Troubleshooting Paragon Backup's USB Recovery Stick: ADK Not Found Error

Verify ADK and WinPE Installation​

• Confirm ADK Installation:
• Ensure that ADK and the WinPE add-on are correctly installed. You can check this in Apps & features in Windows Settings:
• Press Windows + I to open Settings.
• Go to Apps > Apps & features.
• Search for Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit and Windows PE add-ons to verify they are installed.
• Check Environment Variables:
• Make sure that the required environment variables are correctly set.
• Press Windows + R, type sysdm.cpl, and press Enter.
• Go to the Advanced tab and click on Environment Variables.
• Ensure that Path includes the directory where ADK tools are installed (e.g., C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools).
  

  Ensure Correct Folder Paths​

• Correct Path for ADK:
• When pointing Paragon to the ADK folder, use the root folder of the Deployment Tools:
• C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools
• Check WinPE Add-on:
• Ensure that the WinPE files are within the ADK folder structure:
• Typically, you should see directories like WinPE, amd64, x86, etc., under C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\.
  

  Manually Specify ADK and WinPE Paths​

• Use Command Line for Path Configuration:
• Sometimes specifying the path via the command line can be more accurate than using the GUI:
• Open Command Prompt as Administrator by pressing Windows + X and selecting Command Prompt (Admin).
• Manually map the paths using the DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) utility.
  

  Create WinPE ISO Manually​

• Create WinPE Media Manually:
• You can manually create the WinPE media and then integrate it with Paragon:
• Open Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment as Administrator (from Start Menu, search for the tool).
• Run the following commands to create a working directory and copy WinPE files:
  Code:

  cmd copype.cmd amd64 C:\WinPE_amd64

• Note: Replace amd64 with x86 if you are creating a 32-bit WinPE media.
• After copying the files, create the bootable media:
  Code:

  cmd MakeWinPEMedia /UFD C:\WinPE_amd64 P:

• Note: Replace P: with the drive letter of your USB drive.
• Point Paragon to WinPE Files:
• Once the WinPE USB stick is ready, try pointing Paragon to the C:\WinPE_amd64 or directly to your USB drive to bridge the gap.
  

  Summary of Steps​

  Here is a structured table of troubleshooting steps and methods: [table="width: 100%"] | Step | Actions |

  Confirm ADK Installation	Check in Apps & features and ensure both ADK and WinPE add-ons are installed.
  Check Environment Variables	Ensure Path includes the directory where ADK tools are installed: C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools
  Correct Path for ADK	Use C:\Program Files (x86)\Windows Kits\10\Assessment and Deployment Kit\Deployment Tools when pointing Paragon to the ADK folder.
  Check WinPE Add-on	Verify WinPE files are within the ADK folder structure, with directories like WinPE, amd64, etc. exists under the ADK directory.
  Use Command Line	Map the paths using Command Prompt as Administrator.
  Create WinPE Media Manually	Use Deployment and Imaging Tools Environment to create a WinPE USB media using copype.cmd amd64 C:\WinPE_amd64 and MakeWinPEMedia /UFD C:\WinPE_amd64 P:
  Point Paragon to WinPE Files	Point Paragon to the manually created WinPE USB or the working directory (C:\WinPE_amd64).

  By going through these steps, you should be able to resolve the issue of Paragon Backup & Recovery not finding the ADK and successfully create a WinPE USB stick. If the issue persists, it may be useful to contact Paragon support for further assistance.[/table]