Firmware Restore Application for System Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current information handling systems lack the capability to monitor and restore system firmware and firmware configuration settings to a previously stored restore point, limiting their functionality compared to operating system restore applications.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a firmware restore application within the information handling system that monitors changes to system firmware and configuration settings, storing this data in both the system registry and a computer readable storage device, allowing for the option to restore the system firmware and configuration settings to a selected restore point during the reboot process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the Windows System Restore application is used to restore operating system files, applications, drivers and system registry, then the operating system can be recovered from system malfunctions, but the application is limited and cannot monitor or restore system firmware and firmware configuration settings
Solution Approach 1:
The restore application is enhanced to perform multiple functions: it can now monitor and restore both operating system files (original function) and system firmware components (new function). The application accesses a system firmware database to retrieve firmware information associated with selected restore points, enabling comprehensive system restoration across different system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The restoration process is divided into distinct segments: (1) monitoring firmware changes and storing them in a system firmware database, (2) presenting firmware information alongside OS restore options, (3) selecting specific firmware components for restoration, and (4) executing the restoration process. This segmentation allows the application to handle firmware restoration independently while maintaining the existing OS restore functionality.
2Reliability
If system firmware changes are monitored and stored in the system registry and computer readable storage device, then firmware can be restored to selected restore points, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The firmware monitoring and storage functionality is merged with the existing Windows System Restore application. The system firmware database is integrated into the system registry structure, and firmware restore operations are combined with OS restore operations in a unified user interface. This merging approach allows firmware restoration capabilities to be added without creating a separate standalone system.
Solution Approach 2:
A system firmware database acts as an intermediary layer between the firmware components and the restore application. This database stores firmware information and configuration settings, enabling the application to access and restore firmware without directly interacting with the complex firmware update mechanisms. The intermediary simplifies the interface and management of firmware restoration.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of information handling systems (IHS) and computer implemented methods are disclosed herein to restore system firmware to a selected restore point. In one embodiment, the IHS may include a computer readable non-volatile memory configured to store system firmware, a computer readable storage device configured to store an operating system (OS), a system registry, and an OS restore application, and a processing device configured to execute program instructions within the OS restore application to restore the system registry to a selected restore point and reboot the IHS. As the IHS is in the process of being rebooted, the processing device may execute program instructions within a firmware restore application stored within the computer readable non-volatile memory or the computer readable storage device to restore the system firmware to the selected restore point.