Anybody have luck imaging 8 with UEFI, GPT, Secure Boot?

pparks1

Well-Known Member
VIP Member
Guru
Messages
3,658
Location
Westland, MI
I'm having nothing but epic failures when I try to image a Windows 8 box with Secure Boot enabled, that was installed using UEFI and has GPT partitions.

I can install using standard MBR, and disable Secure Boot and UEFI in the BIOS and I can restore that no problem.

However, I have been playing with Aomei, Macrium, EaseUs, etc to handle my image restores and not having any luck at all. Basically it's this thread that explains my issues almost perfectly.
Home user: Need Win 8 Disk Imaging solution with UEFI-compatible Startup Disks

I want to install Windows 8, using UEFI with Secure Boot, install patches, software, etc, then run sysprep, shut down, image and then deploy the image on the same make/model down the road.

The only real success thus far has been to load Windows 8, and then run imagex to capture a new wim and then install using that WIM. But that's a whole install, I'd rather just lay an image back down.

I've spent 4 full days working on this, and no luck
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I assume you can now get the recovery media to boot - but the restored images don't boot ?

I am pretty sure Paragon paid versions do that fine - I have no idea if the free version does.

In any case, it is only free for personal use.:(
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
You have two choices...
Either use Paragon on a 30 day free licence.
or
Macrium reflect "clone" to a slave drive.
Shrink with minitool if you need to shrink that is
Then macrium reflect "Clone drive" back...
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8 pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Computer 1 of 4
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4A78LT-M LE
    Memory
    4GB Kit (2x2GB)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 18"
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    PSU
    Cheapo
    Internet Speed
    30mb
    Other Info
    Computer 2 :~ Dell Inspiron - 1x 350gb & 1x 250gb - 6GB Memory - Win 7 | Computer 3 :~ Samsung 355v5C Notebook - 6Gb Mem - Win8 2Core| Computer 4:~ Samsung 355v5C Notebook - 6Gb Mem - Win8 4Core
I was able to make a system image from within Windows 8 using it's native tool...and then I booted from a UEFI based Windows 8 key fob and then ran disk part and cleaned the disk, restored the image and it booted.

I haven't had any luck with Aomei getting a restored image to boot. But then again, I don't have a solid UEFI based boot environment for Aomei. I just figured that I would be able to restore it using legacy BIOS mode, and then switch it over to UEFI and then reinstall the boot loader, but that did not work, at all. I've tried tons of bcdboot, and fixmbr, and bootrec commands...but none of them get my system to boot back up.

I will look into the Paragon option.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I chatted with Acronis and they tell me that KB article is old and they do in fact support Windows 8 fully and can boot a recovered GPT partition,
True Image 2013 by Acronis: GPT & UEFI Support | Knowledge Base

But, I need TI2013 as well as the Plus back to get the Widows PE support.

But they do offer a money back guarantee if the software does not work well enough for my liking.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
You might like to try Paragon.

I am using HDM 12 Pro - it is well worth a look.

You don't need to buy a separate plus pack - you don't need a separate partitioning program. It is all included in the paid versions.

It has a restore to different hardware feature - that can be pointed at any os/ or any restored image - not just the Paragon ones. They also have a great boot corrector module for uefi stuff.

They have a trial version - it annoyingly keeps reminding it is a trial.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Can I make a recovery PE disk with the trial? I want to build a machine, sysprep it, shut it off, then image it, then restore it.

I will pay for it, if it works. I'm not against spending money on software that meets a need.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
I don't know if the trial comes with a pe building program.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
I expect they will sort something out for you if you ask them.

They look after me very well. I may be able to ask someone at Ca. office.

Theog has had great success with it on his efi systems.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Ok, the issue is now resolved.

I spent the $39 on a copy of Paragon Backup and Restore 12, created the 64bit WinPE bootable media (USB key), it boots via EFI. I previously booted with my Windows 8 install key, ran diskpart, cleaned the disk so nothing was there, then booted the Paragon key, restored my image and I have success.

Box is booting again.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
That is good news. :dinesh:
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    ME, XP,Vista,Win7,Win8,Win8.1
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Other Info
    Notebooks x 3

    Desktops x 5

    Towers x 4
I guess I just saved $39
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Win8 pro
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Computer 1 of 4
    Motherboard
    ASUS M4A78LT-M LE
    Memory
    4GB Kit (2x2GB)
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Samsung 18"
    Screen Resolution
    1080p
    PSU
    Cheapo
    Internet Speed
    30mb
    Other Info
    Computer 2 :~ Dell Inspiron - 1x 350gb & 1x 250gb - 6GB Memory - Win 7 | Computer 3 :~ Samsung 355v5C Notebook - 6Gb Mem - Win8 2Core| Computer 4:~ Samsung 355v5C Notebook - 6Gb Mem - Win8 4Core
Thanks for the update Pp.

