FR2774786A1 - SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PREPARING A COMPUTER MEMORY - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention relates to a system and method for preparing and partitioning computer memory. In a first embodiment, the computer (10) includes a processor (12) and the memory of the computer, which may be a hard disk (16). The processor (12) is capable of executing operating system code, receiving external directives, and accessing the hard drive (16). In operation, the processor (12) executes a set of exploit codes to prepare the hard disk (16). The code set contains instructions for receiving an external directive, instructions for determining a hard drive configuration, instructions for creating a partition descriptor from the external and / or configuration directive, and instructions for preparing the drive. hard according to the partition descriptor.

Description

The present invention relates in a way

  computers and, more specifically,

  that, a system and method for partitioning and formatting

  ter one or more storage devices in the computer.

  When one or more storage devices

  tion, such as a hard drive, are added to a computer system, memory devices often require specific preparation. Such preparation

  may include, for example, simultaneously, the parti-

  hard disk operation in logical regions,

  so that certain data or certain programs can

  feels to be stored separately, and the formatting of the disc

  hard in order to adapt it to a particular operating system

  culier. A common situation is encountered when

  bricked a new computer that uses an ex-

  Microsoft DOS or WINDOWS (registered trademark) exploitation,

  produced by Microsoft Corporation, Redmond, Washington.

  During manufacturing, one or more hard drives must

  First, they can be partitioned into one or more partitions, such as a primary partition in which the computer's operating system and other application programs are stored, a utility partition in which programs of the type

  utility or maintenance are memorized, and parts

  extended conditions. Similar situations arise when a new hard drive is added to a system

  computer or when an existing hard drive is reformed

  mate. In the following description, the term "prepa-

  ration "implies both party procedures

  appropriate formatting and formatting.

  A large number of variables are associated with the preparation of one or more hard disks, which allows a large number of potential configurations for the hard disk (s). These variables can be determined by the disk (s), such as by the size and number of hard disks, determined by the system, such as by the fact that suspend-to-disk operations are supported with pre- reserved or separate storage areas with useful partitions, and / or determined by the user, such as by

  a choice of operating systems or multi-partition

  multiple. The wide variety of possible configurations

  can be problematic for computer manufacturers

  especially for those who personalize each

  computer for a particular user.

  Typically, a person should super

  target the process of preparing the hard drive (s), making many choices based on the variables described above to produce an optimal configuration. However, it would be desirable to simplify and / or automate this function in order to

better streamline this process.

  In response, there is provided a system and method for preparing computer memory. In a first embodiment, the computer comprises a processor and the computer memory, which can be a disk

  hard. The processor is capable of executing a system code.

  operations, to receive external directives,

  and access the hard drive. In operation, the process

  seur runs a set of operating codes to prepare the hard drive. Code set includes instructions for receiving an external directive, instructions for determining a disk configuration

  hard, instructions for creating a party descriptor

  tion from the external directive and / or configura-

  tion, and instructions for preparing the hard drive

  according to the partition descriptor.

  In a first embodiment, the director

  external tive is reviewed from a directi-

  ves, thereby providing an instruction to manage the pro-

stopping preparation.

  In another embodiment, the external directive is issued at an instruction line level, thereby providing instruction to manage the process.

of preparation.

  A technical advantage obtained is that the preparation

  computer memory ration is simplified and / or

  automated, thus streamlining this process.

  Another technical advantage obtained is that the directives can be modified to cope with the

  specific configuration of computer memory.

  Another technical advantage obtained is that long series of directives can be placed in a

  single directive file, which simplifies entry.

  The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: - Figure 1 is a block diagram of a computer intended to implement an embodiment, - Figure 2 is a diagram for installing a hard disk of the computer of FIG. 1, and FIG. 3 is a flowchart of a routine to be executed by the computer of FIG. 1 to prepare

the hard drive in Figure 2.

  The following description incorporates as

  reference US patent application (N DC-1313) entitled "System and Method for Changing

  Mappings to Logical Drives in a Computer Memo- sheet music

  ry "deposited on December 3, 1997 and commonly sold.

