Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support – Digital data processing system initialization or configuration
Reexamination Certificate
1998-12-14
2001-01-30
Heckler, Thomas M. (Department: 2787)
Electrical computers and digital processing systems: support
Digital data processing system initialization or configuration
Reexamination Certificate
active
06182212
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Technical Field
The present invention relates in general to an improved computer system, and in particular to an improved method and system for permitting initial setup of a computer system. Still more particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system for the automated migration of user system settings in one computer system to a replacement computer system.
2. Description of the Related Art
In recent years the personal computer system is undergoing an increasingly rapid evolution in speed, processing power and capacity and available features. As a consequence, users who desire to maintain a “state of the art” capacity must periodically upgrade the hardware capacity of their computer.
When a user upgrades to a new hardware platform a problem is created regarding the user's system settings, preferences, etc. Typically, the new hardware platform includes new device drivers, different peripheral devices and possibly a different operating system. Consequently, the mere copying of files contained within the hard drive storage device of an existing computer system to the hard drive storage device of a replacement computer system will not result in a system which resembles the old system, creating a situation which severely diminishes the user's efficiency until the user learns the new settings.
It is also necessary, in a networked environment, to migrate certain network parameters, such as IP addresses, DNS server addresses, gateway/router addresses, system name and workgroup, printer permissions, etc., so that the new system will be enabled to perform the same kinds of tasks as the old system.
It should therefore be apparent that a need exist for a method and system for automating the migration of user system settings from an existing computer system to a replacement computer system with minimal user intervention.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
It is therefore one object of the present invention to provide an improved computer system.
It is another object of the present invention to provide an improved method and system for permitting initial setup of a computer system.
It is yet another object of the present invention to provide an improved method and system for migrating system settings in one computer system to a replacement computer system.
The foregoing objects are achieved as is now described. A method and system are disclosed for automating migration of user system settings from an existing computer system to a replacement computer system in response to a user input. Selected portions of the registry, or central hierarchial data base within the existing computer system are automatically copied and stored in response a user input. A plurality of application program interface (API) routines are then initiated to retrieve and store selected settings within the existing computer system. Adapter binding information for all adapters within the existing computer system are retrieved and stored. The selected portions of the registry, selected settings and adapter binding information are then transferred to the replacement computer system and copied into appropriate registry keys, directories and files, effectively transferring the system settings from the existing computer system to the replacement computer system.
The above as well as additional objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent in the following detailed written description.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5771381 (1998-06-01), Jones et al.
patent: 5832339 (1998-11-01), Invi et al.
patent: 5850545 (1998-12-01), Matsushita
patent: 5977964 (1999-11-01), Williams et al.
patent: 6067568 (2000-05-01), Li et al.
Atkins Barry Douglas
Challener David Carroll
Cheston Richard Wayne
Dillon Andrew
Heckler Thomas M.
International Business Machine Corporation
Schelkopf J. Bruce
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