Glad it worked for you.

I have been using Paragon for a few years - great stuff.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Can I make a recovery PE disk with the trial? I want to build a machine, sysprep it, shut it off, then image it, then restore it.

I will pay for it, if it works. I'm not against spending money on software that meets a need.

Hi there
Why not use a Windows to Go system --You've presumably got access to a Windows 8 Enterprise system to create one. Then install Acronis on it. You can then use the Windows to Go system as a recovery platform for your main machine too.

If you don't have access to W8 Enterprise you can download a 90 day evaluation version -- this would certainly allow for adequate testing of various recovery scenarios.

I think there is a slight confusion here between UEFI / GPT boot and the PROTECTED BOOT.

If you switch off protected boot ATM 2013 works just fine. I don't like the whole idea of protected boot anyway -- I sometimes want to boot other OS'es on a machine - and while using VM's is normally what I would do sometimes you need to try stuff out on an actual PHYSICAL machines.

Cheers
jimbo
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Linux Centos 7, W8.1, W7, W2K3 Server W10
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Monitor(s) Displays
    1 X LG 40 inch TV
    Hard Drives
    SSD's * 3 (Samsung 840 series) 250 GB
    2 X 3 TB sata
    5 X 1 TB sata
    Internet Speed
    0.12 GB/s (120Mb/s)
Well, I never upgraded my acronis true image from 2010 to any newer version, so I would have had a money cost here anyway.

I do have access to enterprise via my MSDN account, and I had not thought of using 8 to go for this. It's a function I have not had any time to play with yet.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 7
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Self-Built in July 2009
    CPU
    Intel Q9550 2.83Ghz OC'd to 3.40Ghz
    Motherboard
    Gigabyte GA-EP45-UD3R rev. 1.1, F12 BIOS
    Memory
    8GB G.Skill PI DDR2-800, 4-4-4-12 timings
    Graphics Card(s)
    EVGA 1280MB Nvidia GeForce GTX570
    Sound Card
    Realtek ALC899A 8 channel onboard audio
    Monitor(s) Displays
    23" Acer x233H
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    Intel X25-M 80GB Gen 2 SSD
    Western Digital 1TB Caviar Black, 32MB cache. WD1001FALS
    PSU
    Corsair 620HX modular
    Case
    Antec P182
    Cooling
    stock
    Keyboard
    ABS M1 Mechanical
    Mouse
    Logitech G9 Laser Mouse
    Internet Speed
    15/2 cable modem
    Other Info
    Windows and Linux enthusiast. Logitech G35 Headset.
You have two choices...
Either use Paragon on a 30 day free licence.
or
Macrium reflect "clone" to a slave drive.
Shrink with minitool if you need to shrink that is
Then macrium reflect "Clone drive" back...

This is interesting. Can Paragon do the same? Specifically, I'm interesting in imaging the entire factory disk (GPT disk including all partitions from the factory) onto a smaller drive I have lying around. Certainly, the amount of data on the factory disk is much smaller than the backup disk, but physically, it is indeed larger. And, would the backup include all the partition information so that all partitions are put back with their exact original sizes?

If the above is not possible, what about this scenario (if I may be so bold): Let's say I backup the disk from the factory, wipe the EFI/W8 recovery/system partitions, and clean install W8 onto that unallocated space. The W8 install creates new hidden EFI (and other) and system partitions on the drive. If wanted to restore the factory system image back, would I first need to wipe system and hidden partitions and restore the image?

Essentially, what has me confused are the hidden partitions. Specifically, how does a restore handle pre-existing EFI hidden partitions - are they simply overwritten from the recovery and re-sized if needed? And if the hidden partitions don't exist, such as on unallocated space, does the recovery create them from the backed up image so that the machine boots?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 8.1 Core
    Computer type
    Laptop
    System Manufacturer/Model
    Asus UX302LA
This is interesting. Can Paragon do the same? Specifically, I'm interesting in imaging the entire factory disk (GPT disk including all partitions from the factory) onto a smaller drive I have lying around. Certainly, the amount of data on the factory disk is much smaller than the backup disk, but physically, it is indeed larger. And, would the backup include all the partition information so that all partitions are put back with their exact original sizes?

Yes, it will also offer the option to increase the partition sizes during restore. if you so wish.


If wanted to restore the factory system image back, would I first need to wipe system and hidden partitions and restore the image?

Oem restore programs will usually do all including recreating partitions exactly as the original out of the box state.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    7/8/ubuntu/Linux Deepin
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
Back
Top