Volume image backup is a form of data backup that creates an exact replica (or volume image) of all the files, folders, and disk volumes in a computer system. This volume image includes the exact configuration details of your operating system, applications, settings and all related files — essentially everything on the computer. This volume image can be used to restore the original system state, including all installed programs configurations, settings and data.
The volume image backup captures everything in one fell swoop as opposed to other forms of backing up where only certain parts are backed up at any given time. However, volume image backup has several critical limitations. One such limitation is that it can only be used to restore the entire volume image and cannot restore individual files or programs. Another limitation is that volume images can require large amounts of storage space for larger systems.
However, volume image backup is an excellent choice for system protection as it ensures that you always have a complete copy of your operating system and all related data.
Ofset's minimalistic interface allows you to quickly create a volume image backup to either a local drive or upload to an FTP server for a safe offsite backup by creating a VSS image.
Offset is a portable app, so unzip the file where you want to run it. Select the volume you want to backup (little white check box), then select where you want to backup. Make sure the "where" is large enough to store the complete backup.
Offset does not come with a restore as these are virtual disks. But if you need the files, you can navigate to the backup and either mount the backup, use Virtual PC or Hyper-V, or extract the files to restore them using something like 7-zip.
Offset supports MBR and GPT partitions as well as d-vhd, f-vhd d-vhdx and raw virtual disk formats.