  Referring to Figure 1, the reference numeral

  meric 10 indicates a computer comprising several components, including a processor 12, a set of random access memories (RAM) 14a and memories

  read only (ROM) 14b, one or more hard drives re-

  presented by a hard disk 16, and a network interface 18. Each component is capable of communicating with the processor 12, as represented graphically by a universal bus 20. In the present example, the computer 10 is a personal computer operating under Microsoft

  DOS and / or WINDOWS (registered trademark). It goes without saying, however

  dant, that the computer 10 and the illustrated components associated with it are only representative of a large number of different types of computers and components

  well known and understood by those skilled in the art.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the hard disk 16 comprises a master boot sector 30, comprising a boot code 32 and a master partition table

  34. It goes without saying that the master boot sector 30

  carries classic code, such as to initiate the computer-

  10, which is well known in the art. At the

  that dur 16 are associated a beginning 36 and an end 38, re-

  together presenting the total memory capacity of each hard disk. Furthermore, the hard disk 16 is associated with a capacity (not shown), such as for determining

  if the hard drive supports BIOS extensions or an

  terface-bus required. There may also be

  additional hard drives (not shown) that have

  have similar or different physical configurations

annuities.

  Referring to Figure 3, a method 100

  is used to prepare the computer's hard drive 16

  tor 10. As an example, method 100 is implemented

  by processor 12 but can, as a variant, be implemented

  mented by another device, such as a device

  connected via the network interface 18. Specific examples of implementation of the method 100 are also provided below. In step 110, the processor 12 receives one or more directives. A directive provides guidance and instructions to the method 100 to indicate how the hard disk 16 should be prepared. Processor 12 can

  receive instructions by reading a directive file

  ves 110a. The 110a directive file is an ASCII text file that contains instructions for

  process 100 in the form of a special descriptor language

  specialized. The directive file 110a can be delivered, for example, via the network interface 18 or via the hard disk 16. As a variant, the processor 12 can receive the

  directives in the form of com- line parameters

  order 110b. Command line parameters are instructions sent to method 100 when the method

is invoked.

  These guidelines allow a user to specify almost all aspects of preparation

  hard drive, among which the specifications fi-

  boot sector file (for example, a filename

  file which will contain the master boot sector 30, a 16-bit file allocation table partition boot sector ("FAT16" 1), and / or a FAT32 partition boot sector), types of file systems

  (for example, FAT16 and / or FAT32), the part sizes

  tions (for example, the number of MB), and so on.

  Once the guidelines are prepared, no further entry

the user is not required.

  In step 112, the processor 12 checks the di-

  rectifications received to determine whether these are com-

  patibles. That is, the processor 12 checks the syntax of the directives and ensures that there is no conflict between two directives. If the directives are not compatible, in step 114, the processor 12 generates

Error message.

  In step 116, the processor 12 determines the characteristics of the hard disk 16. By continuing with

  the example of the DOS / WINDOWS operating system, the pro

  stopper 12 can use BIOS calls and extensions to determine hard drive specifications

  16, including the number of actual disks (the dis-

  that hard 16 represents one or more hard disks), the parameters of each disk, and the capacity of each

  disk. The settings for each disc can include

  dre a number of cylinders, a number of heads, and a

  number of tracks. The capacity of each disc can

  take a BIOS support level. The 12 memo processor

  make the physical configuration in RAM 14a.

  The method 100 acts sequentially on each disk represented by the hard disk 16. In step 118, the

  processor 12 determines whether a "next" disc is ready

  adorn. If this is the case, in step 120, the processor 12 analyzes the characteristics of the disk and the directives received concerning the disk, to create one or more

  partition descriptors. The analysis may have some-

  default coders, or backup descriptors, to deal with the details of the preparation not provided in the descriptors received or not possible with the descriptors received. Other impossibilities can be considered as an error and a user can

to be notified.

  In step 122, the processor 12 prepares the dis-

  than hard 16 by processing the partition descriptors created before. In particular, the processor 12 writes the master boot sector 30 by providing the code

  boot 32 and preparing the master partition table

  braid 34 according to the partition descriptors created in step 120. The processor 12 also creates one or

  multiple partition boot sectors (not shown

  ) with the appropriate file allocation tables

  prayed. After the execution of step 122, or after obtaining a negative result in step 118, the next step executed is step 124 at which the

  processor 12 determines whether another disk should be pre-

  ready. If so, the step performed next is step 118 and the next disc is prepared. Otherwise, the step executed next is step 126 and the processor 12 reports the final logic configuration of the

hard drive 16.

