> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/xopero-sphere-recovery-drive/backup-and-recovery/creating-a-disk-backup.md).
# Creating a disk backup
**Creating a disk backup with the Xopero Sphere Recovery Drive enables full data protection for ICS/OT systems, such as Windows Embedded, as well as various Windows and Linux versions. Image-level backups capture the entire structure of a selected drive, supporting comprehensive recovery scenarios such as bare-metal restore, disaster recovery, and system migration across different hardware environments.**
***
## Backup process
{% hint style="warning" %}
Before using the **Xopero Sphere Recovery Drive** for the first time, connect it to a computer via USB and create a dedicated backup directory on it (for example, **XoperoBackups**).
{% endhint %}
The following steps demonstrate how to create a disk backup using the **Xopero ONE Standalone Agent**.
{% stepper %}
{% step %}
Start the computer using the **Xopero Sphere Recovery Drive** (you may need to change the boot order in the BIOS/UEFI settings to select the USB device as the primary boot option). After the computer starts up, press any key when the following message appears:
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Once the **Xopero Sphere Recovery Drive** startup window loads, select **Xopero** and then choose **Xopero ONE Standalone Agent**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
In the **Xopero ONE Standalone Agent** backup wizard, select **Protect disk** and click **Next**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Specify the location where the backup will be stored. Select the dedicated backup directory created earlier, and click **Next**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Select the disk you want to back up, then click **Next**.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Configure the backup settings as needed.
{% hint style="info" %}
Backup settings allow you to define parameters such as incremental backup (if a full backup has already been created), compression, deduplication, and the number of read attempts for damaged disk sectors.
{% endhint %}
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Review your configuration and click **Run backup** to start the backup process.
{% endstep %}
{% step %}
Once the backup is complete, a confirmation message will appear.
{% endstep %}
{% endstepper %}
***
## Useful links and items
{% content-ref url="/pages/jcApmwvFT6Im3Xq0iCz3" %}
[Restoring a disk from backup](/xopero-one-en/xopero-sphere-recovery-drive/backup-and-recovery/restoring-a-disk-from-backup.md)
{% endcontent-ref %}
---
# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.
## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation dynamically by asking a question.
Perform an HTTP GET request on the current page URL with the `ask` query parameter, and the optional `goal` query parameter:
```
GET https://helpcenter.xopero.com/xopero-one-en/xopero-sphere-recovery-drive/backup-and-recovery/creating-a-disk-backup.md?ask=&goal=
```
`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is optional and describes the broader end goal you are ultimately trying to accomplish on behalf of the user. GitBook uses it to tailor the answer towards what is most useful for that goal.
The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.
Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.