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Backup Sources

A backup source is the data O&O DiskImage protects. Choosing the right source is the first major decision in every backup plan.

Full PC Backup​

Back up your PC captures the complete computer: Windows, installed programs, settings, and personal data. This is the recommended starting point because it gives you the broadest restore path after disk failure, system corruption, or a failed update.

Use it for:

  • First-time protection of a PC.
  • Disaster recovery.
  • Rebuilding the same computer after a failed system drive.
  • Creating a baseline before major Windows or hardware changes.

Drive And Partition Images​

Back up drives creates images of selected drives or partitions. It is useful when you want precise control over what is imaged, for example only the system partition, a data volume, or an external disk.

Drive and partition images are sector-based. Depending on the backup technology, they can contain only used sectors or a bit-precise copy of all sectors.

File And Folder Backups​

Back up files protects selected directories and files. It is usually smaller and faster than a full drive image and is a good fit for documents, project folders, media collections, or other user data.

File backups support exclusions so temporary files, system files, previous backup files, and other unnecessary data can be skipped.

Default Exclusions​

O&O DiskImage excludes common temporary and system-specific files by default, including paging and hibernation files, system volume information, temporary files, and backup container formats such as O&O DiskImage, VHD, and VHDX files. These exclusions avoid unnecessary data and prevent backups from recursively containing previous backups.

You can adjust exclusions in Settings > Exclusion or from advanced backup settings.