JP2013140536A - Information processing device, system operation setting method of information processing device and computer program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect a crash of a setting value in BIOS whose activation is confirmed and replacement of a system board, and save a labor of a user to perform setting for the BIOS.SOLUTION: An information processing device comprises an OS 10, and BIOS 1 and a spare area 2 on a system board as a configuration of a principal part in this invention. In the spare area 2, a setting value 21 showing completion of POST is stored. The spare area 2, for example, can be configured with flash memory. In this case, the spare area 2 is configured with two storage areas, and both of these two storage areas can be configured with flash memory, too. Prior to activation of the BIOS 1, the OS 10 compares the setting value 11 of the BIOS 1 with the setting value 21 of the spare area 2 and displays only items in which there is a difference (a differential value) as a BIOS differential setting menu.

Description

  The present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a system operation setting method for the information processing apparatus, and a computer program. In particular, the present invention relates to an information processing apparatus, a system operation setting method for the information processing apparatus, and a computer program that can deal with destruction of a setting menu for designating system operation and replacement of a system board.

  In recent years, information processing apparatuses that construct server apparatuses and the like describe functions related to the system operation of the information processing apparatus in a BIOS (Basic Input / Output System) menu, and the user can change settings of the setting menu. Things are being developed. In addition, the BIOS setting menu after the change has been developed in consideration of a countermeasure when a problem such as destruction of the setting value occurs. The BIOS is often realized as a kind of firmware.

  FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram showing a recovery procedure after changing the BIOS setting menu applied to an existing server device. In the figure, the server device overwrites the same setting information in the spare area 2X when the setting information 11X of the BIOS (1X) is updated. When there is a problem with the setting information 11X of the BIOS (1X), a method of starting from the setting information of the spare area 2X or using the setting information of the spare area 2X overwriting the setting information 11X of the BIOS (1X) The method of doing is adopted.

  However, the above-described BIOS setting information recovery procedure is a recovery method that considers only the case where there is a problem with the BIOS (1X) setting information 11X, and therefore cannot be handled when the system board is replaced. . Further, since the setting information stored in the spare area 2X is the setting information at the time of updating the BIOS, if the wrong setting is performed at the time of updating the setting, the setting information in the spare area 2X cannot be activated.

  As a publicly known technique in this field, for example, Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for saving system environment setting information, so that labor for setting the system environment can be saved and labor required for setting the system environment can be reduced. The technology to do is disclosed. Specifically, based on the setting information stored in the first storage unit that stores the setting information of the electronic device, the control unit that controls the environment of the electronic device, and the setting information stored in the first storage unit Is configured to include a storage control unit that stores data in the second storage unit.

  For example, Patent Document 2 discloses an information processing apparatus that can restore BIOS setting parameters with a simple operation. Specifically, an information processing apparatus including a BIOS that controls a basic device and a CMOS that stores BIOS setting parameters is disclosed. The BIOS includes a first copy unit that copies the BIOS setting parameters stored in the CMOS to the flash memory, and a second copy unit that copies the BIOS setting parameters copied to the flash memory to the CMOS. The first copy unit copies the BIOS setting parameters stored in the CMOS to the flash memory. Therefore, even if the BIOS setting parameters stored in the CMOS are lost, the second copying unit can restore the BIOS setting parameters.

  Further, for example, Patent Document 3 discloses a technology that allows BIOS setting information to be easily returned to a desired state that the user has used before. Specifically, a setting menu of the basic input / output system is displayed, and a change in setting information of a menu item selected from the setting menu is accepted. The setting information stored in the BIOS storage unit is rewritten with the setting information that has received the change, the input of the identification name for the setting information that has received the change is received, and the setting that has received the change in association with the identification name that has received the input Information is supposed to be saved.

  Further, for example, Patent Document 4 discloses a technique intended to log detailed contents of setting changes in a setup utility in an information processing apparatus. Specifically, in the information processing apparatus, the BIOS has a setup utility function and provides a user with a setting change function related to system operation. The BIOS holds the current setting before starting the setup utility, and checks whether there is a change in value after the setup utility ends. If there is a change, it means that a setting change has been made, and what setting item has been changed, what is the previous value, what is the changed value, and logs it. If a failure occurs after the log indicating the change of the setup utility is registered when the log is analyzed when a failure occurs, the factor due to this setting is high, and it becomes effective information for identifying the failure site. As a result, an information processing apparatus with higher maintainability is realized.

