Computer file management and backup system
First Claim
1. A method for managing files listed in a directory, said method comprising the following steps performed in whole or part by a digital computer:
- receiving a backup request with scope of said directory, and in response, locking said directory, then setting an indicator for said directory and then unlocking said directory;
receiving a request to change a specified file, and in response, determining that said specified file is listed in said directory and said indicator is set for said directory, making a copy of said specified file, making said change either to said specified file or said copy thereof; and
after the unlocking step, copying to a backup repository said directory and files including said specified file or said copy thereof which has not been changed but excluding said specified file or said copy thereof which has been changed, and then resetting said indicator.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A file management and backup system manages access to data objects such as records stored in a primary repository, and occasionally backs-up the data objects to a backup repository. A backup utility within the system, periodically or at the request of a user, makes a backup request to a file manager, and specifies the scope of the backup. In response, the file manager makes an entry in a "backup in progress" table indicating that the corresponding file space(s), directory(ies), file(s) and/or data object(s) are currently involved in a consistent backup procedure. Then, the backup utility commences the actual copying of the data within the backup scope to the backup repository with assistance from the file manager in accessing the data from the primary repository. If a request is made to update a file space, directory, file or data object within the backup scope once the entry is made in the backup in progress table, the file manager makes a "shadow" or copy of the file space, directory, file or data object for which update is requested. Then, the file manager updates the original file space, directory, file or data object, and uses the shadow copy for the backup procedure. After the backup is completed, the shadow copy is invalidated. If the update request is made during the backup procedure to a directory, file or data object which has already been backed-up, then a shadow copy is not necessary.
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Citations
24 Claims
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1. A method for managing files listed in a directory, said method comprising the following steps performed in whole or part by a digital computer:
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receiving a backup request with scope of said directory, and in response, locking said directory, then setting an indicator for said directory and then unlocking said directory; receiving a request to change a specified file, and in response, determining that said specified file is listed in said directory and said indicator is set for said directory, making a copy of said specified file, making said change either to said specified file or said copy thereof; and after the unlocking step, copying to a backup repository said directory and files including said specified file or said copy thereof which has not been changed but excluding said specified file or said copy thereof which has been changed, and then resetting said indicator. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15)
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16. A computer system for managing files listed in a directory, said computer system comprising:
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means for receiving a backup request with scope of said directory; means, responsive to said request, for locking said directory, then setting an indicator for said directory and then unlocking said directory;
means for receiving a request to update a specified file;means, responsive to the update request, for determining that said specified file is listed in said directory and said indicator is set for said directory, making a copy of said specified file and updating said specified file or copy thereof; and means, active after said directory is unlocked, for copying to a backup repository said directory and said files including said specified file or said copy thereof which has not been changed but excluding said specified file or copy thereof which has been changed, and then resetting said indicator. - View Dependent Claims (17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24)
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Specification