O&O DiskImage 14: Increased Storage Capacity with VHDX

To help avoid this kind of volume limitation on data backups, the Berlin-based O&O Software GmbH is releasing O&O DiskImage 14 Server and Workstation, the newest versions of its data backup program.

This new version now offers – in addition to Microsoft VHD – full support for the VHDX format (advanced Virtual Hard Disk). The main advantage of VHDX is its increased storage capacity of 64TB (Terabytes) instead of the standard VHD capacity of 2TB. A further advantage of VHDX is its protections against file corruption.
Backup and restoration in Hyper-V environments make migrating from physical to virtual machines easier.

Native boot medium for Bare-Metal Restore

The integrated BuildPE tool allows users to create bootable media for Windows systems so that original Windows drivers can be used. Additional OEM drivers can even be mounted onto these media whenever needed for unusual hardware.

An integrated FTP access makes it possible to backup and restore data on both local as well as external FTP servers so that if ever there’s a total crash of the local network, data can still be accessed over the standard protocol.

Machine independent restore always available

The advantage of having a system image lies, above all, in being able to restore the working environment within a very short period of time, including all its programs, settings, and operating system. Restoring the image onto a new computer would normally not work on account of the different hardware. Thanks, however, to the integration of MIR (Machine Independent Restoration), it’s even possible to restore an image onto a computer where the image was not created.
This reduces the time needed for restoration down to a minimum, which results in significantly lower costs.
There’s been further development on using command lines, especially for our corporate customers. Running from batches and thereby automating processes has been simplified for both the private and business sectors.

O&O DiskImage supports all Windows versions

O&O DiskImage 14 Server is fully integrated in the current Microsoft Windows Server 2019 operating system while continuing to support all older versions starting from Windows 2008. The Server Edition can, of course, also be used on Windows desktops starting from Windows 7 up until Windows 10.
This new version has been especially optimized for use on the lower memory capacity and processors found on older systems so that even backup on older hardware can be done without add-ons or additional changes.
Backups made with earlier O&O DiskImage versions can continue to be used and the new version 14 is compatible with all previous versions.

New and enhanced features

Data and System Images

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. All current Windows versions are supported, starting from Windows 2008 up until the latest Windows Server 2019.

Backup without down time: O&O DiskImage Server Edition is equipped with a powerful snapshot mechanism that allows it to capture data at exactly the moment when a backup was started. Any subsequent changes made to the database by users or programs will have no effect on the backup while it’s being created. This applies to whatever file system or program environment is being used. This is the only way to guarantee the creation of consistent system backups that must be available whenever needed.

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 drive information such as file tables or layout of the hard disk.

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.

Encrypting backups: Using a recognized AES process, it’s possible to encrypt data in O&O DiskImage. O&O DiskImage supports especially high security levels with a key length of up to 256-bits. Even after creation, subsequent encryption of the image is also possible.

Backup physical machines onto virtual ones (P2V): O&O DiskImage can convert images of Microsoft virtual hard disks (VHD) into O&O DiskImage image files and vice versa. These converted images can then be mounted directly as virtual drives in a virtual computer where O&O DiskImage is not installed.

Data backup on a bootable medium: With the new DiskImage To Go feature, an external hard disk (or a USB stick with enough free space) can become an O&O DiskImage recovery boot disk and simultaneously 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.

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.

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.

Data Restoration

One-click restoration: Restoration of the entire computer can be started with just one click. Connect the O&O DiskImage boot disk and restore the backup saved on it with the push of a button. No more stressType equation here. looking for a boot medium and the external disk where the needed backup has been saved.

System restoration using a bootable medium: O&O DiskImage can be run from a bootable medium to quickly restore a system without installation. In order to do this, a boot medium (USB stick or CD/DVD) can be created that contains all standard drivers. Additional drivers can be loaded after starting. The integrated system rescue tools will even make it possible to restore the original system and identify errors.

Advanced restoration environment with additional features: O&O BuildPE can be used to create an advanced restoration disk. Along with O&O DiskImage, this disk contains helpful system tools such as File Explorer, Reg-Edit, or a tool to help with partitioning.

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 existing physical disks.

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.

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.

General

Control via Command Lines: O&O DiskImage 14’s new Command Line Interpreter makes it even easier to run batch jobs for automating product features.

FTP access: Enables direct backup as well as restoration via an FTP server (internal/external). There’s no longer any need for integrating an external FTP server in a local network. The user can restore a crashed computer by accessing an FTP server, even when the local network has suffered a complete collapse.

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

Script interface: Control of all O&O DiskImage features with extensive script interfaces for integrating batches as well as a user’s own applications.
Optimized memory usage: It’s possible to set the maximum number of images that can be saved before older images should be automatically overwritten.

Email notification of activity: Administrators can request to be informed about the results of an activity such as the running of a job. Error messages are also sent immediately so administrators can quickly identify and resolve problems.

Automatic updates: O&O DiskImage automatically checks if new program versions are available and so guarantees that data backup is performed using the latest advances in technology.

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.

User interface: with the completely revamped O&O DiskImage user interface, all the product’s features are just a click away. Actions can be started manually, run as jobs on schedules, or carried out automatically.

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 14 Server, including all its features (e.g. for use on Windows Server and desktop versions, O&O BuildPE, machine independent restore, etc.), costs 299.00 USD.
The price for the O&O DiskImage 14 Workstation Edition (same functionality except for being limited for use on Windows desktop/laptop systems only) is 59 USD. All prices include 19% VAT where applicable.

Information about volume licenses can be requested here https://www.oo-software.com/en/order-diskimage-server.
Interested users can find a free, 30-day trial version of O&O DiskImage 14 Server Edition on the O&O website under https://corp.oo-software.com/en/backup.
A list of all O&O resellers can be found under 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