I am using Macrium on my Windows 10 laptop and connected another PCs drive to clone via USB. The other system’s drive shows up as drive E: on my laptop. I was able to take an image of it but when I write the image to another hard drive and connect it to the other system the drive letter is also E: and I’m trying to figure out how to change the drive letter back to C. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
![]() |
Patch reliability is unclear. Unless you have an immediate, pressing need to install a specific patch, don't do it. |
SIGN IN | Not a member? | REGISTER | PLUS MEMBERSHIP |
-
Using Reflect to image another Windows OS drive (not the hosts OS drive)
Home » Forums » AskWoody support » Backup » Backup software – Macrium Reflect » Using Reflect to image another Windows OS drive (not the hosts OS drive)
- This topic has 17 replies, 6 voices, and was last updated 2 years, 9 months ago.
Viewing 6 reply threadsAuthorReplies-
Paul T
AskWoody MVPAugust 7, 2022 at 12:35 am #2468135You can’t change the drive letter if it’s an additional drive. You need it to be the only drive and it will then boot and be C:.
Windows stores drive letter assignments in the currently running Windows. If you boot from an internal disk and connect an external disk, the external disk drive letter is stored on the internal disk.
cheers, Paul
-
tdalton
AskWoody LoungerAugust 7, 2022 at 9:01 am #2468192The problem is, I can’t boot it. The motherboard of the computer it came from is dead and if I boot it on another system with a different motherboard it will try to do a repair and potentially corrupt windows which is why I’m stuck in this situation. I’d think there’d be a USB boot for Macrium or another solution that would allow you to do this.
-
-
RetiredGeek
AskWoody_MVPAugust 7, 2022 at 9:26 am #2468200Not quite sure what you are trying to accomplish here:
Why do you need to change the drive to C: if you are not going to connect it to another computer, you said the original MB was dead, which will have to update the drive to be bootable on that system.
If you are just trying to recover files you should use Reflect to Mount the Image file. This will give you access to copy any files you want to recover.
If you have another goal please let us know so we can better assist you in your quest.
1 user thanked author for this post.
-
tdalton
AskWoody LoungerAugust 7, 2022 at 2:36 pm #2468269I am putting it back into another computer albeit another motherboard which opens up a whole bunch of other issues as far as windows goes. I think it went back to C: as I put it into the other computer and it launched windows and did a hardware detection update but now I have a black screen which is pretty common when you swap a motherboard but again, that’s a whole other story.
-
bbearren
AskWoody MVPAugust 7, 2022 at 11:18 pm #2468374I don’t know anything about Macrium Reflect, but I’ve done what you’re trying to do using Image For Windows with a more complex setup.
I did not clone. I used drive images to do a hardware upgrade, restoring the images to the new hardware. I suggest that you use imaging instead of cloning, but I have no experience with Macrium Reflect.
Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.We were all once "Average Users".
-
-
-
Paul T
AskWoody MVP -
bbearren
AskWoody MVPAugust 8, 2022 at 8:18 am #2468439To fix that I suggest you get a bootable USB of the same Windows version as used on that disk.
Boot from the USB.
Perform a repair install of Windows – do not delete any data.
Not possible. Booting from the USB will only allow a clean install. A repair/re-install can only be performed after being booted into Windows in an account that is a member of the Administrators group.
Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.We were all once "Average Users".
-
-
RetiredGeek
AskWoody_MVPAugust 8, 2022 at 8:51 am #2468446If you are using the Free version of Macrium Reflect you’ll need to purchase the paid version. This will give you the option to restore to different hardware using your Image file and Reflect will do most of the work of getting the correct drivers for the new motherboard and devices.
1 user thanked author for this post.
-
geekdom
AskWoody_MVPAugust 8, 2022 at 9:07 am #2468452I’m reading a lot of information (and misinformation) regarding various backup packages and successful implementation, usage, and restoration.
Backup and restore is complicated. Could we find a direction and go with a complete explanation — and without the in-thread comparisons of Brand X to brand Y?
If the computer world were a perfect world we wouldn’t need backups. But the computer world isn’t perfect and we need to know accurately what to do when things go bad and we need to practice the steps.