  Further, for example, in Patent Document 5, the BIOS setting of the server is automatically backed up without using a special OS or application, and the backup data can be read from the outside even when the server is broken or removed. This technology is disclosed. Specifically, in a computer system comprising a server having a BIOS and a management module, the server has a storage area and a server control controller, and the management module has a backup storage area and a management module control controller. Then, when the BIOS changes the setting, the setting is saved in both the storage area and the backup storage area via the server controller and the management module controller. The management module operates independently of the server, and when there is a BIOS setting read request from the outside, the management module controller reads the data in the backup storage area and responds to the request source.

  Furthermore, for example, Patent Document 6 discloses a technique for reliably booting even if writing of BIOS update data fails and improving the usage efficiency of the ROM. Specifically, a basic BIOS image, which is a BIOS image capable of reliably starting up the computer, is stored in a non-rewritable storage unit in association with a predetermined basic BIOS offset value. When updating the BIOS, only the difference from the basic BIOS image generated by the update, not all of the updated BIOS image, is stored as an update difference image in a rewritable storage unit in association with a predetermined update difference offset value. . The basic BIOS image is shifted by the basic offset value to perform the first transfer to the RAM area. After the first transfer is completed, the update differential image is shifted by the update difference offset value and the second transfer is performed to the RAM area. Then, after the second transfer is completed, the computer is started up using the BIOS in the RAM area.

JP 2000-181687 A JP 2002-014818 A JP 2009-271864 A JP 2010-170325 A JP 2010-224847 A JP 2011-164759 A

  By the way, in the known information processing apparatus described in the background art, as a method for backing up the setting value of the installed BIOS, there are methods such as recording in a nonvolatile memory and recording in an external server. Has been applied. Further, in these methods, when a problem occurs in the BIOS setting value or the system board is replaced, the operation is performed from the backed up information. However, when the backed up data itself is defective, there is a problem that it cannot be repaired even if all the backup data is overwritten on the BIOS. In addition, there is a problem that the backup source data is not information that has been confirmed to be activated.

  In addition, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 3 correspond to automatically displaying a BIOS setup screen when the BIOS does not start up normally, that is, when a setting change is necessary. However, the techniques described in Patent Documents 1 and 3 cannot automatically display the BIOS setup screen when the system is moved to an environment where the system is normally started by system board replacement or chassis replacement. In the technique described in Patent Document 4 described above, only a history of BIOS user setting values is recorded. Furthermore, the technique described in the above-mentioned patent document 6 relates to the time of updating the BIOS.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an information processing apparatus, a system operation setting method for the information processing apparatus, and a computer program that solve the above-described problems.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an information processing apparatus according to the present invention includes a BIOS that records a current BIOS setting value, and a spare area that records a setting value that backs up the BIOS setting value. If the current BIOS setting value and the setting value of the spare area are different from the means for transferring the value as the initial value of the setting value of the spare area and the activation of the BIOS, the different setting items Means for displaying only on the menu screen, and when the user makes an intention to change the menu on the displayed menu screen, means for starting the BIOS, and after the BIOS is started, the user further intends to set up the BIOS. When displayed, the BIOS setup screen is displayed, and the current BIOS setting value is updated and confirmed to the user via the BIOS setup screen. Means for determining if the user has not indicated the intention of BIOS setup after starting the BIOS, means for determining the current BIOS setting value as it is, means for executing POST after determining the BIOS setting value, And means for rewriting the setting value of the spare area with the determined BIOS setting value after the completion of POST.

  Also, the system operation setting method of the information processing apparatus according to the present invention is a system operation of the information processing apparatus including a BIOS in which the current BIOS setting value is recorded and a spare area in which the setting value for backing up the BIOS setting value is recorded. In the setting method, the step of transferring the current BIOS setting value as the initial value of the setting value of the spare area is different from the setting value of the spare area and the current BIOS setting value before starting the BIOS. If there is, the step of displaying only the setting items that are different from each other on the menu screen, the step of starting the BIOS if the user has made an intention to change the menu of the displayed menu screen, and the BIOS After the startup, when the user further indicates the intention of BIOS setup, the BIOS setup screen is displayed, and the BIOS setup is displayed. A step of allowing the user to update and confirm the current BIOS setting value via the screen, and a step of confirming the current BIOS setting value as it is when the user does not indicate the intention of BIOS setup after starting the BIOS. And means for executing POST after the setting value of the BIOS is confirmed, and rewriting the setting value of the spare area with the determined BIOS setting value after completion of the POST.

