A data backup system comprises an emulation component and a storage device having logical storage areas. The emulation component is configured to represent a first logical storage area of the storage device, such as a solid state memory or a disk drive partition, as if it were an auto-launch device. Accordingly, a data source, such as a personal computer, will interact with the first logical storage area as if it were the auto-launch device. As some operating systems are configured to recognize auto-launch devices upon connection and automatically execute applications stored thereon, merely connecting the data backup system to a data source running such an operating system can cause a backup application stored by the first logical storage area to automatically execute on the data source to selectively back up data to a second logical storage area of the storage device.