I've used different system imaging software to create a recovery image. Now, something is wrong with my Windows 10, these programs fail either to create the image or restore the system. I just can't find the issue and wouldn't like to start over from a blank OS. I reckon to make a clone to an external hard drive and if need be clone back to C. I'm not sure though if repeated cloning will result in a readily bootable and functioning system. Thanks.
If your installed windows has become corrupted somehow, why would you try to clone it in its broken state, then restore the clone? It doesn’t make sense. I guess we need more info on what you want to do.
My Windows can be used but shows strange things. Core, a remnant of Webroot, and utorrent appear among the installed programs but nothing can be found about them in C:\ or the registry. I have uninstalled both but if I try to uninstall these remnants again Windows crashes. sfc/scannow, Dism /online /cleanup-image /restorehealth and Dism /online /Cleanup-Image /StartComponentCleanup show no problem. I’m happy if you can help me about this but I can live this as well. I have a highly personalized system, wouldn’t start over with a fresh Windows. My current problem is to save and if necessary restore the OS as it is. Earlier I used MiniTool Shadowmaker, Paragon HDM, and other programs for years. Since the above-mentioned issues occurred, all fails either creating or restoring the image. That’s why I try to resort to cloning. Somebody warned me, even if the clone is said to be bit-by-bit identical with the original, if cloned back it may not boot. Now, I only seek clarification about this. I have created clones with different programs but dare not try to re-clone because I’m in the middle of nowhere and have no other computer; if I lose this system I’m stranded.
That is exactly what full disk cloning would do for you. Save the broken system, then restore the broken system. It is pointless. The only real solution is the one you wish to avoid - copy off whatever needs to be saved, and reinstall a fresh Windows. It sounds like you can wait until you are in a better position to do this. Also, check this registry key to see if uninstalled programs are still listed. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
Second location on 64bit machines: Code: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\WOW6432Node\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Uninstall
To get the Education version: page 1 select language: Click Next. Page 2 Only select Windows Pro and click next: Page 3 should have all the check boxes checked as shown: Then scroll down and click the "Create download package". This will download a zip file to your system. Unzip the file and double click the file "uup_download_windows.cmd". This will open a CMD window and start creating the *.ISO file. Please be patient cause this will take some time. The ISO will be created in the same folder and needs to be burned to a flash drive using Rufus. Boot to the Flash drive and follow the instructions. During the creation it will seem as if it has stopped many times just be patient. Actually walk away for a while.
wvv000 Thanks, I'll try. billmcct it's been downloading for hours. But with numerous errors when download of something was aborted. Error code was sometimes 1 access denied, other times 2 time out. Should I still wait or is it hopeless?
I have never had any errors. I have had some failures. You may not have full control of your system. I would think your downloading into your "Downloads" folder. I suggest to wait, took me about two hours to complete. Anything that fails will be attempted again later on. EDIT: I probably have a much faster laptop then your system. Read my Sig. If you want, I can download and build the ISO and upload it somewhere for you.
billmcct Probably not only the laptop but also your net connection is much faster than mine. I'd highly appreciate if you could get me the iso. CaptainKirk1966 Thanks, I'll try.
billmcct Thanks a lot but this is a new install not update of my personalized system. Luckily, I tried another program, Macrium, to create an image and this restored my original.
Yes, the purpose was that but I was redirected to scratch 6 times when I chose so; I was told that's not possible. Finally I chose the other option and then I got a fresh, blank Windows. After all, the problem is solved. Both imaging programs, MiniTool Shadowmaker, and Paragon HDM failed repeatedly since that weird program remnants appeared; earlier both had worked fine. Now, before I turned to this forum I made clones as well as another image, the image by Macrium, but I dared not try to recover, lest I loose all capabilities to boot. Eventually I resorted to Macrium and that succeeded. Once again, thank you all very much for your time and effort to help out.
I guess I failed to mention You can only upgrade win 10 from a running system. My bad, after all I will be 85 yo in July. To upgrade extract the ISO and run setup.exe from your booted system. I am going to upgrade mine when I get the time.
@billmcct - In place upgrades can fail after running part way through. It usually happens to me with systems that were previously repaired, or cloned. @Georgey - If all is well, you can edit the thread title, and mark it solved.