DiskImage From O&O Updated

Berlin, Germany-based O&O Software GmbH has released version 8 of their backup and recovery solution, O&O DiskImage. The backup of one’s own data is still a topic that many users avoid.

At least that is until they suffer their first data loss due to a software, hardware or user error when it becomes clear how valuable an up-to-date backup really is.

The company addressed this problem and integrated into the version 8 a wizard that accompanies a user step by step through the creation of an automatic backup. This backup functionality enables novice users to create a backup of their data.

The form has also taken into account the end of support for Windows XP with O&O DiskImage 8 which supports all Windows versions from XP to Windows 8.1. This makes it possible for users to create a backup under Windows XP which can be used later under Windows 7 or 8.x later too.

Users who wish to save their data to an external storage medium can take advantage of the plug-and -play functionality which backups and synchronizes selected files and folders automatically. To optimize the memory requirements, the user can specify the maximum number of backups that should be saved so that old ones are replaced by new images. To offer data security the program also displays those drives that have not yet been imaged or backed up so that the user can bring their security up-to-date.

It can also create a virtual HDD (VHD). Until now users had to first create an image and then convert it. In this version, this intermediate process is no longer required.

It also offers a scripting interface that allows professional users to perform all functions of the application in batch files or custom applications.

It’s possible as from Windows XP to create a boot media from within the program. The current version not only supports systems based on BIOS but also the current EFI / UEFI systems.

New and 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 from Windows XP on to create a boot medium directly from within the program.
• Monitoring and warning of security risks: Automatic monitoring informs the user when backups or images were not performed for a long period of time.
• Mounting data from ISO files: Standard ISO files (ISO 9660) can be mounted as data image files and as virtual HDDs.
• One-Click imaging: With one click a user can start to image their entire computer. The 1- Click imaging is especially useful if DiskImage is being used for the first time or where no computer image has been made.
• Restoration onto different hardware (MIR): With the integrated function MIR (machine independent restoration) it is now 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 new hardware can be adapted and the system can once again be started.
• 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: 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: 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 ): It 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 a 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.

Prices and availability
DiskImage Professional 8 including machine independent restoration (MIR ) costs $29.95 and for use on up to 3 PCs O&O offers the 3-computer license for $49.95. All prices include 19% VAT where applicable. DiskImage 8 Server Edition, optimized for use within companies, will be released soon and will cost $299. Interested users can download a free 30-day trial version of DiskImage 8 Professional Edition from the O&O website.