Solved Creating and Using Rescue Media, Both Windows and MR


sspohl

Member
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11:36 AM
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Windows 11
In March I replaced a dead desktop running Win 7 with a Dell laptop running Win 11. Immediately purchased a 32 GB USB key and created Windows rescue media that now loads up with a volume name of ESD-USB. Before I got any further along with using the laptop and establishing backup routines, the laptop started acting wonky. Fast forward a month and the laptop went back, I built a new desktop with a purchased Win 10 license that just yesterday I upgraded to Win 11. That all sounds like I might know what I'm doing, but really I don't! (If I knew what I was doing, I probably would have been successful using previous rescue media to rescue my dead Win 7 desktop.)

Is that 32 GB key created on OEM version of Win 11 of any use to me or should I go ahead and create new?

Once I have Windows rescue media, can I use the same USB key to create Macrium Reflect rescue media?

Is there any kind of recommended best practices post for how to handle rescue media and backup protocols? So far the only tutorial I've discovered points back to TenForums and was written in 2016.

Thanks in advance for any and all helpful advice!
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600 G
    Motherboard
    Asus STRIX B550-F
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair 2x8 D4 3200
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 1905 Flat Panel, ca 2005
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 1024
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 SSD
    1TB Samsung 850 EVO SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus Plus 650W
    Case
    Fractal Meshify-C
    Cooling
    two case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech, wired
    Mouse
    Logitech, wired
    Internet Speed
    AT&T fiber Gig speed
    Browser
    Edge, until I get back to Chrome
As It's no trouble, make a new one
I use Macrium Reflect as well. I always redo the usb's when an update of the program is released or on windows every 6 months. I am sure a lot will disagree with that but it works for me
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware M18 R1
    CPU
    13th Gen Core i9 13900HX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 @4800MHz 2x16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Geforce RTX 4090HX 16GB
    Sound Card
    Nvidia HD / Realtek ALC3254
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18" QHD+
    Screen Resolution
    25660 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    C: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    D: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    Case
    Dark Metallic Moon
    Keyboard
    Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB
    Mouse
    Alienware AW610M
    Browser
    Chrome and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    Killer E3000 Ethernet Controller
    Killer Killer AX1690 Wi-Fi Network Adaptor Wi-Fi 6E
    Bluetooth 5.2
    Alienware Z01G Graphic Amplifier
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware Area 51m R2
    CPU
    10th Gen i-9 10900 K
    Memory
    32Gb Dual Channel DDR4 @ 8843MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Hard Drive C: Samsung 2TB SSD PM981a NVMe
    Hard Drive D:Samsung 2TB SSD 970 EVO Plus
    Mouse
    Alienware 610M
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
I see no problems with oldish WIn 11 rescue media, since you can always create new one. Assuming you have access to a working system

For MR, it's recommended to refresh (make new) media with every update. But I have successfully restored image with a couple of years MR rescue media.

I have also MR in boot menu (on the current disk) for everyday use, but this won't help in the case of disk failure.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro, Windows 11 Dev
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Homebuilt
    CPU
    Intel I3 10100
    Motherboard
    ASUS B460M
    Memory
    16 GB DDR4 Crucial
    Graphics Card(s)
    Intel on chip
    Sound Card
    Realtek onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    ASUS 24, LG 24
    Screen Resolution
    Full HD x 2
    Hard Drives
    kingston A2000 NVMe PCIe 500 GB
    PSU
    LC Power 650W
    Case
    Noname
    Cooling
    Air 2x 120mm
    Keyboard
    Cherry G-81
    Mouse
    Logitech M500
    Internet Speed
    100/20
    Browser
    Firefox, Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    MS Defender
  • Operating System
    Windows 10 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS/Vivobook Flip 14
    CPU
    Ryzen 7 4700u
    Memory
    8 GB DDR4
    Graphics card(s)
    AMD Vega
    Sound Card
    Realtek onboard
    Monitor(s) Displays
    14"
    Screen Resolution
    FullHD
    Hard Drives
    512 Samsung NVMe PCIe
    PSU
    -
    Case
    Laptop
    Mouse
    Touchpad, Touchscreen
    Internet Speed
    100/20
    Browser
    Firefox, Vivaldi
    Antivirus
    MS Defender
Is that 32 GB key created on OEM version of Win 11 of any use to me or should I go ahead and create new?
I do not know exactly what you made. I suggest that the best "rescue media" for Windows [10 & 11] is an installation USB made using the latest Windows Version ISO.
I always also keep the ISO file from which the installation USB was made. I update my ISO & installation USB when each new Windows Version is installed.
See Download Official Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft - ElevenForumTutorials
See Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media - ElevenForumTutorials


