TIB file (SATA)
-- New Destination Disk (SATA)

Switching through these scenarios it's nice to use a desktop instead of a laptop.
    
3. My system reserved partition (MSR) was not in the beginning of the disk.
Mustang actually documented this issue in the comments a couple months after his orignal post.
So, In my case Lenovo inserted the MSR as the fourth partition.
Unfortunately "convert gpt" creates the MSR at the beginning of the disk
I ran "convert gpt", then used the "delete partition override" command to delete the unwanted MSR.
Then I manually created the new MSR in the correct spot.

4. The original instructions glossed over some partition sizing info.
I made my new MSR exactly 128 MB, and that worked.
All of my other destination partitions were sized slightly larger than the original partitions.
Larger sizes help to compensate for the Windows minimum sector size and/or Windows allocation units.
The word "exact" in the original post shouldn't be taken too literally
For example, you are probably migrating to a larger disk.
Create the new C drive size with the new larger size.
All of the disks in this process are basic disks, not dynamic, so it's difficult to resize the disks when the process is complete.

5. The original instructions provided detail on the MBR Track 0 check box.
Hours later Mustang commented,"I did some more test restores here. I have found that checking or not checking the MBR Track 0 box made no difference." Thus, we can disregard MBR Track 0.

6. The original post was awesome regardless of my notes and advice. It filled a huge gap in my understanding of GPT disks.

I hope this helps new users and people who don't normally read comments! Happy imaging. - I'm a new member to the Acronis forums. Cheers, - DelawareValley05