XPS 8960, USB boot for offline backup

Question

So, legacy boot is no more. Testing out an 8960 and trying to figure out how to backup the single boot drive via off-line media - i.e. Acronis. I usually do this on new machines and twice/year on in-service machines.

My USB recovery media is configured for UEFI and boots fine. However, the recovery media can't see the system disk at all though. I've not checked but I'm assuming bitlocker is not enabled by default.

rh310 · Accepted Answer

@Element115s4​  LONG answer with solution at the end.   Even the Windows 11 install media can't see the SSD.  So I put a bullet in the chamber (so to speak) and switched the BIOS from RAID to something I've not seen before ACHI/NVME.  I've seen ACHI before but not PAIRED with NVME. Now the Windows 11 media AND my recovery media see the Dell supplied SSD and it's being backed up. Of course Win11 crashes on boot now because it only had RAID drivers installed.   NOW I REMEMBER - I've even written a post about this before.  I need to buy new Dell's EVERY year so I don't forget this trick. SOME, maybe not all Dell systems come with the SSD/HD configured for Raid in the BIOS.  Most native media (Windows 11 installer and some recovery media) will not recognize these drives.   ANSWER:  For Win11 and likely prior, to get past the OS crash on boot when switching to ACHI/NVME... 1. RAID mode active and Win11 running - boot into Safe mode.   2. BEFORE the OS boots however, go into the BIOS - F2 - and switch to ACHI/NVME. 3. NOW boot and let Safe mode come up - Google Safe mode for details but you want to select Safe Mode With Networking. 4. Let it run for a few minutes I'd had to do this LONG ago with another Dell.  I'm not 100% sure if networking is required, but with this method the OS is able to boot then magically installs the necessary drivers that allow you to use ACHI/NVME going forward.  Beats having to hunt down the drivers and manually install them.

rh310 · Answer

Well, bitlocker IS enabled by default it seems. Ok, so I turned that off.

But, now I'm guessing it's a driver issue with the M.2 on the motherboard and the disk controller in this system. I have the option to load drivers but (for system drives) that's something I've NEVER had to do.

Element115s4 · Answer

I never had to load drivers for my 8950 when booting via USB but then again, I don't use Acronis. :)

ejn63 · Answer

The problem likely isn't bitlocker -- it's that the drive is running in Intel RAID mode.  That means you need to insert a RAID driver into the Acronis boot loader to enable the recovery media to see the drive.  For some systems you can temporarily change the drive to AHCI mode, but that's being removed by more and more systems -- this one is new enough that may be IRST only, no AHCI option.  See if Acronis has the ability to recognize an IRST drive.

Element115s4 · Answer

@rh310​  Yes, I did mention that in another thread but figured you guys knew that. :) I guess Dell likes it set that way by default but to me, the majority of users don't use RAID so that seems like a lot of support calls. :) While the Dell image is ok, it's not good enough for me so I fresh loaded Win11 22H2.

Gatto Sama · Answer

If you're trying to create a backup of your Dell XPS 8960 system drive using Acronis or similar backup software, and you're encountering issues with your USB recovery media not detecting the system drive, here are some steps you can follow to troubleshoot the problem:

Check BIOS/UEFI Settings:
- Enter the BIOS/UEFI settings of your XPS 8960 by pressing the appropriate key during startup (usually F2 or Del).
- Ensure that "Secure Boot" is disabled if it's currently enabled. Secure Boot can sometimes prevent certain recovery tools from accessing the system drive.
- Check for any other security settings that might interfere with external booting or access to the system drive.
Boot Mode:
- Confirm that your USB recovery media is configured for UEFI boot, as you mentioned. Legacy boot is no longer supported on many modern systems, including the XPS 8960.
- Double-check that the USB drive is recognized as a UEFI boot option in the BIOS/UEFI settings.
BitLocker:
- Verify whether BitLocker encryption is enabled on your system drive. If it is, you'll need to unlock the drive using your BitLocker recovery key before you can access it with Acronis. This is essential for data security.
- BitLocker encryption is typically not enabled by default, but it's possible that it was enabled during the initial system setup.
Driver Issues:
- Ensure that your USB recovery media contains the necessary drivers for the storage controller used in your XPS 8960. Sometimes, a lack of proper drivers can prevent the drive from being detected.
Acronis Boot Media:
- Make sure you're using the latest version of Acronis boot media. Older versions may not be fully compatible with newer hardware.
- Check if Acronis offers any specific guidance or updates related to the XPS 8960 model.
Backup Plan:
- As an alternative, you might consider creating the backup from within the installed operating system (if possible). Some backup software, including Acronis, can create system images while running in the OS. This can bypass some potential issues related to bootable media.
Manufacturer Support:
- If you continue to encounter issues, consider reaching out to Dell support or Acronis support for assistance specific to your hardware and software configuration. They may have additional insights or solutions tailored to your situation.

Remember to take caution when making changes to your system settings or attempting to access BitLocker-encrypted drives. Data security is essential, so ensure you have appropriate backups and recovery keys in case anything goes wrong during the troubleshooting process.

WK55_ENIGMA · Answer

@rh310​ This Solution worked excellently.  Thanks!!!

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XPS 8960, USB boot for offline backup

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