Can't restore on Windows 8.1 machine

Secure boot is a pain in the a--. I had this problem myself though I could even get Acronis to boot. Try this.

-Method 1, mostly easy-

First, restore your Acronis image. Then use a Windows disc of the same version (VERY IMPORTANT) and try a system repair then reboot to see if it worked. If you don't have a Windows disk and you DO know the version you need, you can find it online. Use Google cause Google is your friend. You may need to mod the Windows 8 or 8.1 iso to include the ei.cfg file to change it to OEM with an ISO editing program (PowerISO & UltraISO are good apps to use). If your laptop came pre-installed with your current version of Window you are using, then it's most likely OEM and will have to have the ei.cfg file made or configured for OEM with your Win version (core or pro). Again, Google is your friend. Search for "ei.cfg creator (Windows 7 / Windows 8)" and you should find an online tool to help you make it. The ei.cfg file is just a text file and can be edited/made with notepad. Also note that including the ei.cfg file on the Win install disk will not ask for a product key until after Windows is installed and it IS optional.

-Method 2, please note that this is a little technological involved long process-

The second method, bear with me, is to restore the Acronis image, use ImageX to make a new image of the hard drive, mod the image (*.WIM) file so it will not include the boot and *.sys files, install a clean install of Windows (same version as the Acronis image), delete all files/folders except the boot and *.sys files from the new Win install and then use ImageX to restore everything but the boot and *.sys files. Long process I know but it worked for me for the couple of times I had to do it. I use GimageX cause it has a GUI due to the fact that ImageX is all commands via command prompt. You will still have to get ImageX as GimageX is just an interface for it and still uses ImageX in the background. If you want, I could email you the files as its kind of a pain to get the ImageX files from the "Windows Automated Installation Kit". PM me, don't post your email address for the world to see.

I can help you do the second method, just PM me or reply here. I will tell you that I have very odd hours (work, work second job, etc...) so may not reply for a day or so.

I may not have described the situation adequately because when I try to restore the image, it does not restore. Acronis says it is restoring and then says a restart is needed. The restart fails -- can't find some file-- and the computer then reboots with the previous state of the C drive unchanged.

I'll try it again and see if I can capture more of the message which goes off the screen quite fast.

I did it again and captured the message by taking a picture with my smartphone. The words were tiny and hard to read but it says something like:
Starting Acronis MEFI Loader...
Runtime error
Error xxxxx (picture blurred): Failed to find
| | time info: : ....

After which it automatically goes to the Boot Manager with
Boot Option Menu and only one option:
Windows Boot Manager (Samsung MZM....)
.. Enter to select and when I do, Windows restarts with no change from before trying to restore.