FAQ
Which edition does this guide cover?
This guide covers O&O DiskImage 22 Premium Edition for home users. The Professional, Server and Enterprise Editions add functions for business and server environments.
Which backup should I create first?
Start with Back up your PC and an external hard disk or network drive as the destination. Then set up Fortress Mode or create a startup medium. See Quick start.
What is the difference between full, incremental and differential backups?
A full backup stores all selected data. An incremental backup stores the changes since the previous backup, a differential backup the changes since the last full backup. The backup strategy under Settings combines them. See Backup options.
Can backups run automatically?
Yes. Select Customize next to Execution on the backup page and choose a schedule – once, hourly, daily, weekly or continuous – or a backup that starts when the backup drive is connected. See Schedules and automation.
Where should I store backups?
On a different physical disk from the data: an external USB hard disk or a network drive. Several default folders can be set under Settings > Target folders. See Backup destinations.
Can I restore individual files from a backup?
Yes. Mount the backup with Tools > Mount drives and copy the files in Windows Explorer; afterwards remove the drive with Cancel integration. See Restore files.
Can I restore a VHD or VHDX backup?
No. Backups in these formats can only be mounted as virtual drives. Use the O&O DiskImage format for backups you want to restore. See Backup options.
What is Fortress Mode?
A protected recovery environment in which the PC is restarted. It gives full access to the entire system, so the system partition and locked drives can be restored. Set it up under Tools. See Fortress Mode and startup medium.
Do I need a startup medium if Fortress Mode is set up?
Yes, as a precaution. Fortress Mode depends on the Windows Recovery Environment on the local disk. If that disk fails or Windows no longer starts, the startup medium starts the PC and O&O DiskImage.
Does Check & Repair fix damaged backup files?
No. It checks and repairs the Windows component store, the system files, the system drive and the Windows Recovery Environment. To check a backup file, use Check backup, and create a new backup if the check fails.
How do I know that a backup can be restored?
Enable Validate backup after completion under Settings > Validation, or check a backup later with Tools > Check backup. Test the startup medium once while the PC still works.
Can an encrypted backup be restored without the password?
No. Keep the password in a safe place, independently of the PC you may need to restore.