On permanent hiatus {with backup and coffee}
offline▸ Win10Pro 2004.19041.572 x64 i3-3220 RAM8GB HDD Firefox83.0b3 WindowsDefender
offline▸ Acer TravelMate P215-52 RAM8GB Win11Pro 22H2.22621.1265 x64 i5-10210U SSD Firefox106.0 MicrosoftDefender
online▸ Win11Pro 22H2.22621.1992 x64 i5-9400 RAM16GB HDD Firefox116.0b3 MicrosoftDefender -
bbearren
AskWoody MVPAugust 8, 2022 at 9:51 am #2468473… we need to know accurately what to do when things go bad and we need to practice the steps.
Been there, done that, but not with the imaging software the OP is using.
Could we find a direction and go with a complete explanation — and without the in-thread comparisons of Brand X to brand Y?
I did not clone. I used drive images to do a hardware upgrade, restoring the images to the new hardware. I suggest that you use imaging instead of cloning, but I have no experience with Macrium Reflect.
Knowing that @RetiredGeek is in this thread and is also very familiar with Macrium Reflect, I was anticipating his further participation in the particulars RE Macrium Reflect, which he is. I was not, and am not, trying to persuade the OP to change horses in the middle of the stream, as it were, just advising that what he is trying to do cannot be accomplished using a cloned drive, and counting on RG to continue with his excellent advice RE Macrium Reflect.
Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.We were all once "Average Users".1 user thanked author for this post.
-
JohnW
AskWoody LoungerAugust 8, 2022 at 10:27 am #2468484I have been using Macrium Reflect daily for 5 years, originally the free edition, but then upgraded to the Home edition.
But I have never used the “Clone” function in Reflect, although I have cloned several drives using the new drive vendor’s utility. I assume from the Macrium user manual that cloning is the same process that the vendor’s utility offers, although some options may differ, or be selectable. But regardless, it’s the same concept.
The key here is that if you are cloning a system boot drive (C:), then afterwards you must remove the source drive and swap the newly cloned drive into the internal position that the source drive occupied.The drive MUST be internal for Windows to boot!
Then it should boot right up, assuming you are using the same machine.
I imagine that the situation would differ if you are attempting to move the drive to a different system. In that scenario, I’m not sure even what a clone buys you. Why not just back up the drive to protect the data, and then move the original drive to the new machine?
Windows 10 Pro 22H2
-
bbearren
AskWoody MVPAugust 8, 2022 at 11:47 am #2468507It would be useful if potential contributors to a thread would read through the entire thread beforehand.
Then it should boot right up, assuming you are using the same machine.
I am putting it back into another computer albeit another motherboard which opens up a whole bunch of other issues as far as windows goes.
I imagine that the situation would differ if you are attempting to move the drive to a different system. In that scenario, I’m not sure even what a clone buys you.
Nothing. The clone buys you nothing in a different machine.
Why not just back up the drive to protect the data, and then move the original drive to the new machine?
That won’t work either (same as a clone), but a workable solution has already been suggested, and reiterated.
Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.We were all once "Average Users".1 user thanked author for this post.
-
JohnW
AskWoody Lounger -
tdalton
AskWoody LoungerAugust 8, 2022 at 4:14 pm #2468575Thank you for all of the replies. I wanted to let everyone know that taking an image of the entire drive from the host with the dead motherboard and restoring the image along with the partitions to another drive which I then connected to another computer with a different motherboard WORKED and not only did it work with the right drive letter, much to my disbelief, Windows reconciled the new motherboard hardware and the system is now running with no observed issues! This is a feat in my book because a Windows OEM license is NOT supposed to be able to work on another manufacturers motherboard although I’ve heard of people swapping like-for-like motherboards successfully. Thanks again.
-
bbearren
AskWoody MVPAugust 8, 2022 at 4:56 pm #2468589This is a feat in my book because a Windows OEM license is NOT supposed to be able to work on another manufacturers motherboard
If your Windows 10 is an upgrade from Windows 7/8/8.1 then it has become Retail.
Open a Command Prompt and type
slmgr /dli
This will open a display of your Windows version and licensing information.
Retail can be relocated.
Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.We were all once "Average Users".
-
-
-
-
-
RetiredGeek
AskWoody_MVPAugust 8, 2022 at 6:31 pm #2468613 -
bbearren
AskWoody MVPAugust 8, 2022 at 7:39 pm #2468625RG, purchasing the Pro upgrade from the Microsoft Store will also make OEM Home change to the Retail channel.
Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.We were all once "Average Users".
