MBR Backup and Restoration for System Boot Failure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Damaged master boot records (MBR) in computer systems due to user mistakes, viruses, or system errors lead to system unbootability, requiring inconvenient reinstallation of the operating system.
Innovation Solution
An electronic device and method that includes a storage unit to store both the MBR and backup data, a validity determination unit to assess the MBR's validity, and a restoration unit to replace the MBR with backup data if it is invalid, using comparison of boot codes, partition table entries, and BCD data for validation and restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the MBR is damaged due to user mistakes, viruses, or system errors, then the computer system becomes unable to boot, but reinstallation of the operating system is required which causes inconvenience to the user
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic backup of the MBR to a separate storage device before any damage can occur. This preliminary action ensures that a valid copy of the MBR exists externally, enabling rapid restoration without requiring operating system reinstallation if the original MBR becomes damaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates and stores a copy of the MBR on an external storage device separate from the main system drive. This copying mechanism allows the system to restore the MBR from the external copy if damage occurs, avoiding the need for time-consuming operating system reinstallation and maintaining user convenience while improving reliability.
2Ease of repair
If automatic MBR backup and restoration functionality is implemented, then MBR damage can be restored easily, but the device complexity increases due to additional storage unit and control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service mechanism where the system automatically detects MBR damage and restores it from the external backup without requiring user intervention. The control unit continuously monitors MBR integrity and autonomously initiates restoration processes, simplifying the user experience while managing the inherent complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the control unit continuously monitors the integrity of the MBR and automatically triggers restoration operations when damage is detected. This feedback loop enables easy MBR repair by systematically detecting issues and applying corrections without user involvement, managing system complexity through structured control logic.
3Reliability
If the MBR is continuously monitored for validity, then damaged MBR can be detected early, but the use of energy increases due to continuous validation operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic monitoring of MBR validity at predetermined events such as system boot, shutdown, or at scheduled intervals, rather than continuous monitoring. This periodic approach maintains reliable MBR damage detection while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous validation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent ensures MBR validity is maintained through continuous backup updates at predetermined events, providing reliable detection without requiring constant energy-intensive monitoring. The useful action of MBR protection continues through event-triggered validation and automatic restoration, balancing reliability with energy efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic device includes a storage unit to store a master boot record (MBR) and an operating system, a control unit to boot the electronic device using the stored MBR and operating system, to generate and store backup data of the MBR in the storage unit when the electronic device is booted, a validity determination unit to determine validity of the MBR when a predetermined event has occurred, and a restoration unit to restore the MBR using the backup data stored in the storage unit if the MBR is not valid.