Computer with switchable components

• US 20020188887A1
• Filed: 05/21/2001
• Published: 12/12/2002
• Est. Priority Date: 05/19/2000
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: Self Repairing Computers Incorporated
• Original Assignee: Self Repairing Computers Incorporated
• Inventors: More, Anthony B., Largman, Kenneth, Blair, Jeffrey
• Granted Patent: US 6,880,110 B2
• Time in Patent Office: Days
• US Class Current: 714/13
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/1417 Boot up procedures
• CPC Class Codes: G06F 11/1435 using file system or storage system metadata

Abstract

A method or system for supporting a computer systems self repair, including the computer executed steps for booting from a first boot device, and booting from a second boot device in response to a signal indicating a need for repair. While booted from the second boot device the computer system is capable of repairing software on the first boot device. The signal may effect a logical or physical switch. Repairing software may be performed in part by copying BIOS, template, backup or archive software from a device other than the first boot device. Repairing software may be performed automatically without direction by a user or according to preset preferences.

Claims

1. A method for a computer repairing itself, the method comprising the computer-executed steps of:

booting from a first boot device;

then, in response to a signal indicating a need for repair, booting from a second boot device; and

then repairing software on the first boot device while booted from the second boot device.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of repairing software comprises

copying software from a device other than the first boot device onto the first boot device.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of repairing software comprises

copying software from the second boot device onto the first boot device.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the step of repairing software comprises

copying template, backup and/or archive software from a device other than the first boot device onto the first boot device.

5. A method for a computer repairing itself, the method comprising the computer-executed steps of:

booting from a first boot device;

then, in response to a signal indicating a need for repair, booting from a second boot device; and

then, while booted from the second boot device, copying template, backup and/or archive software from the second boot device onto the first boot device.