Error: Unable to write first track

Problem:

Image for Windows is unable to write the first track to the drive when performing a restore or copy operation.

Cause:

In addition to actual drive errors, this issue can be caused by an antivirus program blocking access (Avira Antivirus is known to cause this issue).

Solution:

Check the Windows System Event Log for any relevant drive errors. If no errors have been logged and the issue occurs on different target drives, the issue is most likely being caused by an antivirus program. You can try disabling or uninstalling the antivirus program and see if the problem persists. Performing the restore or copy operation outside Windows is another option (e.g. use Image for Linux, TBWinRE, etc.).

If write errors were reported in the System Event Log, you can limit the number of first track sectors restored or copied to one and retry the operation. To do this, enter the value 1 in the First Track Sectors box on the Restore Options (or Copy Options) step.