Once I have Windows rescue media, can I use the same USB key to create Macrium Reflect rescue media?
You can make an installation USB or a Macrium boot USB on that original one but it will overwrite its previous contents.
There are apparently some utilities that allow multiple boot USBs. I've never used one but perhaps another contributor has? Such a facility should allow you to boot your Macrium boot USB or a Windows installation USB all from the same physical USB. I just find it simpler to have a bucket of USBs so I can update each one individually as its own software is updated.


Is there any kind of recommended best practices post for how to handle rescue media and backup protocols? So far the only tutorial I've discovered points back to TenForums and was written in 2016.
There is no single globally-accepted backup policy. There's nothing wrong with ones written in TenForums in 2016.
My own suggestions on the topic were posted in TenForums as well. They apply equally to Windows 11.
my ditty - File backup vs imaging, imaging utilities, backing up drivers [post #3] - TenForums


I have also MR in boot menu (on the current disk) for everyday use, but this won't help in the case of disk failure.
I agree with Andre's comment. Nine times out of ten you'll restore a system image because Windows has been corrupted so having it as a boot option is very convenient.
You'll still want a Macrium boot USB in case your OS disk fails completely. This does happen.

Best of luck,
Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
Thank you Denis, for your very helpful response. You've given me plenty to digest.

To clarify, I didn't mean to disparage information from 2016, just that what I was looking at was specifically using Macrium Reflect and I think it referenced version 6 and hadn't been updated to 8. I've found a wealth of useful on Seven/Ten/Eleven Forums, but sometimes it's a little overwhelming to wade through.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600 G
    Motherboard
    Asus STRIX B550-F
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair 2x8 D4 3200
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 1905 Flat Panel, ca 2005
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 1024
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 SSD
    1TB Samsung 850 EVO SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus Plus 650W
    Case
    Fractal Meshify-C
    Cooling
    two case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech, wired
    Mouse
    Logitech, wired
    Internet Speed
    AT&T fiber Gig speed
    Browser
    Edge, until I get back to Chrome
what I was looking at was specifically using Macrium Reflect and I think it referenced version 6

The Macrium tutorial in TenForums [see the links in my ditty] has been updated [19th May 2021] and is soon to be updated again to cover Macrium reflect version 8.
I've just skimmed through it again and I think that the only problem you'll find using the tutorial as it stands is that some of the diagrams look a bit different. The suggested procedures themselves remain valid.
- I installed Macrium Reflect last week [I'm not normally a Macrium Reflect user] and I was able to install it, make a boot USB, add a Macrium Reflect entry in a boot menu and make my first Macrium Reflect system image using the guidance in that tutorial.

You can always ask for Macrium Reflect help in this forum. At least one keen Macrium Reflect user is looking at this thread even as I type.

Best of luck,
Denis
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
Thank you Denis, for your very helpful response. You've given me plenty to digest.