  Furthermore, a computer program according to the present invention is a computer for executing computer control of an information processing apparatus including a BIOS that records a current BIOS setting value and a spare area that records a setting value that backs up the BIOS setting value. The step of transferring the current BIOS setting value as the initial value of the spare area setting value and the current BIOS setting value and the spare area setting value before starting the BIOS are different. In this case, only the different setting items are displayed on the menu screen, and when the user makes an intention to change the menu on the displayed menu screen, the BIOS is started, and the BIOS is started. Later, when the user further indicates the intention of BIOS setup, the BIOS setup screen is displayed. The step of updating and confirming the current BIOS setting value via the BIOS setup screen, and the current BIOS setting value when the user does not indicate the intention of BIOS setup after starting the BIOS And a step of executing POST after the setting value of the BIOS is confirmed, and a step of rewriting the setting value of the spare area with the determined BIOS setting value after the completion of the POST. .

  As described above, according to the information processing apparatus of the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to detect a case where the BIOS setting value whose activation has been confirmed is destroyed or the system board is replaced, and the user There is an effect that the labor of BIOS setting can be saved.

It is explanatory drawing which shows the initial operation at the time of BIOS starting of the information processing apparatus as an example which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the principal part regarding this invention of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the BIOS difference setting menu which displays the difference location of present setting information and past setting information. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the configuration change screen displayed in order to confirm the change of a system configuration. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the configuration abnormality screen displayed in order to confirm the abnormality of a system configuration. It is explanatory drawing which shows the detailed structure of the spare area | region 2 on a system board. It is explanatory drawing which shows the data structure of storage area | region A1, A2 in the reserve area | region 2 on a system board. It is a flowchart figure which shows the initial stage operation | movement of OS10 from the power activation of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention to the completion of POST. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of OS10 at the time of BIOS setting value comparison of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart figure which shows operation | movement of OS10 at the time of BIOS setting update of the information processing apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows the recovery procedure after the setting menu change of the BIOS applied to the existing server apparatus.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present invention obtains BIOS setting information at the time when POST (a routine test of each device) by the OS (operation system) is completed (therefore, the setting information has a history of completion of POST). Record as a set value in the spare area. The information processing apparatus according to the present invention compares the set value of the BIOS with the set value recorded in the spare area before starting the BIOS, and if there is a different place, the different place (difference value). Is displayed on the BIOS setting menu screen to inform the user. Embodiments of an information processing apparatus, a system operation setting method for the information processing apparatus, and a computer program according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. In the description of each embodiment, the information processing apparatus according to the present invention will be described in detail. However, since the computer program according to the present invention is a program to be realized as each component included in the information processing apparatus, the description regarding the program is included in the following description.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an initial operation when a BIOS is started of an information processing apparatus as an example according to an embodiment of the present invention. In this figure, an information processing apparatus (here, server apparatus A) of the present embodiment includes an OS (10A), a BIOS (1A), and a non-volatile memory 2A that stores backup setting information (not shown). . The BIOS (1A) may be included in the OS (10A). The BIOS (1A) records setting information 11A as a BIOS setting value. The non-volatile memory 2A storing the setting information for backup can be transferred between apparatuses. Here, a state in which the non-volatile memory 2A installed in the server apparatus A is transferred to the server apparatus B as the transfer path M is shown. Note that the setting information stored in the non-volatile memory 2A is information at the time of normal startup in the past (setting information with a history of completion of POST).

  Hereinafter, the outline of the operation of the information processing apparatus (server apparatus A) as an example of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The OS of the information processing apparatus (server apparatus A) sets the setting information 11A (BIOS setting information) that is normally used prior to starting the BIOS, and the settings with a history of POST completion stored in the nonvolatile memory 2A. Check the difference from the information (setting information for backup). In addition, if any difference occurs in the setting information at the two locations, information indicating the difference is displayed on the BIOS setting menu screen 3. When information indicating this difference is difference information, the user can select a necessary change item in the difference information via the BIOS setting menu screen 3. This selection method can be specified, for example, by attaching a check symbol to the “change” item 31 as shown in the BIOS setting menu screen 3.

  FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration of a main part related to the present invention of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. The information processing apparatus (here, server apparatus A) according to the present embodiment shown in the figure includes an OS 10 and a BIOS 1 and a spare area 2 on a system board (not shown) as a configuration of a main part related to the present invention. . The BIOS 1 may be included in the OS 10. As the setting value 11 of the BIOS 1, the current BIOS setting value is recorded. Further, as the setting value 21 of the spare area 2, a setting value with a record of completion of POST is stored. The spare area 2 can be constituted by a flash memory, for example. More specifically, the spare area 2 is composed of two storage areas A1 and A2, as shown in FIG. 6 to be described later. However, these two storage areas may all be composed of a flash memory. Is possible. Prior to the activation of the BIOS 1, the OS 10 compares the setting value 11 of the BIOS 1 with the setting value 21 of the spare area 2 and displays only items having a difference (difference value) between them as a BIOS difference setting menu.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram illustrating an example of a BIOS difference setting menu that displays a difference between the current setting information and the past setting information. In the example shown in the figure, the current setting and the past setting are arranged in one horizontal row, and a change check column for indicating the user's intention to change is provided for this difference. FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a configuration change screen displayed for confirming a change in the system configuration. The configuration change screen illustrated in the figure is displayed prior to displaying the BIOS difference setting menu described above. FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of a configuration abnormality screen displayed for confirming a system configuration abnormality. The above-described BIOS difference setting menu is displayed after the configuration abnormality screen illustrated in FIG. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram showing a detailed configuration of the spare area 2 on the system board. In the example shown in the figure, two storage areas A1 and A2 are received as the spare area 2. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram showing the data structure of the storage areas A1 and A2 in the spare area 2 on the system board. In the two storage areas A1 and A2 of the spare area 2, a BIOS set value A11, an initial flag A12, an update flag A13, and an identification flag A14 are provided as recording fields. The BIOS setting value A11 records BIOS setting information. The initial flag A12 indicates the initial state. The update flag A13 indicates that an update has been made. The identification flag A14 is for identifying the difference between the storage area A1 and the storage area A2.

  The information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment uses the setting value 21 of the setting information stored in the spare area 2 as the setting value at the time when the information processing apparatus can be normally started in the past even if the setting value 11 set in the BIOS 1 is destroyed. Partially take over and start up. In addition, even if the information processing apparatus of this embodiment is changed to another initial setting by replacement on the system board, the information processing apparatus can be normally started in the past from the setting value 21 of the setting information stored in the spare area 2. The setting value at the time of activation can be partially inherited and started. Here, the set value at the time when the system can be normally started in the past is a set value having a track record in which the normal operation of each device is guaranteed by the POST of the OS. As described above, the spare area 2 can be constituted by a flash memory, for example, and has two storage areas (storage areas A1 and A2) as shown in FIG. This spare area 2 has a structure that can be removed from the system board, and can be re-mounted on a new system board when the system board is replaced. As shown in FIG. 7, the two storage areas A1 and A2 hold four types of information including, for example, a BIOS set value A11, an initial flag A12, an update flag A13, and an identification flag A14.

  The data structure of the information recorded in the two storage areas A1 and A2 is shown in FIG. In the initial state, the initial setting value of the BIOS 1 is stored in both the storage area A1 and the storage area A2, but with the initial setting value of the BIOS 1, the value of the initial flag A12 (FIG. 7) is 1, and the update flag A13 (FIG. 7). ) Is 0. In addition, the value of the identification flag A14 (FIG. 7) in the storage area A1 is 1, and the value of the identification flag A14 (FIG. 7) in the storage area A2 is 2 (however, this initial value is exchanged in subsequent processing). There).

