Apple Configurator - Restore failed- is there a fullproof workflow?

Hey all,

I have had to switch out machines in which I am running configurator off of. I have up to date versions of IOS installed on the machine and devices. I have the latest version of apple configurator installed as well. I am installing close to 150 apps on iPad's and I have to put everything in to folders. As far as I know there are only two options for doing this.

Option 1

Do it through iTunes (The easy way)

Option 2

Load all the apps on an ipad using configurator and to drag all the icons with your finger and make folders (the hard way)

I went ahead and made a master ipad image in itunes and then realized when I went to supervise an ipad that everything would be gone (Doh)

I have since SUPERVISED an ipad first and then went in to settings and disabled auto refresh. I then took this supervised ipad and brought in to itunes.

I placed all of the apps on the device and moved them in to a folder. I have created a perfect ipad image again and created a backup in configurator. No matter what I do I can't get a backup of an ipad to succseffuly restore in configurator. The ipad goes through the restore process but it turns off and doesn't turn back on. Is there a fool proof workflow out there right now?

I haven't tried Option 2 as it is a painstakingly slow process. But it does leave Itunes out of the equation so would that help?