A data isolation system for software and data maintenance, back up and recovery for a computer wherein dynamic data files are identified and redirected or copied into a hidden partition (212) on a hard disk (210) of the computer. Automatic back ups are made to the dynamic data files in the hidden partition (212) whenever the dynamic data files are amended. The dynamic data files in the hidden partition (212) include the computer's operating environment so that the computer's operating environment can be restored from the dynamic data files in the hidden partition (212). The dynamic data files in the hidden partition (212) include data up to the time of a failure of the computer's system.