  For the purpose of clarification, we will now describe several examples of operations which can be carried out via the method 100. It goes without saying,

  that many different operations can be performed

  and therefore the present examples do not

  are in no way intended to limit the claims,

in any way.

  We will now describe a first example.

  Steps 110 to 112: A directive "prepare hard drive and

reserve 32 MB "is received.

  Steps 116 to 118: There is only one hard drive 16

with a capacity of 10 GB.

  Step 120: The capacity of the hard disk is sufficient

  significantly greater than the volume you wish to reserve. A partition descriptor is created to deal with

the directive received.

  Step 122: The master boot sector 30 and the partition boot sector are

  written, reserving the 32 MB for the next-

hard end 38 swim 16.

  We will now describe a second example.

  Steps 110 to 112: A directive "prepare hard disk and create a utility partition of ten MB on the second hard disk" is received.

  Steps 116 to 118: There are two hard drives. Meadow-

  mier hard drive has a capacity

2 GB.

  Step 120: The capacity of the first hard disk ex-

  yields a predefined maximum limit

  for a primary partition. One of-

  partition writer is created for

deal with the directive received.

  Step 122: The master boot sector 30 and a

  boot sector associated with the

  Primary publications are created on the first hard drive. A boot sector associated with an extended partition is also created, the partition

  range using available capacity

  remaining target. It is verified that the capacity of each partition exceeds

a predefined minimum limit.

  Step 118: The second hard drive has a card

6 GB capacity.

  Step 120: The capacity of the second hard disk is sufficiently greater than the desired volume required for the partition

  utility. A party descriptor

  tion is created to deal with the

directive received.

  Step 122: The master boot sector 30, a

  partition partition boot sector

  mayor and a utility partition boot sector are written to

the second hard drive.

  We will now describe a third example.

  Steps 110 to 112: A directive "prepare hard disk using default parameters" is

received.

  Steps 116 to 118: There is only one hard drive 16

with a capacity of 10 GB.

  Step 120: The capacity of the hard disk exceeds a predefined maximum limit for a primary partition. A partition descriptor is created in order to cope

to the directive received.

  Step 122: The master boot sector 30 and a

  boot sector associated with the

  primary tition are created. A sec-

  initiator associated with a party

  extended tion is also created, the par-

  extended tition using the remaining available capacity. It is verified that the capacity of each partition

  exceeds a minimum pre-limit

undermined.

  We will now describe a fourth example.

  Steps 110 to 112: A directive "prepare hard disk and do not create an extended partition"

is received.

  Steps 116 to 118: There is a hard drive 16 with

2.1 GB capacity.

  Step 120: Because no partition is added

  nelle is requested, a partition

  single 2.0 GB primary will be created.

  A partition descriptor is created

  to deal with the directive received.

  Step 122: The master boot sector 30 and a

  boot sector associated with the

primary tition are created. The

Remaining MBs remain unformatted.

  We will now describe a fifth example.

  Steps 110 to 112: A directive "prepare hard drive and

  create an extended partition "is re-

  received. Steps 116 to 118: There is a hard drive 16 with a capacity of 2.1 GB. Step 120: Because an extended partition is requested, and the minimum size of a partition is 500 MB, a primary partition 1.6 GB will be created and an extended partition of 500 MB will be created. A partition descriptor is created to deal with

the directive received.

  Step 122: The master boot sector 30 and two additional boot sectors

  are created: a first for the

primary tition and another for the

extended partition.

  We will now describe a sixth example.

  Steps 110 to 112: Two directives: "Install disk as network server" and "create a primary partition of 1.6 GB"

are received.

  Steps 116 to 118: There is a hard drive 16 with

2.0 GB capacity.

  Step 120: Because a network server does not

  stops at least one extended partition

  500 MB due, there is not enough

enough disk space to make

facing the two directives. Parti-

  the primary tion of 1.6 GB is reduced to 1.5 GB. A partition descriptor

  is created to face the director-

tive received.

  il Step 122: The master boot sector 30 and two additional boot sectors

  are created: a first for the

  primary partition and another for the extended partition. The modification

is notified.

  We will now describe a seventh example.

  Steps 110 to 112: A directive "prepare hard disk

with partition FAT32 "is received.

  Steps 116 to 118: There is a hard drive 16 with

a capacity of 1.8 GB.

