O&O DiskImage 9 for Backup and Restore Image of Computer

O&O Software GmbH announced the availability of latest version 9 of DiskImage.

This software can image entire computers, drives or data anytime during running operations. By restoring these images, the familiar working environment can be brought back and made available again, regardless of whether restoration is on the computer where the image was made or on another machine with entirely different hardware.

DiskImage 9 is based on customer feedback. The result: a new and intuitive user interface. Together with the integrated Wizard which takes users step-by-step through creation of automatic images, novice users will also find it to create reliable images and backups of their data.

Less obvious but just as important are the numerous enhancements and improvements to the imaging and restoration procedures. Interested users can already image and restore the system environment under Windows 10 Technical Preview.

The integration in Windows Explorer has been enhanced so that files from a file-based image can be searched for and restored directly, easier and faster, and with no need for additional software.

Users who wish to save their data to an external storage device can use the plug-and-play function: As soon as a storage device is connected to the computer, selected files and folders are automatically imaged and synchronized. DiskImage 9 also offers a scripting interface which enables any image and restoration function to be used as a batch or PowerShell script, providing companies with a very convenient way to automate their security procedures.

Enhanced functions :

• Plug-and-play functionality: Selected files and folders are automatically backed up and synchronized.

• Optimized memory usage: A maximum number of backups can be specified and older backups are automatically overwritten.

• Create a Windows boot system: With the current DiskImage, it is possible to create a boot medium on a USB Stick or CD-R directly from within the program. This medium can then be used to restore an image onto a computer. DiskImage 9 supports all current Windows versions from Vista, so Windows 7, 8/8.1 and in the server edition Windows 2003, 2008 and 2012 in all varieties.

• Restoration onto different hardware: With the integrated function M.I.R. (Machine Independent Restoration), it is possible to restore a system onto different hardware. Not only can an image or clone be restored onto servers and desktops with identical hardware, they can also be restored onto machines where, for example, the motherboard or processor has been changed. After the image has been restored, the hardware can be adapted and the system can once again be started. Technology from the renowned O&O BlueCon Administrator Pack was deployed here.

• Mounting data from ISO files: Standard ISO files (ISO 9660) can be mounted as data image files and as virtual HDDs.

• 1-Click imaging: With one click, a user can start to image their entire computer. 1-Click imaging is useful if DiskImage is being used for the first time or where no computer image has been made.

• Various imaging methods: For a complete image, users can choose between an image of used sectors and an all-inclusive forensic image for purposes of data recovery. An incremental or differential image will only backup those data areas that have changed since the last image operation, thus saving space.

• Scripting interface: Full control and configuration of DiskImage functionality can be achieved over a scripting interface for integration into Batch files and a user’s own applications.

• Supports EFI/UEFI systems: The new version supports current EFI/UEFI systems as well as the classic BIOS.

• Restoring individual files: DiskImage image files can be mounted as virtual disks. Individual files can then be accessed, for example using the Windows Explorer, and then subsequently restored.

• Virtual HDDs (VHD): DiskImage can convert images of virtual HDDs from Microsoft (VHD) into DiskImage image files and vice versa. A virtual HDD can therefore be directly restored.

• Visualization of data: The graphical representation of the HDDs and drives – similar to the disk management in Windows – allows for an selection of the volumes that are to be backed up or restored. Both free and used memory and the size of each partition are displayed, which makes managing the data easier. Data from ISO files: standard ISO files (ISO 9660) can be mounted as virtual HDDs as well as data image files.

DiskImage Professional 9 including machine independent restoration (MIR) costs $29.95 and for use on up to 3 PCs, O&O offers 3 licenses for $49.95.

O&O DiskImage 9 Server Edition, optimized for use within companies, will be released soon and will cost $299.