To clarify, I didn't mean to disparage information from 2016, just that what I was looking at was specifically using Macrium Reflect and I think it referenced version 6 and hadn't been updated to 8. I've found a wealth of useful on Seven/Ten/Eleven Forums, but sometimes it's a little overwhelming to wade through.
For Reflect click that with usb plugged in and select your usb from the options
Screenshot 2022-04-22 165118.jpg
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware M18 R1
    CPU
    13th Gen Core i9 13900HX
    Memory
    32GB DDR5 @4800MHz 2x16GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Geforce RTX 4090HX 16GB
    Sound Card
    Nvidia HD / Realtek ALC3254
    Monitor(s) Displays
    18" QHD+
    Screen Resolution
    25660 X 1600
    Hard Drives
    C: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    D: KIOXIA (Toshiba) 2TB KXG80ZNV2T04 NVMe PCIe M.2 SSD
    Case
    Dark Metallic Moon
    Keyboard
    Alienware M Series per-key AlienFX RGB
    Mouse
    Alienware AW610M
    Browser
    Chrome and Firefox
    Antivirus
    Norton
    Other Info
    Killer E3000 Ethernet Controller
    Killer Killer AX1690 Wi-Fi Network Adaptor Wi-Fi 6E
    Bluetooth 5.2
    Alienware Z01G Graphic Amplifier
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Alienware Area 51m R2
    CPU
    10th Gen i-9 10900 K
    Memory
    32Gb Dual Channel DDR4 @ 8843MHz
    Graphics card(s)
    Nvidia RTX 2080 Super
    Sound Card
    Nvidia
    Screen Resolution
    1920 x 1080
    Hard Drives
    Hard Drive C: Samsung 2TB SSD PM981a NVMe
    Hard Drive D:Samsung 2TB SSD 970 EVO Plus
    Mouse
    Alienware 610M
    Browser
    Chrome
    Antivirus
    Norton
I suggest that the best "rescue media" for Windows [10 & 11] is an installation USB made using the latest Windows Version ISO.
I always also keep the ISO file from which the installation USB was made. I update my ISO & installation USB when each new Windows Version is installed.
See Download Official Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft - ElevenForumTutorials
See Create Windows 11 Bootable USB Installation Media - ElevenForumTutorials

I don't think I understand ISO and rescue media entirely -- apparently I need them both? First I would download the Win 11 ISO, presumably to someplace on my primary drive? Then I use that ISO to create a bootable USB? Is that then a special purpose USB used for nothing else, i.e., I can't copy the ISO and the driver files to that (16GB) USB for one-stop safekeeping?

I'm already on Win 11, it was offered as an update after I purchased and installed Win 10. Did the update to Win 11 somehow already download an ISO to my machine that I'm not aware of?

Once I have the Win 11 ISO and bootable USB, they won't need to be updated until such time as I upgrade to Win 12?

Last question, is there a tutorial for how to quote only a portion of someone's response in your post?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600 G
    Motherboard
    Asus STRIX B550-F
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair 2x8 D4 3200
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 1905 Flat Panel, ca 2005
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 1024
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 SSD
    1TB Samsung 850 EVO SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus Plus 650W
    Case
    Fractal Meshify-C
    Cooling
    two case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech, wired
    Mouse
    Logitech, wired
    Internet Speed
    AT&T fiber Gig speed
    Browser
    Edge, until I get back to Chrome
1. An iso is a compressed file that contains the files needed to create the Rescue Media.

2. You can copy iso & drivers to usb for safe keeping.

3. You do not need to update rescue drives, but as Windows (or any 3rd party tool like Reflect) get updated, good idea to update Rescue Media. For Windows you should do this every major version change e.g. 21H2 to 22H1

4. Updates to W11 are automatically offered to pcs via its normal update system if pc qualifies.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10 Pro + others in VHDs
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    ASUS Vivobook 14
    CPU
    I7
    Motherboard
    Yep, Laptop has one.
    Memory
    16 GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Integrated Intel Iris XE
    Sound Card
    Realtek built in
    Monitor(s) Displays
    N/A
    Screen Resolution
    1920x1080
    Hard Drives
    1 TB Optane NVME SSD, 1 TB NVME SSD
    PSU
    Yep, got one
    Case
    Yep, got one
    Cooling
    Stella Artois
    Keyboard
    Built in
    Mouse
    Bluetooth , wired
    Internet Speed
    72 Mb/s :-(
    Browser
    Edge mostly
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    TPM 2.0
If your looking for recovery options a backup image can be restored.

This is useful for:

corruption of the operating system
corruption of the registry
corruption of the component store
corruption of the drive file system
malware
ransomware
failure to boot
drive failure
etc.


A windows 11 iso is not needed.

It is belt and suspenders as one could fail and then you have the other.



For a Windows Media Creation Tool (MCT) (Windows 11 iso) use a flash drive > or = 8 GB.



Macrium has both the option to restore an image and a bootable rescue.



Where you save your backup images could be an additional issue depending on mother nature.

