Data processing: database and file management or data structures – Database design – Data structure types
Reexamination Certificate
1998-07-09
2001-02-20
Black, Thomas G. (Department: 2771)
Data processing: database and file management or data structures
Database design
Data structure types
C707S793000, C707S793000, C707S793000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192375
ABSTRACT:
FIELD
The present invention relates to the management of files in a storage medium of a computer system. More specifically, the present invention relates to a method and apparatus for analyzing dependencies of files in the storage medium and updating dependency links so that the movement of a linked file does not reduce the functionality of the file with a dependency.
BACKGROUND
File dependencies exists when a first file requires data from a second file. The first file may be linked to the second file via a registry file that references the second file. Alternatively, the first file may be directly linked to the second file via a reference to the second file in the first file. In situations where files are moved from one location of a storage medium to another, the links between dependent files may be broken when the references are outdated. When the first file is unable to locate the second file, the functionality of the first file may be reduced.
One approach used in the past to prevent breaking links of dependent files while moving files included uninstalling the files from their original locations and reinstalling the files at their new locations. By reinstalling the files, the links between the moved files and the files dependent on the moved files were updated to reflect their current locations. The links to the moved files were updated by writing new references indicating the current locations of the moved files in registries or directly in the dependent files.
One drawback of this approach was that the process of uninstalling and reinstalling files required a fair amount of time. In addition, important data files that were subsequently generated by the files and saved with the files may be inadvertently deleted during the uninstallation process.
SUMMARY
A method for managing a storage medium is disclosed. The storage medium is searched for a first file having a reference to a second file that has moved to a new location on the storage medium. The reference is updated such that it indicates that the second file has moved to the new location.
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Black Thomas G.
Blakely , Sokoloff, Taylor & Zafman LLP
Coby Frantz
Intel Corporation
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