In-place P2V Migration Using Virtual Disk Images
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing a new operating system on a computer with an existing OS either overwrite the old data or require cumbersome dual-boot systems, which are not always compatible and inconvenient to use.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for performing in-place physical to virtual (P2V) migration, where a computing device generates a virtual disk image of the existing OS, copies data to it, replaces the existing partitions with a new one, installs the new OS, and moves the virtual disk image to the new OS, allowing the original OS to run as a guest within a virtual machine.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a new operating system is installed on a storage device with an existing OS, then the new OS can be installed, but all data associated with the existing OS is overwritten
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual disk image that is a bit-by-bit copy of the existing OS partition. This copy is then moved to the new partition after the new OS is installed, preserving all data without requiring manual backup or copying by the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual disk image acts as an intermediary carrier that holds the existing OS data temporarily. It allows the new OS to be installed on the storage device while the old OS data is preserved in the virtual image, which is then transferred to the new partition.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-boot system is set up to install a new OS, then both operating systems can run, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires restarting to switch between OSs
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a dual-boot system where both OSs share the hardware, the patent creates a virtual copy of the existing OS within the new OS environment. This allows both OSs to run simultaneously without requiring restarts, as the virtual machine can be launched from within the new OS.
Solution Approach 2:
The existing OS is nested within a virtual machine that runs on the new OS. This nested structure allows the old OS to be contained and executed within the new OS environment, eliminating the need for boot menus and restarts to switch between systems.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a dual-boot system is configured, then both operating systems can be accessed, but one operating system may try to format the partition of the other OS
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a virtual disk image that is a precise bit-by-bit copy of the existing OS partition, including its filesystem structure. This virtual copy can be moved to a new partition without risk of formatting or corruption, as it is treated as a complete virtual storage device rather than a raw partition.
Solution Approach 2:
The virtual disk image serves as an intermediary that isolates the existing OS data from the new OS partition. This intermediary layer prevents any potential formatting or compatibility issues between the two OSs, as the virtual image maintains its original integrity while being accessed by the new OS through the virtual machine.
4Loss of information
If manual backup is performed before installing a new OS, then data can be preserved, but the process becomes time-consuming and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The virtualization tool automatically creates the virtual disk image of the existing OS partition as part of the installation process. This preliminary action is performed automatically without requiring the user to manually backup their data, significantly reducing the time and complexity of the backup process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs the backup operation itself through automatic virtualization of the existing partition. The user simply needs to initiate the installation process, and the system automatically handles the data preservation through virtual disk imaging, eliminating the need for manual backup intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A computing device, computer readable storage medium, and method for migration of a physical machine to a virtual machine are disclosed. The computing device executes an operating system installer and generates a virtual disk image at a temporary location. The computing device copies data from one or more existing partitions on a storage device to the virtual disk image, wherein the one or more existing partitions include an existing operating system and associated data. The virtual disk image is stored at a temporary location. The one or more existing partitions are then replaced with a new partition on the storage device. A new operating system is installed on the new partition. The virtual disk image is moved to the new partition from the temporary location. The virtual disk image can then be loaded into a virtual machine that runs on the new operating system.