DD utility for Windows backup

We will describe how to create data backups on a virtual server under the Windows Server OS using the special DD utility.

A few words about backing up files

Backups is a method of creating a backup copy of important information on a computer or server. It can be carried out manually or automatically under a regular schedule.

The DD utility can be used for operating systems of the Linux family; its commands help with copying files through certain operands. This is one of the oldest utilities, its backups can be opened with a variety of software. The version for the Windows operating system is less functional than the version for Linux. For example, it lacks support for converting files and using block devices.

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How to download the utility

How to use

Using DD on Windows systems is very similar to using it on a Linux command line.

Decrypt the record:

1. The if =/dev/sda line is responsible for copying the entire sda hard drive.
2. The expression bs=8M will help you set a specific amount of cache on your hard disk that will speed up the data copying process. Otherwise, the information will begin to be transferred in small sizes, approximately 512 b each.
3. The place where the file will be copied is indicated by the command of =/mnt/backup/sda.img. The first two expressions indicate the mount point of the HDD for storing the image, that is, the mnt folder with the backup subfolder.

Please note: before creating backups, you need to make sure that there is enough unallocated space on the desired disk.

For example:

It is best to make backup copies of data according to the established schedule, then you do not have to worry about the fact that the administrator forgot or did not have time to copy the files. The work is fully automated.