Issue with Macrium Reflect and cloning a Windows OS drive

[Nisko]

I realize this is a Windows Forum - but I have no where else to turn. I am using Macrium Reflect (Free Version) to clone my 1TB SSD primary drive which has three partitions. My issue is that, when I clone the primary drive, the clone shows less GB used than the original in each partition (I have three partitions). Also, when I substitute the clone for the primary drive, I get a message which says "File Attributes Table Missing" and I can't boot. Both my primary OS disk and the cloned disk are identical. Can anyone help me please? I am under the assumption that a clone will have the MBR on it.

 

[AddRAM]

1) Why are you cloning all 3 partitions, just clone windows.
2) I would use an image, not a clone.
3) Running startup repair (with no other drives connected) should fix the no boot issue.

 

[GokAy]

You can't clone partitions, it is copying the whole disk bit-by-bit, and an exact copy of each other.

I am not sure if you can clone in Windows but are you booting with Macrium media to do the cloning?

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

You can't clone partitions, it is copying the whole disk bit-by-bit, and an exact copy of each other.

I am not sure if you can clone in Windows but are you booting with Macrium media to do the cloning?

Actually, you can clone individual partitions, as well as an entire disk, if using Macrium Reflect. See here, starting with post #15. Macrium Reflect's default setting for is use Intelligent Sector Copy, which is a fancy way of saying it only works with occupied sectors and ignores the empty ones.

Also, it isn't necessary to use MR's restore media to clone the disk or a partition of a disk if MR is installed on the disk being cloned.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

1) Why are you cloning all 3 partitions, just clone windows.
2) I would use an image, not a clone.
3) Running startup repair (with no other drives connected) should fix the no boot issue.

If the OP is wanting to move all of the contents of the old drive to a new one to replace the old drive, then cloning the entire drive would be appropriate. I've done so several times when replacing the HDD in a notebook with an SSD.

 

[Nisko]

How do I reply to each of you (all very informative) individually?

Seems all I can do is use the "Quote" tab.

 

[Lady Fitzgerald]

You can't clone partitions, it is copying the whole disk bit-by-bit, and an exact copy of each other.

I am not sure if you can clone in Windows but are you booting with Macrium media to do the cloning?

Actually, you can clone individual partitions, as well as an entire disk, if using Macrium Reflect. See here, starting with post #15. Macrium Reflect's default setting for is use Intelligent Sector Copy, which is a fancy way of saying it only works with occupied sectors and ignores the empty ones.

Also, it isn't necessary to use MR's restore media to clone the disk or a partition of a disk if MR is installed on the disk being cloned.

I forgot the link. http://www.sevenforums.com/backup-restore/361659-cloning-individual-partitions-2.html#post3007905

I suggest you reply to us in this thread so the results can benefit others reading it.

 

[GokAy]

Thanks for the link Lady.

(Off-topic: How do you link to a specific post?)