Recovery method errors
I just got my laptop back from repair and now I have a "virgin" computer. I hoped they wouldn't have wiped the hard drive but I thought of that ahead of time. So, I bought another external drive and read everything I could on this forum to learn the best method of backup to use and since many users indicated to me that doing a full-disk backup was essentially the same as cloning. My intention was to restore my computer to its previous configuration. I made 3, what I thought were full disk backups using TI 2010 and validated each. Now to the question... I have identified the three backups and when I choose which disks to restore I can choose between Disk 1 and Disk 4. I selected disk 1. The next step is to proceed which informs me that I will need to reboot. OK. So, after reboot, Acronis window states there was error; retry or cancel. I retry a few times, get the error message again then finally cancel and start all over with the same results. Of the three backups, one has a small file size and the two others are larger (115,000 MB) so I have been using the larger file.
Can someone please help me with this. I can probably manually drag the files from the external disk to my fresh desktop but I worked so hard to make a disk image I don't want to defeat myself putting all my files in the proper places and I'm not sure I have all the serials and activation codes so reinstalling all my applications may not work.
Enough blabber but I don't want to leave any important details out so I can get a detailed response.
The computer came back as if it were a new one running Windows 7 which is the OS I was using before. Yes, my options look like your illustration and I click on the box by "Disk". Is that right?
I don't know why this comment was posted twice.
I got the impression from your first posting that you had tried to restore and gotten errors. So I ask again, is your computer bootable? Or, phrased another way, did the virgin system get overwritten by your first restore?
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As to your questions:
If you click on the box labelled Disk, you will restore the entire backup. This is the usual procedure if you are restoring to the same size disk as was the original. This will cause the disk receiving the restore to be exactly like the original.
On the next screen, the target disks are listed. The disk you want to choose as the target is the disk which inside the computer and contains the virgin re-install. If you have any uncertainty about which is the correct disk, there are other ways to confirm the correct disk. Be observant, any other disks are probably labelled as usb but read carefully. If you have multiple disks listed, clicking on each of the disks will cause their contents to be displayed on the bottom which can help in determining the correct disk as the target.
After you select the correct target disk, on the same screen, also checkmark the option to "Recover Disk Signature" and click next.
On the final screen which is also the summary screen, the intended actions will be displayed. Click Cancel to stop the process or click PROCEED to cause the recovery process to begin.
I'm sorry I wasn't clear on that. Yes, the computer is bootable, in fact I am writing this comment on it right now. I have not been able to do any restoration at all. Your directions are clear and easy to follow and I believe I have followed that procedure as you described. My problem is when I click proceed, I get a page explaining the 4 steps that will take place, the first one is highlighted saying I will need to reboot after that. Fine but when it reboots I get a window which says that Acronis is launching (BTW the text in this window is not the same as I usually see in Acronis and the text is elongated horizontally) but moments later it gives me an error with the option of try again or cancel. I have tried again several times with no luck. I will be happy to try again and make some screen shots of my problem. Thanks for your patience and help.
Also, restoring by disk is exactly what I want to do. I researched this extensively before I started this, in fact I read your article on cloning so I chose to do the full disk backup. My objective is to do exactly what you pointed out: that the original computer would be restored to it's previous condition.
Please confirm that you are using the TI Bootable media Recovery CD to perform the restore--as listed in post #1.
If your computer is still in virgin condition, you may want to do a disk option backup (when booted from the TI bootable media CD) as per this picture. This would give a safety valve should your real restore not work.
I think I'm getting lost or I'm not understanding your questions.
By bootable media CD you are referring to a physical CD or DVD. I do not have one of those although I think I can make one now. I downloaded TI software so I could put it on my original computer to facilitate the transfer back to the original computer. Everything seems all right with that. It's just getting that error upon reboot of the first process in the restoration.
I'm embarrassed to ask this because I should know better but to make a bootable media disk do I need a CD/DVD R only or do I have to have a CD/DVD RW? I have a lot of DVDs that are read only.
I probably shouldn't have called the repaired computer "virgin" ; I now see how that may have been misunderstood. Let's change it to a computer that contains none of my original settings, applications, receipts, serial numbers etc. It is just as if I came from the Sony store with a new computer. The OS and other trial applications and stuff that are usually loaded on a new computer.
I don't quite understand why I would need bootable media CD to boot the computer. It boots up just fine and there is my Acronis software waiting for me to get my backups re-installed. As mentioned before what happens is when upon finishing the first portion of the recovery process I am forced to reboot and that's where the error comes up. Does that finally make sense?
1. For more info about the Bootable Media, click on the first line of my signature below and check out the items listed under index item #2.
2. TI provides two methods to restore a complete backup file. One is via Windows and the other is via the Bootable Media. Your use of the Windows recovery produced an error message so your logical next step to get successful recovery will be the use of a Bootable media. From past experience, you will have a better chance of success when using the Bootable media option as compared to from within Windows. Using the Bootable media removes any interference from Windows.
3. Bootable media normally refers to where the user has installed the entire program and uses the "Create bootable media" option (providing such was installed as part of the install process) to burn a blank CD-R disc into an Acronis bootable CD. For some, an CD-RW or DVD or DVD-RW may or may not suffice instead of a CD-R. Instead of a burning a CD, you can also use a USB thumb drive, etc and create an Acronis bootable device. Any of these should enable you to boot into the Acronis Recovery module either on CD or Thumb Drive.
