What is DarkCopy?
DarkCopy is an open-source disk imaging and cloning software utility for Microsoft Windows. It allows users to efficiently create full disk image backups, including all partitions and unused disk space, which can be used for disk cloning or data recovery purposes.
Key features of DarkCopy include:
- Creating complete 1:1 raw disk images of hard drives, including hidden, locked and in-use partitions
- Compression of images to save storage space
- Support for incremental and differential image backups to save time
- Scheduled backups
- Encryption and password protection of images
- Verification of images to ensure integrity
- Restoration of disk images to the same or different drives
- Simple yet customizable user interface
DarkCopy utilizes Microsoft Volume Shadow Copy Service (VSS) to create consistent point-in-time snapshots of active partitions, ensuring that open files and system files are correctly imaged. Images can be browsed and files extracted without having to restore the entire image.
Due to its focus on disk imaging, small footprint and open-source nature, DarkCopy is a great option for IT professionals, system administrators, or anyone needing to backup, clone or restore system drives.