For fire, flood, hurricane, tornado, etc. it's best to save a backup image in the cloud or on a drive that is not in the same location as the computer.


There are other software companies that make free and pay backup images: Acronis, Aoemi, EaseUS, Paragon, etc.
(There were recent free licensed copies of pay versions available in TF and EF.)


For a Windows MCT it too depends on what it is needed for.
A Windows 7 or 8.1 or 10 iso can be used on Windows 11 to fix boot problems.
It however cannot fix operating system problems.
To fix operating system problem then you'll want to have available matching windows edition / version.
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 10
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    HP
    CPU
    Intel(R) Core(TM) i7-4800MQ CPU @ 2.70GHz
    Motherboard
    Product : 190A Version : KBC Version 94.56
    Memory
    16 GB Total: Manufacturer : Samsung MemoryType : DDR3 FormFactor : SODIMM Capacity : 8GB Speed : 1600
    Graphics Card(s)
    NVIDIA Quadro K3100M; Intel(R) HD Graphics 4600
    Sound Card
    IDT High Definition Audio CODEC; PNP Device ID HDAUDIO\FUNC_01&VEN_111D&DEV_76E0
    Hard Drives
    Model Hitachi HTS727575A9E364
    Antivirus
    Microsoft Defender
    Other Info
    Mobile Workstation
I don't think I understand ISO and rescue media entirely
The "rescue media", the InstallationUSB, is what matters. It allows you to repair your current Windows & to install it again.
I keep the ISO as well. I find it convenient. If I ever need to do a Repair install [see below], I can run that straight off the ISO file itself instead of the InstallUSB if I want to.
The InstallationUSB can also help with a host of other minor tasks since it has a Command prompt and most of the normal Windows commands [old "DOS" commands].

apparently I need them both?
No.

First I would download the Win 11 ISO, presumably to someplace on my primary drive?
Not necessarily. As the USB tutorial explains, the MCTool can be used to do the whole thing in one operation - ISO download & USB creation.
I choose to always download the ISO first then make the USB separately. Once you have made an InstallUSB once, you can update it very easily using the ISO without even disturbing the other files you've put on the USB for storage [as discussed below].

To update an InstallUSB using a new ISO file:-
- Open File explorer twice and put its windows side by side.​
- Connect the existing InstallUSB and browse to it in the left-hand window.​
- In the right-hand window, browse to the ISO file.​
- Double-click on the ISO file to "mount" it. [Its contents will now be shown just like the contents of a CD/DVD would]​
- Select all the contents of the ISO file​
- Drag them across to the left-hand window and drop them on the root folder of the InstallUSB. Be careful not to accidentally drop them on a subfolder of the InstallUSB because that wouldn't work at all.​
- When you've finished, look in File explorer's navigation pane to find the CD/DVD-looking virtual drive that is the mounted ISO file, right-click on it & select Eject. If you don't want to bother, it will be removed after your next reboot anyway.​
- [Optional] I then select all the Windows installation files & folders [but not my own files I've added for my own convenience] and hide them so I am very unlikely to accidentally delete or tamper with them. I do this in two stages​
- - I select all the folders & files and hide them {choosing, when asked, to hide just the selected things not their subfolders & other content}​
then​
- - I re-select the one file that remains un-hidden and hide it separately. I've no idea why it insists on being hidden separately from the others.​
- The installation USB works correctly even with its contents hidden. You can boot from it and it does its job with no arguments. Arguably, I would need to unhide its setup.exe in order to double-click on it to run it for a Repair install but I'd use the ISO for that job instead anyway.

Is that then a special purpose USB used for nothing else, i.e., I can't copy the ISO and the driver files to that (16GB) USB for one-stop safekeeping?
It is special purpose but you can copy other files to it for storage. I copy my drivers as well as the installation files for my major applications to mine.

Did the update to Win 11 somehow already download an ISO to my machine that I'm not aware of?
There isn't an ISO already sitting on your computer, if that's what you are asking.

Once I have the Win 11 ISO and bootable USB, they won't need to be updated until such time as I upgrade to Win 12?
I update my InstallationUSB at each new Windows Version.
For Windows 10, this was twice a year.
For Windows 11, it will be once a year.

