📎 AI Summary:
The thread discusses issues with using USB-connected drives for backups and system cloning in Windows. The original poster questions the validity of Macrium's claim that Windows cannot boot from USB drives, seeking clarification on backup and cloning methods involving external USB drives. Responses suggest that while imaging backups via USB are possible and generally work, cloning a system to a USB drive may require the drive to be connected directly to the motherboard via SATA for booting. Overall, the conversation clarifies that USB drives are suitable for imaging but may have limitations for system cloning depending on the approach.
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Fenway16

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Thread Author #1
The following is from the Macrium knowledge base: "Windows cannot boot from a USB connected drive. This is a restriction imposed by Windows."
I have created a backup on my HP Pocket external drive - usb connection - from reading the above, looks like it is a worthless effort.
And then another mystery - at least for me it is, "If you clone your system disk to a USB connected external drive then, to boot your clone, the physical disk must be removed from the USB caddy and attached to your Motherboard SATA port" -- Don't get this at all.

So, is it true - I cannot connect my pocket drive via usb connection and backup or restore? Does anyone have a clue about this? Thanks.
 

Solution
davehc
There should be answers. Perhaps your post slipped through the net.
Anyway, for what it is worth. I have no definite answer to yor question, except that it is not a true statement from Macrium.
I use , for my backups, an Acronis USB plug or, as an alternative, a similar plug made with Macrium.
Both will autoboot, if I have them selected in the Bios. My preferred method, though, is to invoke the sub start up menu, available in most machines. The method can vary slightly as:
Start the computer and press ESC, F1, F2, F8 or F10 during the initial startup . In fact, on my Dells, it is F12. You can then select the boot device of your choice.
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Fenway16

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Thread Author #2
As an addendum to this post, I came here for possible answers -- as apparently in order to post on the Macrium forum you must own a copy - not a free copy. Since this is a window issue as described above, seems there may be answers forthcoming. Thank you.
 

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davehc

davehc

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#3
There should be answers. Perhaps your post slipped through the net.
Anyway, for what it is worth. I have no definite answer to yor question, except that it is not a true statement from Macrium.
I use , for my backups, an Acronis USB plug or, as an alternative, a similar plug made with Macrium.
Both will autoboot, if I have them selected in the Bios. My preferred method, though, is to invoke the sub start up menu, available in most machines. The method can vary slightly as:
Start the computer and press ESC, F1, F2, F8 or F10 during the initial startup . In fact, on my Dells, it is F12. You can then select the boot device of your choice.
 

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Fenway16

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Thread Author #4
Thanks very much for your post. I did wonder why it was answered - I went to another windows forum and it was answered there. This forum is usually responsive - apparently usb's are fine to use. It is only when you are cloning the system that usb's don't work -- when imaging it's ok. Sort of confusing on Macrium's part-for me anyway. Thanks again.
 

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