O&O DiskImage 14: DiskImage To Go makes data restoration easier than ever

The Berlin-based O&O Software GmbH is releasing O&O DiskImage 14, the latest version of its data backup program, primarily to make data restoration even easier.

Data recovery from a bootable medium made easy

The new DiskImage To Go feature automatically turns an external hard disk (or a USB stick with enough free space) into an O&O DiskImage recovery boot disk and simultaneously labels this disk as the preferred storage device for all future system backups. O&O DiskImage 14 will automatically create a backup whenever this device is connected to the computer. This makes creating any new backups as easy as pie. Future restoration is even easier: connect the O&O DiskImage boot disk and the backup saved on it can be restored with the push of a button. Without the stress of looking for a boot disk along with the external disk where the needed backup has been saved.

Increased storage capacity thanks to VHDX

O&O DiskImage 14 now offers – in addition to Microsoft VHD – complete support for the VHDX format (Virtual Hard Disk). The main advantage of VHDX is the increased storage capacity of 64 TB (Terabytes) as opposed to the standard storage limit of 2 TB on VHDs. Another advantage of VHDX is the protection it offers against file corruption.

New and enhanced features

Data backup on a bootable medium: The new DiskImage To Go feature can turn an external hard disk (or USB stick with enough free space) into an O&O DiskImage recovery disk and at the same time make this disk the preferred device for all future system restorations. O&O DiskImage 14 will automatically make a new backup whenever this external disk is connected to the computer. Making new backups is now child’s play.

One-click restoration: Restoring the entire computer can be started with just one click. Connnect the O&O DiskImage boot disk and restore the backup saved on it with the push of a button. Without the stress of looking for a boot medium and the external disk where the needed backup has been saved.

Creation of system images: When imaging a drive, the entire content of a selected disk or partition will be saved in an image file on a target disk. All the backed-up data is thereby located in one single file which makes managing backups much easier. A complete imaging of a system hard disk will involve backing up the entire operating system as well as all programs and settings. The image file can be encrypted with a password whenever necessary.

Making file backups: File backups will involve saving files directly in the form of data. This kind of backup contains file information only and includes no information about the drive itself.

Cloning machines: Cloning will create a 1:1 copy (or clone) of the disk or partition(s) directly on the target disk. This feature provides an immediate copy of the hard disk structure including its partition sectors. A cloned disk contains all partitions of the source disk.

Image restoration: O&O DiskImage can be run from a bootable medium, without installation, and used to restore an entire PC or system partition. There’ll be no problem if any hardware components are exchanged, or even a new computer acquired, in the time between creation and restoration of any image: thanks to MIR, O&O DiskImage can restore existing images on computers with a different hardware configuration.

Restoration of file backups: O&O 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.

Mounting backups as virtual drives: Drives can be mounted from images and displayed as write-protected virtual drives in Windows Explorer. This gives users the option of copying individual files and folders onto physical disks.

Backup physical machines in virtual machines (P2V): O&O DiskImage now makes it possible to convert backups from a Microsoft Virtual Hard Disc (VHDX as well as VHD) into O&O DiskImage image files and vice versa. This kind of converted image can be mounted as a virtual drive on a virtual computer without having to install O&O DiskImage.

Support of previous versions: Data backups made with earlier O&O DiskImage versions will, of course, continue to be used because the new version 14 is compatible with all previous versions.

Script interface: Control of all O&O DiskImage features with extensive script interfaces for integrating batches as well as a user’s own applications.

EFI/UEFI Systems: O&O DiskImage not only supports systems based on the classic BIOS, but the current EFI/UEFI systems as well.

Creation of a Windows boot system: With the current O&O DiskImage it is possible to create a boot medium on USB Stick or CD-R directly from within the program. This medium can then be used to restore an image onto a computer. O&O DiskImage 14 supports all current Windows versions from Windows XP to Windows 7/8/8.1 as well as Windows 10.

One-Click imaging: With just one click, a user can start to image the entire computer. One-Click imaging is especially useful if O&O DiskImage is being used for the first time or when an existing computer image is not available.

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.

Optimized memory usage: It’s possible to set the maximum number of images that can be saved before older images should be automatically overwritten.

Restoration onto different hardware: The integrated M.I.R. (machine independent restoration) feature allows users 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. Technology from the renowned O&O BlueCon Administrator Pack is used for doing this.

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

Plug and Play functionality: Selected files and folders are automatically backed up and synchronized. With the new O&O DiskImage 14, it is possible to run several tasks at the same time.

Visualization of data: The graphical display of hard disks and drives – similar to the disk management in Microsoft Windows – allows for an intuitive selection of those volumes that are being backed up or restored. Both free and used memory and the size of each partition are displayed, which makes managing the data easier.

Variable DPI settings: O&O DiskImage adjusts perfectly to the selected DPI setting.

High Contrast Mode support: High Contrast Mode support has been improved to make objects on the monitor easier to recognize.

Pricing and availability

O&O DiskImage Professional 14 including machine independent restoration (MIR) costs 49.95 USD, and for use on up to 5 PCs O&O offers 5 licenses for 69.95 USD. All prices include 19% VAT where applicable.

O&O DiskImage 14 Server Edition, optimized for use within companies, will be released shortly and will cost 299.00 USD. Interested users can download a free 30-day trial version of O&O DiskImage 14 Professional Edition from the O&O website at https://www.oo-software.com/oodiskimage/.

The test version allows users to create and restore images/backups from their own computers for a period of up to 30 days. In this way, they can see for themselves the full extent of the product’s features and performance. Details about O&O Authorized Partners can be found at https://www.oo-software.com/en/order/reseller/.

About O&O Software
O&O develops solutions for corporate customers that not only support them in their daily activities,
but also help substantially reduce their costs. Our products for system optimization, data imaging,
data recovery, secure data deletion and company-wide administration are pioneers in the Windows
technology sector. Together with our worldwide network of partners, we support corporations,
companies, public authorities and private customers in over 140 countries, all from our
headquarters in Berlin, Germany.
 
Press Contact
Andrea Strehsow
O&O Software GmbH, Bülowstraße 66, 10783 Berlin, Deutschland
Tel.: +49 30 991 9162-00, Fax: +49 30 991 9162-99
E-Mail: andrea.strehsow@oo-software.com
Members of the media can find additional information and graphic material online in the O&O PressCenter at https://www.oo-software.com/en/press