An InstallationUSB is also a repair tool. It can be used for startup repairs [for which it need not be up to date] and for a very useful procedure called a Repair install or In-place upgrade [for which it needs to be up to date].
Startup Repair - TenForumsTutorials - There isn't yet an ElevenForumTutorial on this topic but it is the same procedure for both anyway.
Repair Install Windows 11 with an In-place Upgrade - ElevenForumTutorials - This is a repair procedure not an installation. Your applications & your own files are not affected.

By the way, a Windows installation disk is not the only thing that can be used for startup repairs. A Macrium reflect boot USB can also be. See Macrium Reflect Boot disk - Fix Boot Problems and, by now, you'll have made a Macrium reflect boot USB anyway.
- So you'll have two USBs sitting there not being used often - Windows installation USB, Macrium reflect boot USB.
- An experienced Macrium reflect user told me that its boot USB's startup repairs are much more comprehensive than those of the Windows installation USB.

Last question, is there a tutorial for how to quote only a portion of someone's response in your post?
Select-Quote.png
Select the text you want, pause for a moment, click on Quote in the dialog that appears.
That's what I've been doing all through this post: selecting one bit of your post to quote, writing my response to you, moving on to the next bit.
I haven't really experimented with clicking on +Multi.


All the best,
Denis
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
I haven't really experimented with clicking on +Multi.
That allows you to select one or more quotes, which are then available to insert later by clicking the 'Insert Multi Quotes...' button in the editor.

1650891626593.png
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Lattitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
Thank you all, and especially @Try3, for your patient attempts to educate me. I created a bootable USB and made sure I could boot from it, I copied the ISO to my desktop and did nothing with it, I made a reminder to update them both in a year. I feel like that's all I'm meant to do and I still don't really understand the whole ISO thing, but it's definitely time to move on. Next up Macrium questions once I get the software paid and installed.
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600 G
    Motherboard
    Asus STRIX B550-F
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair 2x8 D4 3200
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 1905 Flat Panel, ca 2005
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 1024
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 SSD
    1TB Samsung 850 EVO SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus Plus 650W
    Case
    Fractal Meshify-C
    Cooling
    two case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech, wired
    Mouse
    Logitech, wired
    Internet Speed
    AT&T fiber Gig speed
    Browser
    Edge, until I get back to Chrome
Next up Macrium questions once I get the software paid and installed.
The Free version has almost all the functionality of the paid one. It actually installs the same software, but with a licence key for the Free version. Should you buy it can be upgraded to the paid for Home version just by changing the installed key.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Lattitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
I started with a free version based on recommendations on SevenForums which I later upgraded to a paid version 7 in Nov. 2019. If I recall correctly, I did that so I could implement a backup strategy that incorporated incrementals and differentials.

Since I was not following helpful suggestions to back up program installation files, I had to go back directly to Macrium to get an installation file for this new computer. The link they sent for 7 did not work and when I asked for help, they sent another link for version 8. Now I have version 8 installed and a daily reminder that my MR trial subscription is going to expire.

I'm not sure what gives. Is the version 7 that outdated that it's time to upgrade? Do I need a paid version for the functionality I mention above?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600 G
    Motherboard
    Asus STRIX B550-F
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair 2x8 D4 3200
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 1905 Flat Panel, ca 2005
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 1024
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 SSD
    1TB Samsung 850 EVO SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus Plus 650W
    Case
    Fractal Meshify-C
    Cooling
    two case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech, wired
    Mouse
    Logitech, wired
    Internet Speed
    AT&T fiber Gig speed
    Browser
    Edge, until I get back to Chrome
I still don't really understand the whole ISO thing

A Windows 10 ISO file is just a particular type of disk image of an Installation USB.
- By double-clicking on it, you are "mounting" it & seeing its contents just as you would see your OS drive contents if you mounted one of your Macrium reflect system images.

