Boot Sector Recovery via File Map and Backup Media
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for recovering from critical system file errors due to hard disk errors, such as reloading the operating system or relying on backups, are time-consuming and result in data loss or increased system vulnerability, while returning a computer for repair can be costly and inconvenient for both users and manufacturers.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that uses an alternative boot media to read and replace a critical file from a damaged sector by analyzing a file map and writing a backup copy to undamaged sectors, allowing the computer to boot from the primary nonvolatile storage media without losing data or security updates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a full system backup is performed periodically, then system recovery is possible, but files created or modified since the last backup are lost and the recovery process is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the backup process by creating a boot sector image (small portion) separately from the rest of the system. This allows rapid recovery of the boot sector without requiring a full system backup, thus reducing recovery time while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention performs preliminary action by creating and storing a boot sector image in advance during system setup or maintenance. When boot sector corruption occurs, the pre-stored image can be rapidly restored without needing to perform a time-consuming full system backup, thus reducing recovery time while ensuring system reliability.
2Reliability
If the operating system is reloaded from media provided by the operating system provider, then the operating system can be restored, but patches and updates installed since the initial install are lost resulting in increased system vulnerability
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the boot sector from the operating system for backup and recovery purposes. By isolating and protecting this critical component separately, the system can restore boot functionality without needing to reload the entire operating system, thereby preserving installed patches and updates while maintaining system reliability.
3Ease of repair
If the computer system is returned to the manufacturer for repair, then the nonvolatile storage device can be replaced, but the computer system is unavailable for an extended period of time and any applications and data files are lost unless backed up
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables self-service by providing users with the capability to diagnose and repair boot sector corruption themselves using the stored boot sector image. Users can restore their systems without needing to return them to the manufacturer, significantly reducing system unavailability time and avoiding loss of applications and data files, while still allowing manufacturer repair when hardware replacement is needed.
4Ease of repair
If the nonvolatile storage device is replaced with a different new or refurbished device preloaded with the operating system, then the system can be repaired, but applications and data files are lost and costs are incurred for help desk personnel, shipping, and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and preserves the boot sector image separately from the nonvolatile storage device. This allows the boot sector to be restored to the replaced drive, enabling users to recover their systems with their existing applications and data files intact, rather than losing them when hardware is replaced.
5Reliability
If a full system recovery is performed, then the operating system can be restored, but the process is quite time consuming especially if the nonvolatile storage device is large or the interface speed is slow
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the recovery process by focusing only on the boot sector (a small portion of the system) rather than requiring full system recovery. This segmentation enables rapid restoration of boot functionality using a compact boot sector image, significantly improving recovery speed while maintaining operating system reliability, regardless of the size of the nonvolatile storage device or interface speed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system, method, and program product is provided that recovers from a sector error affecting a critical file. A damaged sector prevents a critical file from being read prevents the computer system from booting. A controller records a sector number corresponding to the damaged sector. The system is rebooted using an alternative boot media. The system accesses the primary nonvolatile storage media after the rebooting. The damaged sector number is read from the error log and a file map is used to determine the critical file that is stored in the damaged sector. A backup copy of the critical file is retrieved from a backup media. The backup copy is written to the primary media using undamaged sectors and the critical file is mapped to the undamaged sectors. The system is subsequently booted successfully from the primary nonvolatile storage media.