Creating bootable media

To create bootable media:

1. Plug in a USB flash drive, or insert a blank CD or DVD.
2. Start Acronis True Image 2018.
3. In the Tools section, click Rescue Media Builder.
4. Choose a creation method:
   • Simple—This is the easiest option. Acronis True Image will choose the optimal media type for your computer. If you use Windows 7 or a later version, WinRE-based media will be created. For users of Windows XP, Acronis True Image checks if WAIK or WADK is installed on your computer, and if so, then WinPE-based media will be created. Otherwise, Acronis Media Builder will create a Linux-based media.
   • Advanced—This option allows you to choose a media type, therefore you can create the rescue media not only for your computer, but for a computer running a different Windows version. Refer to Acronis Media Builder for details.

     If you select a Linux-based media, then choose Acronis components to be placed on the media. Please ensure that the components that you select are compatible with the target computer architecture. Refer to Removable media settings for details.

     If you select a WinRE-based or WinPE-based media, then:

     • Select an architecture type of the media—32-bit or 64-bit. Note that 32-bit rescue media can work only on 32-bit computers, and 64-bit media is compatible with both 32-bit and 64-bit computers.
     • Select a toolkit that you want to be used for the rescue media creation. If you choose WAIK or WADK and you do not have the selected kit installed on your computer, then you first need to download it from the Microsoft website, and then install the required components—Deployment Tools and Windows Preinstallation Environment (Windows PE).

       If you already have WinPE files on your computer and they are stored in a non-default folder, then just specify their location and the Acronis plug-in will be added to the existing WinPE image.

     • For better compatibility with your hardware, you can select drivers to be added to the media.
5. Select a destination for the media:
   • CD
   • DVD
   • USB flash drive

     If your drive has an unsupported file system, Acronis True Image will suggest formatting it to FAT file system.

     Warning! Formatting permanently erases all data on a disk.

   • ISO image file

     You will need to specify the .iso file name and the destination folder.

     When the .iso file is created, you can burn it onto a CD or DVD. For example, in Windows 7 and later, you can do this using a built-in burning tool. In File Explorer, double-click the created ISO image file, and then click Burn.

   • WIM image file (available only for WinPE-based media)

     Acronis True Image adds the Acronis plug-in to the .wim file from Windows AIK or Windows ADK. You will need to specify a name for the new .wim file and the destination folder.

     To create a bootable media by using a .wim file, you first need to convert it to an .iso file. Refer to Creating an .iso file from a .wim file for details.

6. Click Proceed.