I need some help. My system drive failed and I'm forced to attempt a recovery using the server backup located on my backup volume. Using a bootable USB stick, I successfully boot in to the installation media, navigate to the repair screen, and select System Restore. The software attempts to find a suitable backup, which it does and recommends the backup dated 2/5/2013 (about a week ago). I click NEXT, select the EXCLUDE drives to exclude those drives that are part of my storage pool (I've also not selected anything to exclude. Here's my selection:
- Disk 4 - USB STICK w/Install Media
- Disk 5 - NEW REPLACEMENT DRIVE (fresh)
- Disk 6 - Storage Space
- Disk 7 - Storage Space
It reports that Disk 3 is automatically excluded because it contains the backup. So far all this seems in order.
I proceed to click NEXT to get to the final recovery options page. In addition to the server name and date of the backup, I'm presented with the following:
- \\?\Volume{824f6b2f-3b3a-11e2-93ed-806e6f6e6963}, C:
Upon clicking FINISH and receiving the warning that all drives will be reformatted and partitioned, I'm presented with a dialog box in about 5 seconds that states the following:
- The system image restore failed
- An error occurred while performing the recovery operation. Details (link)
- Clicking the link presents me with another dialog box that shows various options for ensuring the drive is connected (which it is, Disk 5) and it asks that all USB drives are removed. However, if you remove the installation media, you can't continue anyway.
Here are my questions:
- What on in the name of Microsoft is going on here -- has anyone run into this problem before? According to the instructions, this should be super easy. I've reviewed the following: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/jj593197.aspx
- Should I disconnect the Storage Space drives all together, leaving the new system drive, the backup drive and the USB stick and try again?
- Should I install a new copy of Windows Server (with storage drives unplugged) and then attempt to restore.
- If the backup was corrupt, wouldn't I get a different error message?
- What other options can I try?
I've already made a simple volume on the NEW drive as I read elsewhere that solved someone with a Windows 7 recovery that sounded the same. This did not work for me. I've tried to remove the USB drive, and then process complains and says it can't find the path to the install media.
My server is headless and DVD-less, so USB is the only way I'm going to get this to install. I've also already tried moving my USB stick into just about every USB port available.
Finally, this is a Gigabyte UEFI motherboard.
Someone smarter than me please step up and show me the light! I can't believe the restore process is failing like this.