4. A bootable media can also be created via a user download from the user user registration page. This is a download ISO file which can be burn as an image and it will be the same as one created via the installed program. This is just providing more than one way to create a bootable media.
5. For your situation, you really did not have to install the TI program. Your goals of a backup and a restore could have been accomplished by using the Bootable media option. This would have been registering your serial and then downloading the ISO file as mentioned in 4 above and creating your bootable media from the downloaded ISO file.
6. I understand the "virgin" computer to mean "as is" from the factory or no user modifications applied.
7. I am surprised that you can still use the computer as you attempted a restore and it failed. This normally leaves your computer incomplete and non-bootable. Any attempt to recover via the Bootable Media option will either be a success or if a failure, your computer will be non-bootable. A restore will delete the existing partitions and replace those with the contents of the backup file.
8. Based on #7, I suggested that you create a backup file of your virgin computer just in case something goes wrong with the restore of your backup file. Having such a backup will provide at least another alternative to getting your system back in some sort of usable condition--or a safety valve option. Backup could be done from within Windows or using the bootable media option.
9. If you have not done so, most likely, your Start/Programs/Accessories folder provides an option to create a Windows Recovery DVD. Having such will provide you with the possibility of using the Windows Recovery "Repair"option. I would strongly urge you use this option--if such exists.
10. After you do the backup in #8 (or chooses not to do the backup), then you should be ready to attempt a restore when BOOTED FROM THE TI BOOTABLE MEDIA. The only disk which needs to be attached is the disk inside the laptop and the external disk containing the backup *.tib file. Using the Recovery procedure, the disk inside the laptop will have the data deleted and replaced by the data from the backup file.
If you are ready to restore your backup which will overlay you virgin computer with the backup data from your prior backup, here would be my suggested steps.
1. Attach and power up the external disk containing your backup.
Boot from a Acronis Bootable Media Recovery CD or USB device--such as a ThumbDrive.
2. Choose the "Add disk" option found under the Utilities Menu
a. Use the Add Disk option to Delete the existing partitions on the Virgin disk. Be very very careful to select the correct Virgin disk where the partitions are to be deleted. Do NOT select the usb disk.
2. Use the Recovery procedure and select the backup file which is to be restored.
3. On the screen labeled, "Select the items to recover",
checkmark the disk box as to what is to be restored. All partitions will become checked.
4. On the next screen labeled, "Select the destination disk"
Select the virgin disk and also checkmark the "Recovery Disk Signature"
The illustration at the bottom of this page should show all space as unallocated as the target disk is blank.
5. On the next screen is the last and summary screen. This summary will list what actions are being planned such as the creation of partitions and their sizes. YOu have no choices here. It is right or wrong. If wrong, you cancel and start over. Click PROCEED to begin the restore process.
6. Upon completion. Remove the Bootable Media CD. Shutdown and disconnect the usb external disk.
7. Reboot the laptop with NO other disks attached.
Well, you couldn't have been more clear on those instructions and I think I'm almost there. I did make a bootable disk, booted up and followed pretty much what you said, (I did this before I received your last post.) I think my only question now is: how do I validate the recovery? Didn't you say to do that? I did validate my backups so I think they're OK. Oh, another question: I get a choice of which disk from which I want to back up and disk 1 is the external hard drive so obviously that's not the one. But, the other disk is disk 4 which is identified as Windows F drive.
So, after I hear back from you, I'll proceed to returning my computer to its former configuration.
One comment: why is all this so complicated. Shouldn't the windows on Acronis be easier and more thorough so you don't have to spend your life answering questions from people like me!
Thanks so much.
I added content to post #9 before posting #10. Be sure and read it all.
I agree. It should be easier than it is. Using version 2010, the procedure is pretty much the same from within Windows or from the CD. Beginning with the 2011 version, restoring under Windows has become much more complicated and error prone. The 2011-2012 CD is mostly the same as 2010.
I'm having trouble visualizing this disk 4 question. Would you mind retracing your steps and post a screen capture attachment. This will have to be done from within Windows in order to get the capture. If you need help with the attachment, refer to my signature below.
Edit:
If you are talking about taking a backup of the virgin disk, that is the disk you wish to select for the backup creation.
It was not my intention to validate the recovery and you had validated the backup at time of creation.
I was incorrect. I only have one option to select from which is disk 1. However the next window, which is where I choose from which disk do I want to recover. You'll see on the attached. I assume the USB is my external HD since that's my backup medium. I think I'm almost there.
I did send attachment with the "chose file". It's a Word document and it shows Acronis Launcher.exe. ????
Sorry. I got it this time.
Disk 4 is our 1 terrabyte external drive.
When selecting the target disk, select disk 1 as the target to receive the restore and the recover disk image.
Your attachment shows you are selecting disk 1 which is correct.
It looks like you are ready to restore your backup as in post 10.
Good luck.
Success! I held my breath and I was so nervous I had to go for a long walk...in the snow.
Thank you so very much. I couldn't have done it without you. Again, I reiterate the poor development of the software. You taught me so much that I definitely wouldn't have figured out myself. I'm glad you are there.
Congratulations to you for your perseverance. Now that you have succeeded, you should have less nervousness.
Keep doing your full disk backups which will enable to recover should your disk fail.
Good luck.