Restoring System State via Volume Shadow Copy Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing backup and restore technologies face challenges in capturing consistent states of open files during backup operations, especially for applications that cannot be stopped, and restoring shadow copy components in different environments is complex due to changes in operating systems and file structures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a restore program that executes in a restore environment, creating a client environment with mounted volumes, restoring shadow copy component files to a directory structure, and reconstructing pathnames to move files to their correct locations, utilizing a backup image created by an operating system service that manages shadow copies of open files during backup.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If applications are stopped to permit backup, then file consistency is improved, but productivity is worsened due to performance loss and application downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating a consistent snapshot of the file system before the actual backup operation. The Volume Shadow Copy Service prepares a point-in-time copy of all files, including open files, so that the backup can proceed without stopping applications. This preliminary snapshot creation enables consistent backup of running applications without downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a shadow copy of the file system state. Instead of copying files directly from the running system (which would be inconsistent), the system creates a snapshot copy of the entire file system at a consistent point in time. This shadow copy contains all file data in a stable, accessible format that can be backed up without affecting application operation.
2Reliability
If open file managers are used to gather consistent state, then backup reliability is improved, but device complexity is worsened due to frequent updates and complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary - the Volume Shadow Copy Service - that mediates between the backup system and the file system. Instead of the backup software directly managing complex open file state gathering, the VSS service handles this complexity by providing a simplified API for creating consistent snapshots. This intermediary absorbs the complexity of coordinating with running applications and file handles.
Solution Approach 2:
The Volume Shadow Copy Service provides universal functionality across different applications and file systems. Rather than requiring application-specific open file management mechanisms, the VSS service offers a unified approach that works with any application or file system, abstracting away the complexity of individual implementation details.
3Adaptability or versatility
If shadow copy components are restored in different environments, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision is worsened due to pathname reconstruction complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions during backup by recording metadata about file paths, volumes, and directory structures. This metadata is captured in advance and stored with the backup data, enabling accurate pathname reconstruction during restore without requiring complex real-time analysis of the target environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The restore process uses feedback from the recorded backup metadata to automatically reconstruct correct pathnames. The system reads the stored path information and volume mappings from the backup and uses this feedback to accurately place files in their correct locations on the target system, handling environment differences automatically.
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, during a restore operation, a restore program executes in a restore environment on the restore system. The restore program may create a client environment to which a backed up client may be restored, which may include one or more client volumes. The restore program may create a directory structure to restore shadow copy component files, and may mount one or more of the client volumes to the directory structure. The shadow copy component files may be restored to the restore volume(s), and the files restored to directories that are beneath a mount point in the directory structure are restored, through the mount, to the client volume(s).