Share via

How can I compare (ie using HEXCMP) the UEFI EFI partitions on 2 just created Server C Drives

Anonymous
2024-06-11T16:02:08+00:00

My goal is to create a standby C Drive. I have created the 2 Drives with different processes and wish to see any differences in the EFI partitions.

Windows for business | Windows Server | Networking | Other

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question. To protect privacy, user profiles for migrated questions are anonymized.

0 comments

1 answer

Sort by: Most helpful
Most helpful Newest Oldest
  1. Anonymous
    2024-06-12T06:14:30+00:00

    Hello DrDon,

    To compare the UEFI EFI partitions on two server C drives, especially if you are looking to verify that a standby C drive is correctly set up, you can use a hex comparison tool such as hexcmp. This process will allow you to visually inspect any differences in the binary content of the EFI partitions, which are crucial for the boot process.

    Here's how to proceed:

    Step 1: Identify EFI Partition Locations

    First, you need to determine where the EFI partitions are located on each disk. You can use a tool like diskpart on Windows or gdisk on Linux to identify the partitions.

    On Windows:

    1. Open Command Prompt as Administrator.
    2. Enter diskpart and then list the disks using list disk.
    3. Select the disk with select disk X (replace X with the correct disk number).
    4. List the partitions with list partition. Identify the EFI partition (typically formatted as FAT32).

    Step 2: Create Image Files of EFI Partitions

    To compare the partitions, it's easier to work with image files. Use dd on Linux or a tool like Disk2vhd on Windows to create an image of each EFI partition.

    On Windows:

    • Use Disk2vhd or similar software to create a VHD image of the EFI partition.

    Step 3: Use Hexcmp or Another Hex Comparison Tool

    With the images created, you can now compare them using a hex comparison tool.

    1. Download and install a tool such as hexcmp.
      • You can find hexcmp or similar tools online. Install it on your system.
    2. Open hexcmp.
      • Start the program and open the first EFI partition image in the first window.
      • Open the second EFI partition image in the second window.
    3. Start the comparison.
      • The tool will compare the hexadecimal content of both images and highlight differences.

    Step 4: Analyze the Differences

    The differences highlighted by hexcmp will show you any discrepancies in the EFI partitions. This can include differences in bootloader configuration, drivers, or other EFI variables. Analyzing these differences will help you ensure that your standby C drive is correctly configured to match the primary drive.

    Additional Tips

    • Backup Data: Always ensure that all data is backed up before working directly with disk partitions or creating images.
    • Use Virtualization Tools: If possible, use virtualization tools to test the boot process of the cloned EFI partition in a controlled environment.

    By following these steps, you can effectively compare the EFI partitions of two server C drives to ensure consistency and correctness in your backup or standby setups. If you encounter specific differences or errors in the boot process, it may require a deeper investigation into the configuration files and bootloaders contained within the EFI partition.

    Best regards

    Rosy

    0 comments