GPT Backup Partition Layout to Prevent User Data Overwrite
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current GPT backup mechanisms result in the loss of user data during the upgrade of a non-GPT system to a GPT system due to the backup GPT being stored in the last user partition, which overwrites user data.
Innovation Solution
A backup partition is specified outside the user partition in the storage medium to store the backup GPT, ensuring it does not overwrite user data during the upgrade, and a variable pointing to this partition is included in the GPT-head structure for recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the backup GPT is stored in the last user partition during system upgrade, then the backup mechanism is simple, but user data is overwritten and lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the storage medium into distinct partitions: user partitions for data storage and a separate backup partition for storing the backup GPT. This segmentation prevents the backup GPT from overwriting user data by isolating backup operations in a dedicated space outside user partitions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the backup GPT storage function from the user partition space and places it in a separate backup partition. This extraction eliminates the conflict between backup storage and user data storage, preventing data loss while maintaining backup functionality.
2Reliability
If a backup partition outside user partitions is used to store backup GPT, then user data integrity is maintained, but the system requires additional partition management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates the backup partition and establishes the backup mechanism before the actual system upgrade occurs. By preparing the backup partition in advance and setting up the backup GPT storage structure beforehand, the system ensures data integrity is protected from the start of the upgrade process without requiring complex real-time management during the upgrade.
3Quantity of substance
If the backup GPT is stored in the last user partition, then no additional space is required, but the backup mechanism cannot prevent data loss during upgrade
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the backup GPT storage from the traditional one-dimensional space within user partitions to a separate dimension by creating a dedicated backup partition outside user partitions. This dimensional separation allows the backup mechanism to function independently without consuming user partition space, thereby maintaining both storage efficiency and backup effectiveness.
Data Source
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AI summary
A globally unique identifier partition table (GPT) backup and recovery method and a related device are provided. The GPT backup method includes: specifying, in a storage medium, a backup partition for storing a backup GPT, where the backup partition is located outside a user partition in the storage medium; and writing the backup GPT to the backup partition during writing of a GPT to the storage medium. Through the technical solutions of the present invention, integrity of data of the user partition can be ensured when a non-GPT system is upgraded to a GPT system.