Windows 8.1: "Windows-To-Go" not working ?

Discussion in 'Windows 8' started by NiFu, Jul 3, 2013.

  1. NiFu

    NiFu MDL Member

    Jun 29, 2013
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    #1 NiFu, Jul 3, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 20, 2017
    I want to create a "Windows 8.1 To Go" USB-Stick. I used this way:
    Code:
    imagex.exe /apply h:\sources\install.wim 1 g:\
    bcdboot g:\windows /s g:
    h = mounted Windows 8.1 ISO
    g = USB-Stick, NTFS formatted, active partition

    When I boot from USB-Stick I see the "betta" fish - so the USB-Stick boots correct.
    But then nothing goes on - for hours.
    I have tried the USB-Stick on an other PC and notebook - same result.

    Just now I tried the same way with same USB-Stick with a Windows 8 ISO - and this works fine.
     
  2. pisthai

    pisthai Imperfect Human

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    #2 pisthai, Jul 3, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Apr 20, 2017
    Had you created the FAT32 350MB System Reserved Partiotion as well? If not, do that as 1. partition and the rest of the USB as NTFS for Windows 8.1, that should work!
     
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  3. pisthai

    pisthai Imperfect Human

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  4. NiFu

    NiFu MDL Member

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    No, because this is not necessary. As I wrote:
    And the "FAT32 350MB System Reserved Partition" has the disadvantage that when the USB-Stick is plugged in in a PC and not booted, then the booted Windows from Hard disk only recognize the "FAT32 350MB" partition. Because Windows recognize on a removable disk (USB-Stick) only the first partition.
     
  5. pisthai

    pisthai Imperfect Human

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    I was just try to create an WinToGo drive from 81 and face a problem with UEFI! Will use tomorrow morning my Laptop for to create again, without UEFI! On my desktop I could not disable UEFI and while copy the BCDBoot files, it creates an EFI on the boot /System Reserved Partition (350MB) of the WinToGo drive!

    Now after the 3. restart, it seems to work!
    Is on Getting Ready right now!
    Next Restart!
    Note: All this need quite some time on an 320GB USB 3.0 HDD!
    Now: Region and Time Zone & Product Key
    Personalize, PC Name, Defaults, MS-Account
    Now on the rest of setup.

    I've no doubt that WinToGo will just works fine using Windows 8.1 Pro Preview!
     
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  6. pisthai

    pisthai Imperfect Human

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    Sorry didn't see to late.

    had the last post open while installing an USB 3.0 HDD.

    Finish now and works fine with no problems.

    The 350MB Partition is used by BCDBoot.
     
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  7. NiFu

    NiFu MDL Member

    Jun 29, 2013
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    OK, I have done it on a PC without UEFI.

    OK, I only used a 32 GB USB 2.0 Stick.

    You never need the "350MB System Reserved Partition" - even not on a "build in" hard disk.

    And keep in mind:
    OK, the imagex command needs 45 minutes to complete (copy files to USB 2.0 Stick) and the first installation run (hardware recognition, etc.) needs 30 minutes. But after this finished the USB-Stick boots in 90 seconds. I don't want to waste an external hard disk for this testing. It's not for professional use. So a fast 32 GB USB 2.0 Stick is enough.
     
  8. pisthai

    pisthai Imperfect Human

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    It's depend you'll use that WinToGo for what! I and my staff use them for customer support and here 32GB isn't enough at all, we need 200GB for to have all tools we may need for servicing! Plus additional space for to carry some Images of Apps as well!

    For to have an reliable speed, that device need at min. 25MB/s for read and write! Normal USB 2 Sticks hardly reach that!
     
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  9. NiFu

    NiFu MDL Member

    Jun 29, 2013
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    OK, accepted.

    But back to the topic: Why does it not work in my case and why does it work in your case ? The only significant difference I see, is: You use an external "hard drive" and I use an USB-Stick = "removable drive". Whilst Windows 8 is working as "Windows 8 To Go" from removable drive it seems that Windows 8.1 is a little more "sensitive".

    I will try it tomorrow with a "Windows 8 To Go" certificated USB-Stick which is recognized in Windows as "hard drive".
     
  10. pisthai

    pisthai Imperfect Human

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    I just in the moment using the Laptop with that WinToGo drive and all works well.

    Installing Office 2013 at this very moment after first doing the latest Updates.

    At the first start at the Laptop were a slightly problem with display, resolution were wrong and was looking to wide. That I giess were because initial I used an normal 19" LCD Screen with 1280 x 1024 (4:3) and the Laptop has 1366 x 768 (16:9)! That was solved within the downloading (before installation) of the Updates.

    Within the next few days I'll use that WinToGo Drive on several different PC's at customers places to see there'll be any problem, which I highly doubt! The activation is still fully active and I think that will not change.

    Couldn't test on USB Sick because those Windows 8 compatible and accepted Stcks are very expensive in Thailand. A HDD is more cheap with much more space and a lot faster!
     
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  11. franz99

    franz99 MDL Novice

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  12. Tito

    Tito Super Mod / Adviser
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  13. franz99

    franz99 MDL Novice

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  14. NiFu

    NiFu MDL Member

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    Right. You should. But it's not necessary to use an expensive "MS certified USB sticks". You also can use a cheap "not MS certified USB sticks".

    Right. Possible. But to boot Windows 8 from hard disk (or USB stick) only one partition is necessary.

    That's wrong. The "Hitachi Microdrive" driver is installed IN the Windows 8 of the USB-Stick. So Windows 8 boots from the USB-Stick with the "Hitachi Microdrive" driver - on every computer.
     
  15. franz99

    franz99 MDL Novice

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    Thank you very much NiFu for this explanation !
     
  16. FaiKee

    FaiKee Misinformation spreader

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    I wonder: is it possible to install WTG on the phone's SDcard?..... I know you can put the install ISO in the SD and install windows like USD FD install. :p
     
  17. pisthai

    pisthai Imperfect Human

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    #17 pisthai, Jul 8, 2013
    Last edited: Jul 9, 2013
    Would be possible on 16GB or better 32GB TIF Card. But would be very slow, even if you use an type 10 (10MB/s write) Card!
     
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  18. franz99

    franz99 MDL Novice

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  19. NiFu

    NiFu MDL Member

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    Then I think you have tried to install the "Hitachi filter driver" in the wrong way. Do not use "UpdateDriver" - instead use "Install new driver" and point to the "inf" file of "Hitachi filter driver".

    The USB stick with "Windows 8 To Go" should boot without the "Hitachi filter driver". If it doesn't then there is something wrong with your boot option for USB sticks.

    With one USB stick I run into a similarly problem:
    • An USB 3.0 stick is plugged in into USB 3.0 port.
    • With "imagex" I can copy the files to the USB 3.0 stick and can make it bootable with "bcdboot".
    • But this stick don't boot on USB 3.0 port - only at USB 2.0 port.
     
  20. MrG

    MrG MDL Expert

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    #20 MrG, Jul 9, 2013
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 9, 2013
    I did the same thing..
    & one of my PCs the flash drive does the same thing, on others its OK

    Edit: @ the MB (Asus) forum I posted why USB2 & not USB3 on W2G drive, they suggested a BIOS update.