An OS clone or a Rescue USB stick results in Invalid Partition Table

[Nisko]

If I try to use (for instance) a Macrium Reflect Rescue USB stick, I set my BIOS to look at the USB ports first. Then, I reboot and The first message I see is "Invalid Partition Table." The USB stick didn't work because it didn't boot my PC. If I create a clone of my primary disk (with the OS on it), then try to boot with it (because I've replaced my primary disk with the clone), I get the same message "Invalid Partition Table" and the PC won't boot. Can anyone help me solve this problem please?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Not sure I can help, but more details needed:

What version of Macrium are you using to do the clone attempt?

Is the clone attempt made from a Macrium installation on the hard drive of the source PC?

I assume you used a Macrium ISO to make that USB stick. Where did you get the ISO? Do you know what Macrium version it represents?

I assume you aren't using an a CD rescue disk because you have no CD burner?

Describe the source and destination discs used in the cloning attempt: Brand, size, MBR or GPT initialization? Was the destination disc wiped clean? Is it new?

What method did you use to make that USB stick bootable--what software was involved?

Any other details you can think of?

 

[Nisko]

Thank you for the response. It's late so I'll try to answer your questions tomorrow.

 

[Nisko]

Some of your questions don't apply to what I'm trying to do. Here's more detail:

I'm using Macrium Reflect vs. 5.3 64 bit Free Edition to create the clone. The process is relatively straightforward and should be copying the MBR during the cloning procedure.

I'm cloning my hard drive (Samsung 1TB SSD) to an identical disk (external) by using a dongle SATA adapter connected to that identical disk.

MBR initialization.

Destination disk is not blank - it has the information on it from the last cloning attempt. However, Macrium wipes it clean before creating the new, updated clone.

When I substitute the clone for my hard drive, I get a message which says "Invalid Partition Table" OR "Missing Master Boot Record." It's been a long time since I've tried this so I'm not sure which message I received (sorry). However, in any case, the problem is that my clone wouldn't boot - and it should because it should be an identical copy of my hard drive.

Hope this helps.............

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Have you tried imaging rather than cloning?

 

[Nisko]

I also create Images on a regular basis and, actually, had to use one a few days ago. However, I want a clone drive as just one other safeguard against a disaster. If something serious happens, I want to be able to just pop the clone in place of my hard drive and keep right on working. I am anal about backups. I have three backup drives. On them, I have incremental backups and images. But what if they were stolen? I keep my clone in a safe place separate from the backup drives. Bottom Line: I will keep searching until I know my clone will work if and when necessary. Thank you for your interest and help.

 

[whs]

You cannot boot a cloned system from a USB port. Try an eSata port.

Regarding the Macrium USB recovery stick you must have made a mistake during the creation. Create a recovery .iso and then get it on the stick with Rufus. Rufus - Create bootable USB drives the easy way

 

[Nisko]

Sorry, but based on your last post, you don't understand what I'm trying to do. Macrium Reflect is a program that creates Images and Clones. Please re-read my last post. I am not using a USB stick at all. I'm merely substituting my cloned SSD for my internal SSD. It should work since it's a CLONE.

 

[whs]

Sorry, I guess I misread the second part of your post. You were talking about booting the WinPE from a stick though. For that I suggest you download the WinPE iso from my OneDrive and burn it to CD or stick.

Regarding the cloned disk. That should work. I have done that many times. Maybe you have a faulty Macrium. Suggest you completely uninstall Macrium and make a new install. Else you can also try the AOMEI Backupper which is a fine program too,

PS - I think I do understand Macrium. I do write the Macrium Tutorials around here, LOL.