  Step 120: Because a FAT32 partition requires

  site at least 2.0 GB, we do not have enough disk space

  to deal with the two directives.

  The primary partition is reduced to a 1.8 GB FAT16 partition. A partition descriptor is created

  to deal with the directive received.

  Step 122: The master boot sector 30 and a

  boot sector associated with the

primary FAT16 are created.

  It will be noted that additional characteristics-

  , such as error handling routines, can be added to the illustrative embodiment

  without modifying the scope of this embodiment.

Claims (23)

  1. Computer (10) comprising: at least one processor (12) capable of executing   an operating code and receive instructions ex- dull,   at least one memorization which can be accessed der the processor (12),   a set of operating codes for prepa-   rer the at least one memorization, characterized in that the set includes instructions for determining a configuration of the au   minus a memorization, to receive at least one direction   external, and to prepare at least one memorization tion in response to the directive.   2. Computer (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the at least one directive is received   from a file (110a) containing an ad directive   traditional. 3. Computer (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the processor (12) receives the au   minus a directive via a command line (11Ob).   4. Computer (10) according to claim 1,   characterized in that it further comprises a con-   nexion-network and in that the at least one directive is received via network connection.   5. Computer (10) according to claim 1 ca-   characterized in that it further comprises a floppy disk and   in that the at least one directive is received via the quette.   6. Computer (10) according to claim 1 ca-   characterized in that the at least one directive defines a   partitioning configuration of at least one memo rization.   7. Method for preparing a memo device   rization in a computer (10), the method being characteristic   terized in that it comprises the stages consisting in: receiving a plurality of directives, determining a configuration of the storage device, comparing the directive with the configuration, and if the comparison of the configuration and the directives allows it, creating descriptors of partition in response to directives, and   prepare the correct memory device   even to the partition descriptors.   8. Method according to claim 7 characterized in that it further comprises: if the comparison of the configuration and the directives allows it, the creation of the descriptors of   partition in response to configuration.   9. Method according to claim 7 characterized   in that instructions are received from a fi- shit (110a).   10. The method of claim 7 charac-   se in that directives are received from a   operating system command line (110b).   11. Method according to claim 7 charac-   that the computer (10) has a   nexion-network and in that directives are received via the network connection.   12. Method according to claim 7 charac-   that the computer (10) has a floppy disk and   in that instructions are received via the floppy disk.   13. The method of claim 7 charac-   se in that the directives define a configuration   partitioning of the storage device.   14. Method for preparing two or more of two storage devices in a computer (10), the method being characterized in that it comprises the steps consisting in: receiving a first directive intended for a first storage device, determining a first configuration of the first storage device, compare the first directive with the first configuration, and if the comparison of the first configuration   and from the first directive authorizes it, create a description   partition writer in response to the first directive, if the comparison of the first configuration and the first directive does not allow it, create the partition descriptor in response to the configuration, prepare the first storage device according to the partition descriptor , and repeat the above steps for a second   directive and a second memory device.   15. The method of claim 14 charac-   laughed at that directives are received from a file (110a).   16. The method of claim 14, character-   laughed at that directives are received from a   operating system command line (11Ob).   17. The method of claim 14 character-   that the computer (10) has a connection   nexion-network and directives are received via the con- nexion-network.   18. The method of claim 14 charac-   that the computer (10) has a floppy disk   and that instructions are received via the floppy disk.   19. IT device to prepare one or more   several hard disks (16) in a computer (10),   positive characterized in that it comprises:   a computer-readable storage medium   instructions recorded on the medium to determine a configuration of a first hard disk, instructions recorded on the medium to receive a first directive, instructions recorded on the medium to create a partition descriptor in accordance with the configuration and the directive, and instructions recorded on the support   to prepare the first hard drive using the partition writer.   20. Computer device according to the claim   tion 19 characterized in that it further comprises: instructions recorded on the medium for reading the first directive from a file (110a).   21. Computer device according to the claim   tion 20 characterized in that the computer (10) has a second hard disk and in that the file contains a   second directive to prepare the second hard drive.   22. Computer device according to the claim   tion 19, characterized in that it further comprises: instructions recorded on the medium for reading the first directive from a line of command (11Ob).   23. Computer device according to the claim   tion 19 characterized in that it further comprises: instructions recorded on the support   to read the first directive from a nexion-network.