error restoring the MBR

That's exactly what I had done.

 

GPT is something new coming. My disk info shows MBR and from the screen's menu, I can't select GPT anyway.

The MBRWizard has a Boot Disk Builder similar to Paragon products to create an ISO file but I get a "Unable to mount wim image file". So far they can't produce the problem but created an ISO for me. I noticed later under my account there was an ISO download but that one you need to enter your license key every time. They must have permanently entered it in the other ISO file.

 

WOW I wish I have noticed this Thread;
https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?t=343835

I had a ticket opened with support about this since version 9
I have a new ticket opened with them now on version 12
I thought it was fixed in 12. so I bought it.

Chris

 

Welcome Chris to the mystery of the automatic BCD update.
I too submitted a ticket-

Can't turn off automatic bcd update, tried unchecking but stiil happens on restore "Updating BCD Hive configuration", happens with linux boot cd and Paragon HDM Server 12(linux and winpe boot disk) If my BCD bootloader is non standard it gets updated by paragon in the restore process and then wont boot properly. Have to manually restore BCD file. Happens even it is a Raw image backup/restore. See my comments in "ocular" https://www.wilderssecurity.com/showthread.php?p=2206522#post2206522 Is there a fix?

Answer from Paragon

Unfortunately disabling it is not possible, program engine limitation since archive can be restored to another HDD with different number (as well as boot partition number may differ) and without automatic BCD update Windows will not be bootable after restore. The only was it to backup Boot\BCD file (or copy it via File Transfer Wizard), then copy it back. ______________________ With best regards, Support Engineer Paragon Software Group

So yes it is a real issue, but there seems to be no mention of this in FAQ or knowlegebase. No sure why the default position is to automatically update bcd.

It is certainly disconcerting to restore a backup and have it fail and am sure it has put some people off Paragon software (Raza0007). I would think that it would be in Paragons best interest to clearly document the issue as there is a work around that can be done from the existing backup archive.

 

WOW I just received that same response from paragon support, as you did.
oh well,

Chris

 

I think Paragon is right. It´s better to update the BCD in the majority of cases. Special cases should be managed in special ways.

 

You may well be correct. Older versions of Acronis, I don't know about more recent offerings, used to spawn frequent questions about the restored partitions not booting and often the cause was because of a different partition structure on the target disk.

 

Yes, you are right.

I think you will find the other well known brands also correct bcd entries after restore.

I have done countless paragon retores and it always puts in the correct Windows entries.

It makes sense to remove other entries - else beginners will be confused by the remaining old boot menu entries which point nowhere.

If we geeky types have added our own custom entries ( e.g. for linux osloaders ) - then we can re add them.

Re importing a previously saved bcd store is one way to do that.

There is a question raised, though:

There is no point in having the option to turn off bcd updating if it does nothing.

 

Absolutely, and what's worse, it throws the integrity of the rest of the product into question.

Like the head of one of the large American airlines said, "to the customer, dirty seat trays mean we don't do engine maintenance".