Computer System Re-imaging with Data Preservation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current re-imaging processes for computer systems are limited, often requiring system downtime and risking data loss or corruption during the upgrade process, as they typically involve overwriting the original disk image without preserving user settings and files.
Innovation Solution
A method that copies re-imaging files from a new image into a re-imaging directory on an active system, preserves settings and files from the original image, and reboots the system without intermediate downtime, using application programming interface (API) commands to manage file movement and ensure system functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional re-imaging process is used to overwrite the original disk image, then the system can be updated to a new image, but the original disk image and user data are lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by creating a backup of the original disk image and user data before performing the re-imaging operation. The system copies the original image to a backup location and preserves user settings in a separate directory, ensuring that data is saved before the overwrite operation occurs. This allows the system to be updated while preventing data loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a backup copy of the original disk image and user settings before the re-imaging process. The original image is copied to a backup location, and user settings are copied to a preservation directory. This copying mechanism enables the system to maintain a record of the original state while proceeding with the update to a new image.
2Ease of manufacture
If the system is rebooted during the re-imaging process, then the new image can be installed, but system downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the re-imaging process into distinct phases: backup creation, data preservation, and image installation. The system segments the operations to perform backup and data preservation while the system is still running, then completes the image installation in a separate phase. This segmentation allows minimization of downtime by performing critical operations during low-activity periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses preliminary action by completing the backup creation and data preservation operations before the final image installation. By performing these time-consuming operations in advance while the system is stable and less active, the actual re-imaging process can be completed with minimal disruption to system operations.
3Productivity
If user processes continue running during re-imaging, then system availability is maintained, but data corruption may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the taking out principle by extracting critical data and settings from the active system into separate backup and preservation directories before the re-imaging operation. By removing the original data from its active locations and placing copies in protected directories, the system can perform the image overwrite operation without risking data corruption, while user processes continue to run.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses beforehand cushioning by creating backup copies of the original disk image and user settings before the re-imaging process. This backup mechanism acts as a cushion against potential data corruption during the update process. If any issues arise during the image installation, the backup provides a safety net that prevents complete data loss and allows for potential recovery.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to systems and methods for re-imaging a computer system. In one example, a method is provided for replacing an active system of a computer with a new image. The method may include copying files from the new image into a re-imaging directory on the active system. Processes of the active system that are not needed to keep the active system in a functioning state may be stopped. Files are moved from a top level space of the active system into a temporary directory after stopping the processes, and files from the re-imaging directory are moved into the top level space. The active system is then rebooted.