I feel like that's all I'm meant to do
Yes. The USB & the ISO file are just sitting their ready for you to use if you ever need to.
The next time there's a new Windows 11 Version, you'll be able to download the ISO and use it to directly update your Installation USB [post #11] without having to go through the whole rigmarole of making the USB with the MCT. It's less work with no downside - you will not have to alter / re-copy / anything else the additional files you've decided to store on the installation USB***.
See Download Official Windows 11 ISO file from Microsoft - ElevenForumTutorials but do note that some, at least, of the sources go-betweens identified in Download Windows 10 ISO File -TenForumsTutorials also provide Windows 11 ISOs - I use Option 5 TechBench by WZT for my Windows 10 & Windows 11 ISO files. My current Windows 10 installation USB was made about four years ago then just updated with a new ISO at every Version and I'll be doing the same with my Windows 11 installation USB.

*** I've just added a note to post #11 about this updating. I hide the Windows installation files on my Installation USB. So all I see are the files I've deliberately also added to it [copies of application files, perhaps the latest Cumulative update, whatever]. That gives me some confidence that I will never accidentally delete or tamper with the Windows installation files on that USB.

I would wish you good luck with your Macrium reflect use but you won't need any luck,
All the best,
Denis
 
Last edited:

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296
I started with a free version based on recommendations on SevenForums which I later upgraded to a paid version 7 in Nov. 2019. If I recall correctly, I did that so I could implement a backup strategy that incorporated incrementals and differentials.
Your Reflect v7 licence key entitles you to a 50% discount on upgrading it to Reflect v8. Doing so will make your Reflect v7 key no longer valid, you'll get a v8 key to replace it. That's what I did with my 4-pack of v7 licences. Details here:

2.0 For our home customers:​


2.1 Q: Will I be eligible for a free upgrade?
2.1 A: If you purchased on or since the 15th November 2020, you will be eligible for a free upgrade to Reflect 8. Any older Reflect 7 key, and Reflect 6 home keys will be upgradable with a 50% discount.

Alternatively you could continue to use your paid for Reflect v7. It is now in extended support, and should remain so until a v9 is released. Extended support starts when the next major Reflect version is released, and means patches should still be issued for major issues, but not for minor/cosmetic updates. Reflect v6 got patches for several years after v7 was released.

Macrium is pleased to offer three stages of product support.​


Stage 1: Current Support begins from the release date and lasts until the next full product version is released. For example, Reflect 8 to Reflect 9. The entirety of our customer support services are available during this stage.


Stage 2: Extended Support begins when the Current Support stage ends and lasts for a specific duration. Typically, this is one full year. During this stage, customer support services are limited.


Stage 3: Self-Service Support remains available indefinitely after the Extended Support stage ends. This includes the Knowledge Base, technical documentation, version-specific forum, and other resources to help customers resolve common issues for themselves.
 

My Computers

System One System Two

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Acer Aspire 3 A315-23
    CPU
    AMD Athlon Silver 3050U
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics Card(s)
    Radeon Graphics
    Monitor(s) Displays
    laptop screen
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768 native resolution, up to 2560x1440 with Radeon Virtual Super Resolution
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung EVO 870 SSD
    Internet Speed
    50 Mbps
    Browser
    Edge, Firefox
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    fully 'Windows 11 ready' laptop. Windows 10 C: partition migrated from my old unsupported 'main machine' then upgraded to 11. A test migration ran Insider builds for 2 months. When 11 was released on 5th October it was re-imaged back to 10 and was offered the upgrade in Windows Update on 20th October. Windows Update offered the 22H2 Feature Update on 20th September 2022. It got the 23H2 Feature Update on 4th November 2023 through Windows Update.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
  • Operating System
    Windows 11 Pro
    Computer type
    Laptop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Dell Lattitude E4310
    CPU
    Intel® Core™ i5-520M
    Motherboard
    0T6M8G
    Memory
    8GB
    Graphics card(s)
    (integrated graphics) Intel HD Graphics
    Screen Resolution
    1366x768
    Hard Drives
    500GB Crucial MX500 SSD
    Browser
    Firefox, Edge
    Antivirus
    Defender
    Other Info
    unsupported machine: Legacy bios, MBR, TPM 1.2, upgraded from W10 to W11 using W10/W11 hybrid install media workaround. In-place upgrade to 22H2 using ISO and a workaround. Feature Update to 23H2 by manually installing the Enablement Package.

    My SYSTEM THREE is a Dell Latitude 5410, i7-10610U, 32GB RAM, 512GB ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro (and all my Hyper-V VMs).

