Remote Computer System Recovery via Alternate Boot Partition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer system recovery methods, such as reimaging or replacing storage drives, are costly and inefficient, especially when storage drives are still functional, as they result in data loss and require on-site technician visits.
Innovation Solution
A method involving remote connection through a network to configure a computer system to boot into an alternate operating environment, allowing restoration of a backup image to the default partition without data loss, using remote control and access software like Intel AMT and VNC, which enables snapshot creation and restoration locally within a diagnostic partition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If storage drive is replaced or reimaged, then system recovery speed is improved, but data loss occurs and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a backup image of the first storage area before performing recovery operations. This preliminary action preserves user data so that if recovery is needed, the data can be restored after the partition is reimaged, thus preventing data loss while maintaining recovery speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention creates a copy (backup image) of the first storage area containing user data, stores it in the second storage area, and uses this copy to restore data after partition recovery. This copying mechanism allows the original partition to be reimaged without permanently losing user data.
2Reliability
If storage drive is replaced or reimaged, then system recovery is achieved, but operational cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables remote self-service recovery operations. A remote computer can configure the first computer to boot into an alternate operating system environment and restore backup images without requiring on-site technician intervention, significantly reducing operational costs while maintaining system recovery capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a remote computer as an intermediary that performs recovery operations over a network. This intermediary enables centralized management of recovery operations, allowing multiple systems to be recovered remotely without requiring physical presence of technicians at each location.
3Productivity
If backup image is restored locally, then network data transfer is minimized, but recovery capability is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides storage into two separate areas: the first storage area for the operating system and applications, and the second storage area for backup images. This segmentation allows backup images to be stored locally on the same computer, enabling restoration without network transfer while maintaining the ability to perform complete system recovery.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for computer system recovery which remotely restore a default partition to a recent state even when an operating system is functioning abnormally. In an example embodiment, a service center computer establishes a first network connection to a monitored computer system. The service center computer configures the monitored computer system to boot from a bootable image file in the monitored computer system and reboots the monitored computer system into an alternate operating system environment of the bootable image file. The service center computer establishes a second network connection to the monitored computer system to restore a recent backup image of the default partition from a diagnostic partition to a default partition. The service center computer establishes a third network connection to the monitored computer system and reboots the monitored computer system to the default partition.