Berlin developer O&O Software has released a brand new version of its drive-imaging and backup tool. O&O DiskImage 7 Professional 32-bit, also available as a 64-bit build, adds full support for Windows 8 and EFI/UEFI systems.

Version 7 also allows users to create an emergency boot CD from directly within the program itself, plus debuts a streamlined interface designed to appeal to less experienced users. It’s also now capable of adapting to third-party energy saving settings, ensuring disk images aren’t compromised.

The latest build debuts a simplified and streamlined user interface, headed by a dashboard-like start screen that provides a clear indication of which drives and partitions have been backed up by the tool. Users can then back up all outstanding partitions via a single button, or access the tool’s other backup and restore options.

The new build debuts a redesigned user interface, which aims to make the tool more accessible.

The redesign goes further, logically grouping together related tools such as options for creating backup jobs as well as backing up immediately. Previously these were found in separate parts of the program.

O&O DiskImage 7 Professional also integrates the tool for creating a boot CD or USB thumb drive directly into the application itself as opposed to leading users to a separate download over the internet. It also adds capabilities allowing it to adapt to third-party energy settings, ensuring imaging operations don’t fail due to energy saving schemes set by other programs.

Version 7 also updates its standards, adding full support for Windows 8 – already present in version 6.80 and later – as well as newer EFI/UEFI systems. This is in addition to continued support for traditional BIOS-based systems.

O&O DiskImage 7 Professional 32-bit and O&O DiskImage 7 Professional 64-bit are both available as free 30-day trial downloads for PCs running Windows XP or later. 1GB RAM is recommended, and the full version can be purchased now for a special launch price of $23.96 – 25 per cent off the MSRP – through the Downloadcrew Software Store.