Cloning Disappointed

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  1. Posts : 14
    windows 7 ultimate x64
       #1

    Cloning Disappointed


    I want to avoid the hazel of installing and updating Win 7 if current hard drive dies. All else (e.g. documents, AppData, eMail backed up and easily restored). I have identical hard drives (SATA) and cloned current drive "successfully". When I swap the drives, everything seems to work perfectly. If I use only the cloned drive (which would be the case where original failed) Windows starts to boot but stops with message something like "not genuine Windows"). Defeats the purpose.

    Anyone know how to make this work? (Or explain the failure.)

    For those who like details: Windows 7 Ultimate, Macrium Reflect Free
    I found a Thread which discusses how to do this with Paragon but I couldn't get it to clone; just backup.

    I also have a similar computer and I cloned the same way with Acronis True Image.

    Ironic that MS seems to think I am a pirate. I get Windows, most MS and Adobe software free through my university.
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 1,379
    Win7 Pro 32-bit, Win8 Pro 32-bit
       #2

    Sorry, but MS uses the hard drive serial number as part of the hash code it generates to validate a Windows install. When you changed out the drive, the new hash code won't match the old one -- hence the validation message.

    You would probably have to reactivate Win7.
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 6,330
    Multi-Boot W7_Pro_x64 W8.1_Pro_x64 W10_Pro_x64 +Linux_VMs +Chromium_VM
       #3

    I use Imaging (not cloning) for OS+Programs partition system backups.
    I've restored Images to a different HD/SSD than the Image was created on many times.
    I've never had a "not genuine" issue, or needed to re-activate after restoring.
    I use Acronis TI (paid).

    I don't understand why imaging would work differently than cloning for this ...
    You might want to test using Imaging to see if you have the same problem ...
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 16,132
    7 X64
       #4

    Problem with the disk signature. I am making something to fix that.


    heritage said:
    I want to avoid the hazel of installing and updating Win 7 if current hard drive dies. All else (e.g. documents, AppData, eMail backed up and easily restored). I have identical hard drives (SATA) and cloned current drive "successfully". When I swap the drives, everything seems to work perfectly. If I use only the cloned drive (which would be the case where original failed) Windows starts to boot but stops with message something like "not genuine Windows"). Defeats the purpose.

    Anyone know how to make this work? (Or explain the failure.)

    For those who like details: Windows 7 Ultimate, Macrium Reflect Free
    I found a Thread which discusses how to do this with Paragon but I couldn't get it to clone; just backup.

    I also have a similar computer and I cloned the same way with Acronis True Image.

    Ironic that MS seems to think I am a pirate. I get Windows, most MS and Adobe software free through my university.
      My Computers


  5. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #5

    I rarely clone a drive but with imaging I have never had a non-genuine issue. I know swapping in a clone takes 2 minutes and restoring an image maybe 12-20 minutes, but it works well. This also would require another, 3rd, HDD to store images too.
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 14
    windows 7 ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #6

    Thanks for the responses. I am still learning at my advanced age - the problem being remembering it all.
    I will try imaging. I have done that a few times but not for Windows. Will have to think about the details.
    Looking forward to SIW2's results. Another chance for me to learn something.
      My Computer


  7. Posts : 6,330
    Multi-Boot W7_Pro_x64 W8.1_Pro_x64 W10_Pro_x64 +Linux_VMs +Chromium_VM
       #7

    heritage said:
    Thanks for the responses. I am still learning at my advanced age - the problem being remembering it all.
    I will try imaging. I have done that a few times but not for Windows. Will have to think about the details.
    Looking forward to SIW2's results. Another chance for me to learn something.
    Yea, there is a lot to think about with backup strategy...
    But, that's what helps us senior folks keep going -trying and learning !

    Another advantage of imaging is you can save multiple images on the same HD so you can restore from a different backup image "save point/date created" if you run into problems.
    With cloning, the entire HD is "copied" so you only have the latest "clone backup" available if you have problems.

    I keep several backup images so I can restore to an earlier point in time if restoring the latest backup image did not fix the issue I just "found"...
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 24,479
    Windows 7 Ultimate X64 SP1
       #8

    Here is an excellent tutorial for using Macrium Reflect Free by another one of us older more experienced members.
    Imaging with free Macrium
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 16,132
    7 X64
       #9

    It took a while, but here it is. I made this for winpe, however the bit you need works fine run from within Windows as well.

    NT6repairEx64.zip


    Run it as administrator, select the non starting windows partition in the dropdown and click FIX.

    Cloning Disappointed-nt6rep1.jpg


    Then a little cmd window pops up telling you it all completed successfully:

    Cloning Disappointed-nt6rep2.jpg
      My Computers


  10. Posts : 14
    windows 7 ultimate x64
    Thread Starter
       #10

    Amazing


    Thanks to SIW2. I can't believe you did this. I see why you have all those accolades.

    At first your reply completely confused me but after staring at it a while I think I understand.

    At the moment I have an original drive and a cloned drive. The cloned drive will not boot if it is the only drive installed (although it will boot if both drive are installed).
    Your instructions are to run your program 'NT6repairEx64.EXE' (presumably from the original drive);
    Select the cloned drive, and click 'FIX'

    Sorry to be a nuisance. I will wait a while to see if you correct me.

    Wow!
      My Computer


 
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