    My SYSTEM FOUR is a 2-in-1 convertible Lenovo Yoga 11e 20DA, Celeron N2930, 4GB RAM, 256GB ssd. Unsupported device: currently running Win10 Pro, plus Win11 Pro RTM and Insider Beta as native boot vhdx.

    My SYSTEM FIVE is a Dell Latitude 3190 2-in-1, Pentium Silver N5030, 4GB RAM, 512GB NVMe ssd, supported device running Windows 11 Pro, plus the Insider Beta, Dev, and Canary builds as a native boot .vhdx.
Another question I have that someone perhaps could clarify: way back on SevenForums I followed a suggestion to keep Data on a separate drive from OS. The suggestion didn't really suggest how to proceed. "Data" for me at that time was simply all my documents and all my pictures. So I formatted my primary drive to have OS on C: and Data on D: and I created a folder on D: called Documents and another called Photos. Then I just tried to remember to always save new stuff to D: and things went along swimmingly. Eventually my operating system did get corrupted and wouldn't boot, and unfortunately (operator error for sure!) none of my bootable Windows or Macrium media would get me back up and running. So here I am with a new pc running Win 11 and thank goodness all my data was on D: because there it is and I am good to go! Except, it's not really all my data, is it? In my case, the biggest overlooked pieces of data are in folders labeled Favorites and Downloads that resided on C:

I think the problem was looking at data piecemeal in folders when really I should have moved the whole user folder with its subset of Docs/Downloads/Favorites/Pics/Vids etc. etc. over to my D: drive. But how do I do that and make Windows understand that all the folder locations are on D: not C:?
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600 G
    Motherboard
    Asus STRIX B550-F
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair 2x8 D4 3200
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 1905 Flat Panel, ca 2005
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 1024
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 SSD
    1TB Samsung 850 EVO SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus Plus 650W
    Case
    Fractal Meshify-C
    Cooling
    two case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech, wired
    Mouse
    Logitech, wired
    Internet Speed
    AT&T fiber Gig speed
    Browser
    Edge, until I get back to Chrome
I think the problem was looking at data piecemeal in folders when really I should have moved the whole user folder with its subset of Docs/Downloads/Favorites/Pics/Vids etc. etc. over to my D: drive. But how do I do that and make Windows understand that all the folder locations are on D: not C:?

You can merely use folders on D:\ for these things without changing any Windows settings at all.
- You do not have to relocate the whole of the C:\Users folder - If you do I suggest using Kari's TenForumsTutorial on the subject because a lot of effort & expertise has gone into it. I don't think that it is one of those that have been copied to ElevenForum yet but I might be wrong. Do post in Kari's tutorial first to check that no changes are required for Windows 11 but I'd be very surprised if they are. Move users folder, profile location - TenForums
- You do not even have to relocate individual user folders to D:\ [Documents, Downloads, Desktop, …]. These are also still TenForumsTutorials - nothing needs to change for Windows 11. Move Your Documents Folder Location - TenForumsTutorials and use its list of Related tutorials for the other user folders.​
You can merely use folders on D:\ for these things without changing any Windows settings at all.

I relocated mine [during Windows 10 days] and the relocations have survived my Windows 11 upgrade.
my latest ditty about relocating user folders including Screenshots - TenForums

All the best,
Denis
 

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11 Home x64 Version 23H2 Build 22631.3296

My Computer

System One

  • OS
    Windows 11
    Computer type
    PC/Desktop
    Manufacturer/Model
    Self Built
    CPU
    AMD Ryzen 5 5600 G
    Motherboard
    Asus STRIX B550-F
    Memory
    16 GB Corsair 2x8 D4 3200
    Monitor(s) Displays
    Dell 1905 Flat Panel, ca 2005
    Screen Resolution
    1280 x 1024
    Hard Drives
    1TB Samsung 970 EVO Plus M.2 SSD
    1TB Samsung 850 EVO SATA SSD
    PSU
    Seasonic Focus Plus 650W
    Case
    Fractal Meshify-C
    Cooling
    two case fans
    Keyboard
    Logitech, wired
    Mouse
    Logitech, wired
    Internet Speed
    AT&T fiber Gig speed
    Browser
    Edge, until I get back to Chrome

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