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System Image Restore on Windows 8.1

Anonymous
2014-02-20T07:36:04+00:00

Hi

I backed up a system image of my surface pro windows 8.1 on an external hard drive. I am trying to restore my new surface pro 2 with the system image, but when I go through the steps "Settings>Change PC Settings> Recovery> Restart Now> Troubleshooting> Advanced Options> Restore from system image> Select the system image on my external" It gives me the following error:

"To restore this computer windows needs to format the drive that the windows recovery environment is currently running on. To continue with the restore, shut down this computer and boot it from a windows installation disc or a system repair disc and then try the restore again."

I tried reinstalling windows 8.1 with the option they give in the update and recovery section in change pc settings, but it doesn't give me the option as shown in this article: http://www.winhelp.us/repair-your-computer-in-windows-8.html

Since I have a surface pro 2 with everything already pre-installed, how do I boot it from a windows installation disc to try the restore?

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Windows update

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-02-22T14:47:20+00:00

    Hi,

    You might  be facing this issue due to some corrupted boot files. I suggest you to try the following steps and check if it helps.

    If you don’t have a Windows 8.1 DVD, you can refer to the article mentioned below to know how to create a bootable USB\DVD for Windows 8.1.

    How to create installation media for a PC refresh or reset

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

    I suggest you to change the first boot priority to DVD\USB if you are not able to get the boot menu when you insert a DVD\USB.

    Let’s try these steps to restore Windows 8.1 from a system image or recovery disk.

    To restore using a Windows installation disc or a system repair disc:

    1.     Insert the installation disc or system repair disc.

    2.     Restart your computer using the computer's power button.

    3.     If prompted, press any key to start the computer from the installation disc or

    system repair disc.

    If your computer is not configured to start from a CD or DVD, check the information that came with your computer. You might need to change your computer's BIOS settings. For information about which settings to change, check your computer manufacturer's website. For more information about BIOS, see BIOS: frequently asked questions.

    Note: Modifying BIOS/complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) settings incorrectly can cause serious problems that may prevent your computer from booting properly. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the configuring of BIOS/CMOS settings can be solved. Modifications of the settings are at your own risk.

    4.     Choose your language settings, and then click Next.

    5.     Click Repair your computer.

    Note: This step only applies if you are using a Windows installation disc.

    6.     Select a recovery option, and then click Next

    To restore using the Recovery Control Panel (recommended):

    If your computer is working and you can access Control Panel, or if you want to restore your system image backup onto a different computer, follow these steps:

    a. Open Recovery by pressing Windows Key + C, and typing Control Panel. In the search box, type recovery, and then click Recovery.

    b. Click Advanced recovery methods.

    c. Click Use a system image you created earlier to recover your computer, and then follow the steps.

    You may also contact the System Manufacturer in case if you are using the manufacturer’s utility to restore the system image.

    Do let us know about the results. We will be happy to assist you further.

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  1. Anonymous
    2014-06-03T12:06:57+00:00

    I am having the same problem as Austin Vu and James_Sanders and datrumole, can't get past that error message asking for an installation disc or  system repair disc. Anyone found a solution?

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  2. Anonymous
    2014-05-31T05:03:34+00:00

    please tell me you found out how to recover. i cannot get past the 'to restore this computer, windows needs to format the drive that the windows recovery environment is currently running on' and it's driving me insane

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  3. Anonymous
    2014-04-21T21:24:40+00:00

    I also have the exact same problem as Austin Vu.   I previously created a bootable Windows 8.1 USB stick.  At that time  I also created a system image on an external hard drive, using the System Recovery utility in Windows 8.1.

    However, at this point, I need to restore my system image.  I wiped my hard drive and restored Windows using the USB stick.   It restored into Windows 8 because that was what was on the laptop when I first bought it.  I tried to recover the system image, and I got the same message that Austin got:

    "To restore this computer windows needs to format the drive that the windows recovery environment is currently running on. To continue with the restore, shut down this computer and boot it from a windows installation disc or a system repair disc and then try the restore again."

    I got this message even though I booted from the USB stick.  I assumed I just needed to upgrade the computer to Windows 8.1 in order to make it work.  So I did that, but I still get the same error.  If it boots from the Windows 8.1 USB recovery stick, it is running its recovery environment from the stick, right?  Why does it insist it needs an installation disc or system repair disk?

    Your message above suggests we create a disc according to directions at this site:

    http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

    However, the instructions here say you cannot create such a disc without a Windows 8.1 product key.  You don't get a Windows 8.1 product key when you upgrade from Windows 8 (it says a Windows 8 product key won't work!) 

    I'm stuck!   Please help.

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  4. Anonymous
    2014-02-20T18:21:16+00:00

    Also, the image I have is a vhdx image.

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