ASUS Backtracker failed to read from usb when imaging SSD

[Kristian221]

I wanted to install and SSD into my G750JM. I created the recovery image on a properly formatted (FAT32) usb drive using asus backtracker. Afterwords I removed the HDD, replaced it with an SSD in the exact same slot (bay 0), and booted from the usb. It starts up, initializes the SSD, but as soon as it hits "Copy recovery image to hard drive" it fails with an error message saying that it failed to read or access the USB storage device. Anyone know how to get this fixed?

[Captain_Janeway]

Thanks hmscott
Good to hear your experiences. I was using the latest version of Backtracker too (v3.0.9), so hopefully next time will be successful.
Janeway

[afurmanczyk]

Same problem for me using a 32GB Sandisk.

I'll go to the store and buy a new flashdrive today. I'll try buying a Lexar. Hopefully this will work. If anyone has had trouble with lexar, could you let me know. Thanks!

[Killam0n]

Sandisk is the only brand of flash drives that I trust. It failed on 64gb usb 2.0 and failed 16gb usb 3.0 sandisk flash drives. Why wouldnt they test it and get it working on the most widely available and fairly reliable flash drives? Asus please update this software, it shouldnt be dependent on brands of flash drives.

[Jaitsu]

I just installed Windows 8 on an SSD myself, and the process is a bit more complicated than expected, at least as far as getting it to boot (creating the UEFI partition). I used a fresh Windows 8.1 install disk rather than going and getting a 20 GB flash-drive and it worked, the only thing you're missing that way is the drivers that are typically pre-installed. If you haven't wiped your other drive, back up the eSupport folder on the root of the drive (you can get at it afterward too if you just install it in the other drive bay - doesn't matter which drive's where) but that's really all you need - anything else can be downloaded or acquired through Windows Update. If anyone wants a guide to installing Windows 8.1 from a DVD and get it booting from an SSD from what I've just learned with my own G750JM, let me know and I'll write up a quick walkthrough.

Edit: Oh, and if you need it, you can get a free, legitimate install DVD ISO straight from Microsoft here. http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-8/create-reset-refresh-media

[isengero]

Jaitsu wrote:
I just installed Windows 8 on an SSD myself, and the process is a bit more complicated than expected, at least as far as getting it to boot (creating the UEFI partition). I used a fresh Windows 8.1 install disk rather than going and getting a 20 GB flash-drive and it worked, the only thing you're missing that way is the drivers that are typically pre-installed. If you haven't wiped your other drive, back up the eSupport folder on the root of the drive (you can get at it afterward too if you just install it in the other drive bay - doesn't matter which drive's where) but that's really all you need - anything else can be downloaded or acquired through Windows Update.

This is pretty much what I had to do when I installed a 1TB SSD drive to my GL551J. The Backtracker app just wouldn't work for the life of me no matter which flash drive i used. After some frustrations, i went ahead and did a clean install of Windows 8.1 directly from the DVD (i had to download an ISO and burn it to DVD). Once that got through, I ran the Asus Drivers installation in the eSupport Folder from the original HDD. It had to restart several times until it completed installing all the drivers. Everything worked out well :D.

Be sure to keep a copy of the eSupport folder somewhere. May come in handy later on.

[GottiBoi55]

Killam0n wrote:
Sandisk is the only brand of flash drives that I trust. It failed on 64gb usb 2.0 and failed 16gb usb 3.0 sandisk flash drives. Why wouldnt they test it and get it working on the most widely available and fairly reliable flash drives? Asus please update this software, it shouldnt be dependent on brands of flash drives.

Use Backtracker v3.0.7 (latest version) from this link>>>>>Backtracker
I was able to create a working USB Recovery Flash Drive with v3.0.7.
I used the SanDisk Ultra USB 3.0 Flash Drive(16GB).
The SanDisk Flash Drive worked perfectly for me.
I tested my Recovery Flash Drive twice, and both times it worked without a problem.
I haven't tested on a new SSD, but it worked fine on the two SanDisk M.2 factory installed SSD drives.

Now on my G75VW I used the AI Recovery Disk set to install to my Intel 520 series SSD.
I had to test a few AI Recovery software versions for it to work correctly, but when I found the right version it worked perfectly.
So maybe this Backtracker v3.0.7 will work on a new SSD.
Now the key I have found for a successful transfer to the SSD is don't format the new SSD drive, let the "Recovery software" do this for you.
That's how it worked on my old G75VW.
Good luck, hope for the best.

[Piola]

I' ve got the same problem with my 751jy, the support told me to use the Backtrace 306 (one old version) but didn't work, now Im waiting for another answer...

[hmscott]

Piola wrote:
I' ve got the same problem with my 751jy, the support told me to use the Backtrace 306 (one old version) but didn't work, now Im waiting for another answer...

Piola, have you tried a newer version, Backtracker 3.0.8?

If your laptop is brand new, when Asus issued the updated image for the Realtek driver fix, they added too much stuff to the image and broke Backtracker, even 3.0.8 won't be able to work.

For now use something like Macrium Relfect to clone the drive to you new drive, and/or make an image backup of the whole original drive and use that as your backup for now.

Maybe don't delete the partitions on the original HDD/SSD until Backtracker gets an update with fixes to allow it to work with the new OS image.

Asus Backtracker for Windows 8.1 download - version 3.0.8 is newest right now, watch out for a newer release version with fixes.
http://support.asus.com/download.aspx?SLanguage=en&p=3&m=Backtracker&hashedid=n%2fa

[Piola]

I really appreciate your reply, it helps me a lot, got an answer from Asus Support, they told me to try with other Backtracer Versions but no, It doesn't works so they asked me my Phone number to call me, I gave it and got a nice reply: "considering all the tests you made you could have your hidden partition broken. please ship your Laptop at the nearest Customer Service".
So, I bought my rog951jy 1 week ago! I feel angry cause I prefer to hear "We cant resolve your problem due to a Backtracer problem".

[hmscott]

Piola wrote:
I really appreciate your reply, it helps me a lot, got an answer from Asus Support, they told me to try with other Backtracer Versions but no, It doesn't works so they asked me my Phone number to call me, I gave it and got a nice reply: "considering all the tests you made you could have your hidden partition broken. please ship your Laptop at the nearest Customer Service".
So, I bought my rog951jy 1 week ago! I feel angry cause I prefer to hear "We cant resolve your problem due to a Backtracer problem".

Piola, if you just got it, you can return it, but if you end up with the same problem, consider sending it in to Asus to investigate and fix.

Please let us know how it works out 🙂