Windows won't boot after full restore to another machine (4045360)

Date: 12 June 2006
Affected NV Version: 7.4x
OS Version: Microsoft Windows
Plugin version: N/A
Application version: N/A


Description:
Windows will not boot when relocating full system restore to another machine

Symptoms:
Receive errors such as "Windows could not start because the following file is missing or corrupt 'windows system 32 config and system" or when booting, OS goes into continuous loop where the OS boots to a blue error screen, and then reboots again.

When attempting relocate a full system restore, you must ensure that the following prerequisites are met on the new machine:

1) The exact same operating system installed (You cannot turn a Windows 2000 machine into a Windows XP machine with NetVault!)
2) The machine is named exactly the same (can be changed later)
3) The same drive letter mappings are established
4) Each drive must be AT LEAST the same size as before, or larger.
5) Each drive must be formated with the exact same file system, and version of the filesystem, e.g If it was FAT before, it cannot be NTFS now).
6) The exact same service packs installed
7) All of the same Microsoft hotfixes and updates must be installed
8) Install the same version of NetVault to the exact same location it was on the original system.

During the installation of the OS, do not set it as a domain controller, or set up Active Directory. This can be done after the restore.

Hardware should be as close to the original system as possible. If dissimilar hardware must be used, refer to Microsoft Knowledge Base articles 263532 and 237556 to address any issues encountered.

More detailed information can be found on page 489 of the NetVault Backup Administrator's Guide for version 7.4