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Re: Bootable USB flash drive to restore a client computer vs Restore CD RRS feed

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    I read the instructions @ the WHS 2011 Online Help page: 

    http://onlinehelp.microsoft.com/en-us/windowshomeserver2011/create-bootable-usb-drive-2.aspxIt

    1 - it appears that one can use the recovery CD or the Bootable USB Recovery Key.

    I want to make sure before I pass on making the USB flash drive Recovery Key as my "MS Windows Home Server 2011 - Unleashed" book by Paul McFedries only says to make sure one creates the above mentioned USB Recovery key. Since I have several PC's that WHS 2011 has backups of:

    2 -  Do I need a separate key for each PC.

    3 - If so once the data is saved to the flash drive can I put it into a folder named w/ the PC info, collect the other PC's data then copy all the recovery folders back onto the single flash drive & that should/will work.

    Tuesday, June 21, 2011 4:13 PM

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    1. Correct

    2. You can use the same key for any PC you need to restore, unless you need to add additional drivers for specific hardware.
    In that case I would prepare a custum restore USB key to prevent unnecessairy (and prossably wrong) drivers interfering with a non-customized restore process.

    3. In case any any special drivers are needed. I prefer to do so.
    Actually this is only needed for in case additinal drivers are needed for restoring a particular system. In most cases you can mannually copy off the drivers needed using one of your other PC's in the network.

    - Theo

    PS - PC restore not being a day-to-day task I personally prefer to wait preparing the restore media untill I actualy need it.
    Must add that I never fully rely on beeing able to restore a system untill I actually confirmed the procedure and possible drivers needed. For this on a rainy day I drop in a spare drive, try a basic restore of the system drive and make sure to "document" any non-standard actions taken.

     

    No home server like Home Server
    • Proposed as answer by Ken Warren Wednesday, June 22, 2011 1:53 AM
    • Marked as answer by haole Thursday, June 23, 2011 1:32 AM
    Tuesday, June 21, 2011 8:24 PM

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    1. Correct

    2. You can use the same key for any PC you need to restore, unless you need to add additional drivers for specific hardware.
    In that case I would prepare a custum restore USB key to prevent unnecessairy (and prossably wrong) drivers interfering with a non-customized restore process.

    3. In case any any special drivers are needed. I prefer to do so.
    Actually this is only needed for in case additinal drivers are needed for restoring a particular system. In most cases you can mannually copy off the drivers needed using one of your other PC's in the network.

    - Theo

    PS - PC restore not being a day-to-day task I personally prefer to wait preparing the restore media untill I actualy need it.
    Must add that I never fully rely on beeing able to restore a system untill I actually confirmed the procedure and possible drivers needed. For this on a rainy day I drop in a spare drive, try a basic restore of the system drive and make sure to "document" any non-standard actions taken.

     

    No home server like Home Server
    • Proposed as answer by Ken Warren Wednesday, June 22, 2011 1:53 AM
    • Marked as answer by haole Thursday, June 23, 2011 1:32 AM
    Tuesday, June 21, 2011 8:24 PM
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    Thank you Theo for the quick reply,

    it gives me some peace-of-mind knowing how a expert does his.

    Thursday, June 23, 2011 1:36 AM
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    Is there a process for creating a custom USB key that you can link to? I've searched everywhere and did not find anything. My problem is that it doesn't matter what drivers I put on a usb key, it will never recognize them. This is from booting from the restore CD. I've got a realtek NIC, and tried all the realtek suggestions. Nothing seems to be recognized.... So I created a bootable USB, but don't know how (where0 to add the drivers so that they are recognized.
    • Edited by Baconsnake Friday, November 18, 2011 5:09 AM
    Friday, November 18, 2011 5:08 AM