Lab Drive Reimaging Guide

Overview

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for reimaging SATA/NVMe drives using the Reimaging Station in TechCentre. The process uses Clonezilla to restore lab workstation drives to a clean, standardized state with pre-configured Windows Lab images.

Lab PCs ONLY

CRITICAL: This reimaging process is ONLY applicable to Lab PCs/Workstations.

  • DO NOT use this process on student personal computers
  • DO NOT use this process on any non-lab equipment

Lab images are specifically configured for lab environments and will not work properly on other systems. Reimaging personal or non-lab computers may result in system failure, data loss, and licensing issues.

Reimaging is a Last Resort

IMPORTANT: Reimaging should only be performed as a very last step after all other troubleshooting methods have been exhausted. Before reimaging:

  • Attempt standard Windows troubleshooting (SFC scan, DISM)
  • Check for hardware issues (RAM, cables, connections)
  • Try startup repair and safe mode
  • Consult with Software FU members if unsure

Reimaging completely erases the drive and should only be used when the system is unrecoverable through other means.

TechCentre Reimaging Station

This guide is specifically designed for use at the Reimaging Station in TechCentre. All necessary equipment, including the Clonezilla USB drive and SATA adapter, should be available at the station. Contact any Software FU member if any equipment is missing.

Currently, only SATA drives are supported due to adapter availability. NVMe support will be added once the appropriate adapters are obtained.

Prerequisites

  • Verification that the system is a Lab PC (not a personal computer)
  • Confirmation that reimaging is necessary (all other troubleshooting has failed)
  • Access to the Reimaging Station in TechCentre
  • Clonezilla USB drive (provided at the station)
  • SATA adapter (currently available at the station)
  • The lab SSD drive to be reimaged (typically 1TB)
  • Basic understanding of BIOS/boot menus

Data Loss Warning: Reimaging will completely erase all data on the target drive. Ensure any important data is backed up before proceeding. This is an irreversible operation.

Contents

  1. Lab Drive Reimaging Guide
    1. Overview
    2. Prerequisites
    3. Available Images
    4. Reimaging Process
      1. Step 1: Prepare the Reimaging Station
      2. Step 2: Boot into Clonezilla
      3. Step 3: Configure Clonezilla
      4. Step 4: Select and Restore Image
      5. Step 5: Execute Restoration
      6. Step 6: Complete and Verify
    5. Troubleshooting
      1. Clonezilla Won’t Boot
      2. Drive Not Detected
      3. Restoration Fails
      4. Windows Won’t Boot After Reimaging
    6. Best Practices
    7. Additional Notes
      1. Image Update Schedule
      2. Getting Help
    8. Appendix
      1. Equipment Checklist
      2. Estimated Times

Available Images

The reimaging station has two standard lab images available:

Image Name Operating System Description
LAB_IMAGE_23R2-WIN10 Windows 10 (Version 23H2) Standard Windows 10 lab configuration
LAB_IMAGE_24H2-WIN11 Windows 11 (Version 24H2) Latest Windows 11 lab configuration

Both images come pre-configured with standard lab software and settings. Choose the image based on the lab requirements or the original configuration of the workstation.

Reimaging Process

Step 1: Prepare the Reimaging Station

  1. Locate the Equipment
    • Ensure the Reimaging Station PC is powered on
    • Ensure the Clonezilla USB drive is plugged in (should be labeled & plugged-in to the back of the PC)
    • Locate the SATA adapter cable

If you cannot find the Clonezilla USB or SATA adapter, inform any Software FU member.

  1. Connect the Drive
    • Connect the lab PC SSD to the SATA adapter
    • Ensure the connection is secure
  1. Insert Clonezilla USB
    • Insert the Clonezilla USB drive into an available USB port
    • Ensure it’s fully inserted and recognized

Step 2: Boot into Clonezilla

  1. Power On and Access Boot Menu
    • Power on the Reimaging Station
    • Immediately press the boot menu key (typically F12, F11, or ESC)
    • If you miss it, restart and try again

The exact key depends on the motherboard manufacturer. Common keys are F12 (Dell/Lenovo), F11 (HP), or ESC (ASUS).

  1. Select Clonezilla USB
    • From the boot menu, select the USB drive (may be labeled as “SanDisk” or show the drive manufacturer)
    • Press Enter to boot
  2. Clonezilla Boot Options
    • When Clonezilla loads, select the default option: Clonezilla live (VGA 800x600)
    • Press Enter

Step 3: Configure Clonezilla

  1. Language Selection
    • Select your preferred language (default is English)
    • Press Enter
  2. Keyboard layout Configuration
    • Select Keep (recommended)
    • Press Enter
  3. Start Clonezilla
    • Select Start_Clonezilla
    • Press Enter
  1. Choose Mode
    • Select device-image (work with disks or partitions using images)
    • Press Enter
  2. Mount Image Directory
    • Select local_dev (use local device for image storage)
    • Press Enter
    • Wait for Clonezilla to detect available drives

Make sure you can identify which drive contains the backup images (usually an 1TB NVMe drive inside the station).