Viewing 6 reply threads -

Plus Membership
Donations from Plus members keep this site going. You can identify the people who support AskWoody by the Plus badge on their avatars.
AskWoody Plus members not only get access to all of the contents of this site -- including Susan Bradley's frequently updated Patch Watch listing -- they also receive weekly AskWoody Plus Newsletters (formerly Windows Secrets Newsletter) and AskWoody Plus Alerts, emails when there are important breaking developments.
Get Plus!
Welcome to our unique respite from the madness.
It's easy to post questions about Windows 11, Windows 10, Win8.1, Win7, Surface, Office, or browse through our Forums. Post anonymously or register for greater privileges. Keep it civil, please: Decorous Lounge rules strictly enforced. Questions? Contact Customer Support.
Search Newsletters
Search Forums
View the Forum
Search for Topics
Recent Topics
-
InfoStealer Malware Data Breach Exposed 184 Million Logins and Passwords
by
Alex5723
2 hours, 5 minutes ago -
How well does your browser block trackers?
by
n0ads
9 minutes ago -
You can’t handle me
by
Susan Bradley
17 minutes ago -
Chrome Can Now Change Your Weak Passwords for You
by
Alex5723
22 minutes ago -
Microsoft: Over 394,000 Windows PCs infected by Lumma malware, affects Chrome..
by
Alex5723
13 hours, 28 minutes ago -
Signal vs Microsoft’s Recall ; By Default, Signal Doesn’t Recall
by
Alex5723
1 hour ago -
Internet Archive : This is where all of The Internet is stored
by
Alex5723
13 hours, 51 minutes ago -
iPhone 7 Plus and the iPhone 8 on Vantage list
by
Alex5723
13 hours, 57 minutes ago -
Lumma malware takedown
by
EyesOnWindows
2 hours, 12 minutes ago -
“kill switches” found in Chinese made power inverters
by
Alex5723
22 hours, 44 minutes ago -
Windows 11 – InControl vs pausing Windows updates
by
Kathy Stevens
22 hours, 39 minutes ago -
Meet Gemini in Chrome
by
Alex5723
1 day, 2 hours ago -
DuckDuckGo’s Duck.ai added GPT-4o mini
by
Alex5723
1 day, 2 hours ago -
Trump signs Take It Down Act
by
Alex5723
1 day, 10 hours ago -
Do you have a maintenance window?
by
Susan Bradley
3 hours, 44 minutes ago -
Freshly discovered bug in OpenPGP.js undermines whole point of encrypted comms
by
Nibbled To Death By Ducks
13 hours, 3 minutes ago -
Cox Communications and Charter Communications to merge
by
not so anon
1 day, 14 hours ago -
Help with WD usb driver on Windows 11
by
Tex265
3 hours, 2 minutes ago -
hibernate activation
by
e_belmont
1 day, 23 hours ago -
Red Hat Enterprise Linux 10 with AI assistant
by
Alex5723
2 days, 2 hours ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26200.5603 released to DEV
by
joep517
2 days, 5 hours ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview build 26120.4151 (24H2) released to BETA
by
joep517
2 days, 6 hours ago -
Fixing Windows 24H2 failed KB5058411 install
by
Alex5723
1 day, 2 hours ago -
Out of band for Windows 10
by
Susan Bradley
2 days, 10 hours ago -
Giving UniGetUi a test run.
by
RetiredGeek
2 days, 17 hours ago -
Windows 11 Insider Preview Build 26100.4188 (24H2) released to Release Preview
by
joep517
3 days, 1 hour ago -
Microsoft is now putting quantum encryption in Windows builds
by
Alex5723
21 hours, 4 minutes ago -
Auto Time Zone Adjustment
by
wadeer
3 days, 5 hours ago -
To download Win 11 Pro 23H2 ISO.
by
Eddieloh
3 days, 3 hours ago -
Manage your browsing experience with Edge
by
Mary Branscombe
3 hours, 21 minutes ago
Recent blog posts
Key Links
Want to Advertise in the free newsletter? How about a gift subscription in honor of a birthday? Send an email to sb@askwoody.com to ask how.
Mastodon profile for DefConPatch
Mastodon profile for AskWoody
Home • About • FAQ • Posts & Privacy • Forums • My Account
Register • Free Newsletter • Plus Membership • Gift Certificates • MS-DEFCON Alerts
Copyright ©2004-2025 by AskWoody Tech LLC. All Rights Reserved.