Virtual Application Registry Path Interception for Cross-Platform Compatibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining 32-bit applications on 64-bit operating systems is time-consuming and expensive due to the need for repackaging and modifying registry key paths, which can cause functionality issues when applications are executed across different environments.
Innovation Solution
A processing device intercepts and modifies registry key path references for virtual applications based on the detected executing environment, using pre-defined rules to ensure compatibility and correct operation across various operating systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 32-bit applications are packaged to execute on a 64-bit operating system with modified registry key paths, then the applications can function correctly on 64-bit systems, but the applications cannot execute on 32-bit operating systems without repackaging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (repackaging system) that automatically modifies registry key paths in application metadata. This intermediary process translates between different operating system environments, allowing a single application package to adapt to both 32-bit and 64-bit systems without requiring separate packaged versions for each platform.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes parameters (registry key paths) in the application metadata based on the target operating system architecture. By modifying these parameters during the repackaging process, the same application can be deployed across different platforms with the appropriate registry paths configured for each environment.
2Reliability
If enterprises maintain a library of 32-bit applications with platform-specific packaging, then each application functions correctly on its target system, but maintenance becomes time-consuming and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary automated repackaging actions that pre-configure applications for multiple target platforms before deployment. This advance preparation includes automatically modifying registry key paths and other metadata, eliminating the need for manual repackaging maintenance when transitioning between operating system versions or architectures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining separate original packages for each platform, the system creates copied and modified versions of the base application package. This copying approach allows enterprises to maintain a single master library while generating platform-specific variants as needed, significantly reducing maintenance overhead.
3Ease of operation
If registry key paths are modified for 32-bit virtual applications on 64-bit operating systems, then the applications execute properly, but the same package cannot execute on 32-bit operating systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic repackaging approach where registry key paths are not statically fixed but are adaptively modified based on the target operating system environment. This dynamic adjustment allows the same application package to be successfully executed on both 32-bit and 64-bit systems by automatically configuring the appropriate registry paths for each platform.
Data Source
AI summary
A virtual application packaged for a specific executing environment may be executed on a processing device having an executing environment different from the specific executing environment. A reference, included in extracted installer metadata, to one or more key paths of a hierarchically-structured data store may be modified according to a set of rules related to the executing environment detected in the processing device. The modified extracted installer metadata may be provided to an installer for installing the virtual application. During execution of the virtual application, a request to read, write, or modify the hierarchically-structured data store may be intercepted and changed, such that a first key path included in the request may be mapped to a second key path, based on the detected executing environment. Similarly, a response to the request, which may include the second key path, may be intercepted and modified, to the first key path.