Step 4: Select and Restore Image

  1. Choose Image Source
    • Clonezilla will display all available drives
    • Select the drive that contains the lab images (Partition usually starts with nvme0n1)
    • Press Enter
  1. Select Image Directory
    • Navigate to the directory containing the images
    • Press Tab twice to navigate to the Done button
    • Press Enter to continue
  2. Clonezilla Mode
    • Select Expert mode (recommended)
    • Press Enter
  3. Operation Selection
    • Select restoredisk (restore image to local disk)
    • Press Enter
  1. Choose Image
    • You will see a list of available images
    • Select the appropriate image:
      • LAB_IMAGE_23R2-WIN10 for Windows 10
      • LAB_IMAGE_24H2-WIN11 for Windows 11
    • Press Enter

Image names may have timestamps or version numbers appended. Choose the most recent version unless instructed otherwise.

  1. Advanced Extra Options
    • Choose -k1 to restore the image with proportional partition sizes
    • Press Enter
  2. Select Target Drive
    • Clonezilla will display all connected drives
    • CAREFULLY select the lab SSD you want to reimage (typically 1TB)
    • Press Enter

CRITICAL: Double-check you’ve selected the correct drive! Selecting the wrong drive will erase it permanently. The drive size should match the lab SSD (1TB).

Step 5: Execute Restoration

  1. Review and Confirm
    • Clonezilla will show a summary of the operation
    • Review the source image and target drive carefully
    • Press Enter to continue
  2. Skip Disk Checking (Optional)
    • When asked to check the image before restoration, select -scr (skip checking)
    • Press Enter

Skipping the check speeds up the process. Only check the image if you suspect corruption.

  1. Final Confirmation
    • Clonezilla will ask for final confirmation
    • Type y and press Enter
    • Type y again when prompted and press Enter
  1. Wait for Completion
    • The restoration process will begin
    • Progress will be displayed on screen
    • Do not interrupt the process or power off the system

The reimaging process typically takes 15-45 minutes depending on image size and drive speed. Do not disconnect drives or power off during this time.

Step 6: Complete and Verify

  1. Restoration Complete
    • When finished, Clonezilla will display a completion message
    • Press Enter to continue
  2. Power Down
    • Select poweroff from the menu
    • Press Enter
    • Wait for the system to shut down completely
  3. Remove Drives
    • Remove the Clonezilla USB drive
    • Disconnect the lab SSD from the SATA adapter
  4. Install in Lab Workstation
    • Take the reimaged SSD to the target lab workstation
    • Install the drive in the workstation
    • Power on and verify Windows boots correctly

The first boot may take longer as Windows completes initial setup. This is normal.

Troubleshooting

Clonezilla Won’t Boot

  • Verify the USB drive is properly inserted
  • Check BIOS settings: ensure USB boot is enabled and prioritized
  • Try a different USB port
  • Verify the Clonezilla USB isn’t corrupted (contact any Software FU member for replacement)

Drive Not Detected

  • Check all cable connections are secure
  • Verify the SATA adapter is functioning
  • Try a different USB port on for the SATA adapter

Restoration Fails

  • Verify you have enough space on the target drive (1TB required)
  • Check for hardware issues with the target drive
  • Verify the image files are not corrupted
  • Try using the image check option before restoration

Windows Won’t Boot After Reimaging

  • Verify the drive was fully restored (check completion message)
  • Check BIOS boot order settings on the lab workstation
  • Check SATA operation mode (Should be AHCI)
  • Ensure the drive is properly connected in the workstation
  • Try reimaging again if the issue persists

Best Practices

  1. Before Starting:
    • VERIFY the computer is a Lab PC - Never reimage personal or other non-lab computers
    • Confirm reimaging is truly necessary - Try all other solutions first
    • Document what troubleshooting steps were already attempted in Rounding form / Issue Master List
    • Verify you have the correct drive
    • Check that all necessary equipment is available
    • Allow sufficient time (1 hour recommended)
  2. During Reimaging:
    • Never interrupt the process
    • Monitor progress to ensure no errors occur
    • Keep the area around the station clear
  3. After Completion:
    • Return all equipment to its proper location
    • Test the workstation briefly before marking it as complete
    • Document any issues encountered
  4. Equipment Care:
    • Handle drives carefully to avoid damage
    • Report any equipment damage or loss immediately to a Software FU member

Additional Notes

This guide will be updated as new equipment (such as NVMe adapters) becomes available. Check back for updates on supported drive types and new image versions.

Image Update Schedule

Contact any Software FU member for information on the most current image versions.

Getting Help

If you encounter issues not covered in this guide:

  1. Consult with a Software FU member

Appendix

Equipment Checklist

  • Clonezilla USB drive
  • SATA adapter
  • Lab SSD (1TB)
  • Reimaging Station PC

Estimated Times

Task Approximate Duration
Setup and connection 5-10 minutes
Booting Clonezilla 2-3 minutes
Configuration 3-5 minutes
Image restoration 15-45 minutes
Verification 5-10 minutes
Total 30-75 minutes

Last Updated: 26 November 2025

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