EFI Boot Loader Search and Variable Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing devices face challenges in easily booting EFI-aware operating systems, especially when new system boards are introduced, as they lack the necessary boot variables in non-volatile memory, leading to manual and time-consuming processes, and users may expose their systems to malware by using insecure tools for boot variable management.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the computing device initiates a boot process by searching storage devices for EFI-aware operating systems, creating and storing boot variables in non-volatile memory, and presenting representations to users for selection, allowing automatic configuration of EFI boot paths and updating the boot order for future use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual boot variable management tools are used, then boot configuration can be achieved, but users may expose systems to malware and the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic boot variable management by itself without requiring user intervention. The firmware searches storage devices, creates boot variables, and configures boot order automatically, eliminating the need for users to download and execute external tools that may contain malware.
Solution Approach 2:
The firmware performs boot variable creation and configuration in advance during the boot process itself, before the operating system is loaded. This preliminary action ensures that boot variables are ready and validated before being used, preventing security issues and reducing manual intervention needs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If new system boards are introduced, then device capabilities are enhanced, but boot variables are lost requiring manual reconfiguration
Solution Approach 1:
The firmware automatically searches for operating systems on storage devices and creates boot variables in advance during the boot process. This preliminary action ensures that when new system boards are introduced, the boot configuration is automatically established without requiring manual reconfiguration, thus preventing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects and configures boot variables for new system boards without requiring user intervention. The firmware performs the entire boot variable management process itself, including searching storage devices, creating boot variables, and updating boot order, eliminating the need for manual reconfiguration when hardware changes occur.
3Extent of automation
If automatic boot variable management is implemented, then user intervention is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The firmware integrates multiple functions into a single automated boot variable management process. It combines storage device searching, operating system detection, boot variable creation, validation, and boot order updates into one unified routine that executes automatically during boot, reducing the need for separate manual operations while managing complexity through functional integration.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments disclosed herein relate to finding a boot loader on storage. A boot process for a computing device including storage including an extensible firmware interface aware operating system is started. The storage is searched for a boot loader associated with the extensible firmware interface aware operating system.