Automated Disk Drive Restoration on Live Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current backup and restoration applications do not allow for the automatic restoration of a single disk drive on a live client computer, requiring users to manually rebuild the disk structure and restore data, which is time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that automatically restore a disk drive by obtaining a disk layout file from backup storage, rebuilding the disk structure, and writing backup data onto a new disk drive, with the option to modify the layout according to user needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If conventional backup restoration applications are used, then data can be restored from backup storage, but the disk structure must be manually rebuilt and the system must be booted into recovery mode, which is time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-capturing and storing the disk layout information (partition structure, file system type, volume labels, etc.) in a backup file during the initial backup process. This preliminary capture of structural information eliminates the need for manual disk structure rebuilding during restoration, as the layout can be automatically reconstructed from the stored backup data.
Solution Approach 2:
The restoration process applies self-service by automatically reconstructing the disk structure and restoring data without requiring user intervention or manual configuration. The system autonomously reads the backup file, recreates the original disk layout, and populates the restored disk, eliminating the need for users to boot into recovery mode or manually rebuild disk structures.
2Productivity
If the system is booted into recovery mode for restoration, then data can be restored, but the computer cannot remain operational during the restoration process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the restoration process into independent components that can operate concurrently. The disk structure reconstruction and data restoration occur as separate automated processes that do not require shutting down the operating system, allowing the system to remain operational while restoration proceeds in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a backup file as a mediator that contains all necessary disk layout and data information. This intermediary file enables restoration to occur without direct interaction with the original failed disk, allowing the system to maintain normal operations while the restoration process uses the backup file to reconstruct the disk contents.
3Measurement precision
If manual disk structure determination is performed, then the original disk configuration can be identified, but significant user effort and time are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating and storing an exact replica of the disk layout information in a backup file during the initial backup process. This copy contains all structural details (partition boundaries, file system parameters, volume information) that can be directly used to reconstruct the disk structure, eliminating the need for users to manually analyze or determine the original disk configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-capturing the disk layout structure in the backup file before any failure occurs. This preliminary documentation of the disk structure ensures accurate reconstruction without requiring users to perform complex analysis or manual configuration steps during the restoration process.
4Reliability
If duplicate copies are stored on backup storage devices, then data redundancy is achieved, but the restoration process requires booting into recovery mode
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the restoration process to autonomously reconstruct the disk structure and restore data from backup storage without requiring system reboot or user intervention. The system automatically reads the backup file, recreates the disk layout, and populates the restored disk, maintaining high reliability while achieving full automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing both data and disk layout information in the backup file during the initial backup process. This preliminary capture of structural metadata enables the restoration process to automatically reconstruct the disk structure without requiring recovery mode or manual configuration, thereby maintaining reliability while enhancing automation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for automatically restoring the structure and data of a disk drive of a live client computer, i.e., a disk drive that does not store the operating system of the computer system has failed. A “live” computer is one that is booted into an operating system from the computer's own system disks. In one example, the method commences by obtaining a disk layout file from backup storage. This disk layout file typically contains the original disk structure of a particular disk drive. The new disk structure is then rebuilt on a disk drive. Next, file data stored in backup storage is acquired and subsequently written onto the disk drive. In an alternative example, the disk structure on the disk layout file is acquired and adjusted in accordance to the user's needs. This modified disk structure layout is then established on the disk drive.