ASR "recovery diskettes could not be created"

[wpcoe]

After a frustrating recent experience where I had to reinstall (64-bit) Windows XP, I decided to create an Automated System Recovery backup/diskette "just in case".

However, at the point where ASR should begin its work, a box saying "The files for the recovery diskette could not be created. The operation was aborted."

A Google of that error lead to MSKB316456, which indeed does address my exact error message, but I have not clue what they're talking about:

"This problem can occur if there are legacy Microsoft Windows NT FTDisk sets on the computer, which were created in Windows NT 4.0. FTDisk sets are not supported in Windows Server 2003."

The solution:

1. Use Ftonline.exe to bring the FTDisk sets online.
2. Back up any data in the FTDisk sets.
3. Delete the FTDisk sets, and then use dynamic volumes to re-create them

This machine is brand new, has only run WinXP x64. As an aside, I personally have never run NT4. What the heck are the FTDisk sets I'm supposed to delete?

 

[smah]

I've never really looked, but does the 64-bit XP have both home & pro versions? If so, could this be a 'home' problem?

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/302700/EN-US/

 

[linney]

What is your hard drive setup details, how many partitions do you have. Are they Basic or is it a Raid or Sata type setup?

How to Set up and Use Automated System Recovery in Windows XP

http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/using/itpro/managing/asr.asp

298278 - ASR Restore Procedure Does Not Succeed When You Specify Drive C as the Destination for the Backup File

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=kb;en-us;298278&FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

How to make Win XP Emergency Recovery Disk?
thread779-827200

 

[wpcoe]

I'm not sure if there is an x64 Home, but in any case, this is x64 Professional.

I have a RAID-0 (2 x 160gb SATA-II drives) + one IDE 120gb hard drive. The RAID array is set-up via hardware, not software. Windows, my programs and data are on the RAID-0, in various partitions. My swap file and backups are on the IDE drive.

FWIW, I set up a dual-boot with a clean install of WinXP Pro x64 in another partition on the RAID array, and it, too, has the same error problem.

And, not to overlook the obvious, like I can so easily: Yes, there is a floppy in the A: drive, and yes it is formatted and viewable in Windows Explorer and passes CHKDSK scans. And, yes, just in case, I tried a different floppy.

 

[linney]

Perhaps you can get some definitive answer from Microsoft, (or does anyone else know?), whether ASR can handle a Raid setup?

That original article you quoted (MSKB 316456) could perhaps spell it out a bit clearer rather than referring back to NT4. I don't think anyone would really want to use that solution for ASR.

You might be better served with some third party imaging software?

 

[wpcoe]

>>"You might be better served with some third party imaging software?"<<

You mean do a software RAID vs hardware? I'm a RAID neophyte and thought that hardware RAID would free up system resources that a software version would need.

 

[linney]

I can't help you with your Raid question as I have never used it and therefor my knowledge is rather limited on that matter.