bootable media for Drive Snapshot

my PC is using Windows 10 Home (V. 20H2) x 64
In a previous thread (few months ago) I was recommended to use AOMEI PE Builder in order to build a bootable media for DS.
I tried to do it but got a window saying that the process failed:
" Failed to initialize WinPE integrated environment. Please restart your computer and retry.

Process failed."
what was wrong?
is there another process to build a bootable media?
Thanks

 

Any PE Recovery media that contains a "file explorer" of some sort can run DS as long as the architecture is correct... just find a place to put it on your media (If UFD, in its own folder if you'd like).

 

+1

 

I made an easy to follow guide to this using Macrium Reflect: https://youtu.be/WugrIShR6Jc

 

You can even use a Win10 DVD or UFD to run DS.

Put snapshot64.exe in the root of the Win10 UFD.
Boot from your Win 10 UFD
Next
On the Install now window, click Repair your computer
Troubleshoot
System Image Recovery
Windows 10
If you have a Re-image Your Computer Window, click Cancel
Select a system image
Next
Advanced
Install a Driver
Drag the Add Drivers window to the very top left corner of your monitor and then click OK
double click This PC
(drive letters may be different from booted Win 10 )
Navigate to snapshot64 (extensions aren't shown) on the flash drive. Right click snapshot64 (the Application, file extensions aren't shown) and choose Open.
click Cancel on the "Open" window
click Cancel on the "Add Drivers" window
Drag the "Re-image your Computer" window to the bottom of your monitor so the Drive Snapshot window is in full view.

Drive Snapshot is ready to use.

Edit... you can also browse to snapshot64.exe in a HD partition if it's not on the UFD or DVD.

 

1. I tried to find some guidance on the internet regarding "PE Recovery media that contains a "file explorer" without success.
2. Some months ago, I installed D.S. on AOMEI PE Builder and used it on my old PC (Windows 7 x32) and it worked well and simply.
Since I can't do the same on the new one, within the Windows 10 (AOMEI PE Builder fails) , I think the issue with DS is becoming complicated and I am thinking
of giving up even though the software is small and nice.
Instead I think of using the free Macrium Reflect despite being less friendly it gives a quick and uncomplicated solution..

 

Google "Win10XPE". That's all you need. Easy enough for everyone to follow.

Edit: here you go

Win10XPE - Build Your Own Rescue Media - Windows 10 Forums (tenforums.com)

 

Hi Oliverjia
I tried to learn about the software for building Win10XPE through the appropriate forum.
The software is very interesting but quite complex and in my opinion suitable for experts. If you settle for software that are already
included in it, then it is relatively simple to build the recovery disk, but these programs, IMHO are not useful (except Macrium).
Adding new software is a complex process. The guide is not explicitly written that way and therefore leads to a lot of errors
for a non-expert like myself. I am still looking to find a more explicit guide.

I tried the YUMI program for UEFI. a very friendly one. I inserted Macrium, Eset rescue disk, Mini tool partition. working very smoothly.
I have a question (it might sound weird) : Is there a way to mount the Drive snapshot on an ISO file? then building a recovery device will become easy.

 

samy,

Did you try running DS from a Windows boot disk as described above? You don't need to build a WinPE boot disk.

 

Brian
1. the PC is a new one I purchase with the Windows 10 Home already installed
2. I downloaded (through Microsoft internet site) a an appropriate windows disc (Win10_20H2_v2_English_x64).
3 .I also downloaded the Windows 10 ADK files that includes the file folder Assessment and Deployment Kit

What is the process to mount the DS file?
Is it possible to add it to the Macrium recovery disc?
Thanks

 

samy,

The method I described only requires a Win10 boot disk. The ADK Isn't needed. I thought my instructions were clear. Problems?

I haven't run DS from a Macrium recovery disk.

 

Brian

Attached herein is the copy of the Windows 10 disk.
Where and how to add DS to this iso file? I have never done that before.
Question: loading from the Windows10 disk will not "reinstall" the windows 10 on the PC before reaching the DS file?
Thanks

 

samy,

You need boot media. What are your plans for that ISO? Create a DVD or USB flash drive (UFD)? I prefer UFD but both work. If the hard drive fails you need boot media to restore your image.

You can add DS to the ISO but that isn't necessary and it's extra work. DS can be on the Win10 UFD, another UFD, a CD or a hard drive partition. It's flexible.

Using a Win10 boot disk to run DS will not reinstall Win10.

 

One argument against adding DS to the ISO is DS is updated every month. You don't want to update the ISO and create a new boot disk every month. Your Win10 boot disk will be usable for years. It doesn't need to be updated when the next Win10 is released. You just need to update snapshot64.exe.

 

Hi Brian,
Over the years that I've been using DS I've come to the conclusion that most of those monthly (or there about) updates are released only because their Trial Version is time-limited for about 30 days, after which it will no longer create a backup. So I believe the only code that's actually changed in most of those frequent releases is the "kill-date" - after which an unregistered version will no longer function completely (i.e., they simply extend that date for another 30 days). Imho, that is DS' way of providing perpetual "trialware".

 

pvsurfer,

I think you are correct. But without a change log we really don't know what the new version offers.

 

Perhaps no change log => no (functional) changes.

 

Pure speculation.. I mentioned a problem here which was caused by a change in the software. It was fixed in the next release, so changes are being made.

Have you reported the missing change log to them yet?

 

Hi Oliverjia
Thank you for the link in the thread above, regarding the Win10XPE.
After learning the process and few attempts, I build the first "basic" Win10 PE that includes the Explorer (and My PC) and by which I can reach the Drive Snapshot file.
I inserted the built ISO file to the YUMI USB flash drive together with additional programs.

Question: Do you know where I can found a complete guide detailing how to load additional programs in Win10XPE. After several searches I found the link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cS24Rkt8eHc
but it is not in English.

 

Well I did preface my remark with "Perhaps". ...but I do believe it to be correct most of the time.

 

I'd like to see a change log out of curiosity.

I use both the x86 and x64 October 27th 2016 version of Drive Snapshot and it has been amazingly reliable on every computer that I've used it on over the years (especially restoring), which this is one of those cases of the software works great, so don't update.

 

OK. Follow the quick start guide - post #3 in that thread. To install other programs, simply click the little "+" at the left of "Utilities" folder. Click on the "AOD_MegaCmd_XPE" script. On its main page click the download button. After the download is done, check the main menu by clicking the "+" on the left of "Apps" folder. You'll see many new apps are added in the menu.
From there it should be quite straightforward.

 

hi Oliverjia
build does win10xpe by using original windows 10 use the windows 10 iso?
and is win10xpe by using original windows 10 the best tool or there are others?
is there a safe link to download?
and is there another safe link to download last windows iso ?
don't like the microsoft tool to download
thanks

 

Been years since I spent a week trying to construct a "personalized" ISO with that tool. @oliverjia Have you had success with it yourself?

 

You just need Win10 UFD/DVD and a command prompt to run DS. You can put the executable wherever you like - on the UFD or on another partition/drive. As Frog said, just run DS executable that matches your OS architecture, directly from the prompt.