Issue on EC2. FirstBootFailure: ... Instance Failed to Boot and Establish Network Connectivity

Issue Description

This error type occurs during restores to Amazon EC2.

Error message:

• Error occurred on restore CloudBerryLab.Backup.Engine.DiskImage.DiskImageFatalException FirstBootFailure: This import request failed because the instance failed to boot and establish network connectivity

First Boot Failure is a Windows import-related error. Once this error message appears, it means that the restored image was unable to perform one of the steps listed below:

• Boot up Windows
• Install Amazon EC2 networking and disk drivers
• Use a DHCP-configured network interface to retrieve an IP address
• Activate Windows using the Amazon EC2 Windows volume license.

There are various limitations that apply to Virtual Machine import operations. To learn more, refer to the VM Import/Export Requirements article.

Resolve the Issue

Before creating a backup plan, follow the recommended best practices listed below to ensure that the image will compatible with EC2:

• Disable anti-virus software and firewalls
• Avoid hardening your operating system: there are various Windows configuration settings that can prevent import. These settings can be applied later after an import
• Disable multiple bootable partitions
• Use a tool to ensure VM compatibility with EC2 on the instance planned for restore.

Try to restore the image as a virtual drive and try to boot up with it. If you see a BSOD or other errors, this information will provide a better understanding about the causes of an instance is unable to boot with this image.

You can restore an image as a virtual drive and try to boot the virtual machine with it, using the following environments:

• Microsoft Hyper-V
• VMware ESXi.

Once the image is restored to a virtual drive, attach the drive to a virtual machine, then try to boot with it.