  The flow of the operation of the OS 10 from the power-on to the completion of POST is shown in FIG. 8 to be described later, the outline of which will be described below. When the BIOS 1 is initially activated, the setting value 11 of the BIOS 1 itself is compared with the setting value 21 of the spare area as shown in FIG. If there is a difference between the two setting values in this comparison, for example, a BIOS difference setting menu shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. The data stored in the spare area 2 becomes a set value whose activation has been confirmed by updating the update flag A13 (FIG. 7) of the storage areas A1 and A2 in the spare area 2 after the completion of POST. In this way, the setting value 11 recorded by the BIOS 1 itself at the initial time point when the BIOS 1 is started is compared with the setting value 21 of the spare area, and only the information on the difference between the two is displayed as the BIOS difference setting menu. . Therefore, even when a failure occurs, the user can partially take over the existing setting without newly recording a past setting value.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an initial operation of the OS 10 from the power-on to the completion of POST of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the initial operation of the OS from the power-on of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment to the completion of POST will be described using the flowchart shown in FIG. 8 with reference to FIGS. First, in step S1, the OS 10 compares the setting value 11 recorded by the BIOS 1 itself with the setting value 21 of the spare area 2, and if there is a difference between them, the OS 10 proceeds to step S7. If there is no difference between the two, the process proceeds to step S2. In step S2, the OS 10 starts up the BIOS 1. In step S3, the OS 10 verifies whether a request for setting up the BIOS 1 is issued from the user (that is, a request for changing the BIOS setting value). If the request is issued, the process proceeds to step S9. If the request is not issued, the process proceeds to step S4.

  In step S4, the OS 10 executes POST. In step S5, the OS 10 verifies whether or not the POST is completed. If the POST is completed, the OS 10 proceeds to step S6. If POST is not completed, the process proceeds to step S11. In step S6, the OS 10 verifies whether or not the value of the update flag A13 of the storage area (A1 or A2) in which the value of the identification flag A14 (FIG. 7) is 1 in the spare area 2 is 1. If the value of the update flag A13 is 1, the process proceeds to step S12. If the value of the update flag A13 is not 1, the initial operation is terminated. In step S7, the OS 10 displays a BIOS difference setting menu (FIG. 3) based on the difference between the setting value 11 recorded by the BIOS 1 itself and the setting value 21 of the spare area 2, and proceeds to step S8. In step S8, the OS 10 verifies whether or not the user has saved the change in the setting value indicated by the BIOS difference setting menu. If the user has saved the setting value, the process returns to step S1. If the user has not saved the set value, the process proceeds to step S2.

  In step S9, the OS 10 displays a BIOS setup screen (not shown) and causes the user to update the BIOS setting value, and then proceeds to step S10. In step S10, the OS 10 verifies whether or not the user has saved the change in the setting value by operating the BIOS setup screen (that is, the BIOS setting value has not been updated), and the user has saved the setting value. Returns to step S1. If the user has not saved the setting value (that is, the BIOS setting value has been updated), the process proceeds to step S4. In step S11, the OS 10 changes the value of the update flag A13 of the storage area (A1 or A2) in which the value of the identification flag A14 (FIG. 7) is 1 in the spare area 2 to 2 and then proceeds to step S1. Return. In step S12, the OS 10 changes the value of the update flag A13 of the storage area (A1 or A2) in which the value of the identification flag A14 (FIG. 7) is 1 in the spare area 2 to 0, and then performs the initial operation. finish.

  According to the initial operation of the OS 10 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 8, first, the setting value 11 recorded in the BIOS 1 itself is compared with the setting value 21 of the spare area. However, in the initial state, there is no difference between the setting value 11 recorded in the BIOS 1 itself and the setting value 21 of the spare area, so that a BIOS setup request from the user is accepted. However, if there is no such request, POST is executed as it is. Further, when there is a setup request from the user, it waits for a setting saving request from the user, and when there is a setting saving request, it updates the BIOS setting value and then reserves it according to the flow shown in FIG. The updated BIOS setting value is stored in the area 21.

  Further, if POST is completed at the next start-up, if the value of the update flag A13 is not 0, the value is changed to 0 and saved as a set value (post-confirmed information) where POST is completed. . However, if the POST is not completed, the value of the update flag A13 is changed to 2 so as to be stored as a set value when the POST does not pass (the test of each device does not pass). . Note that the user can change the setting value as necessary. In this case, if the POST is executed again and the execution of the POST is completed, the setting value when the POST is completed is confirmed to be activated. Stored as the set information. When updating the BIOS setting value a plurality of times, the value of the identification flag A14 is exchanged each time, so that at least one setting value when POST is completed is saved and secured.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the operation of the OS 10 when comparing the BIOS set values of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation of the OS 10 when comparing the BIOS set value of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. First, in step S21, the OS 10 verifies whether or not the spare area 2 is accessible. If the spare area 2 is accessible, the process proceeds to step S22. If the spare area 2 is not accessible, the process proceeds to step S31. In step S22, the OS 10 verifies whether or not the value of the initial flag A12 (FIG. 7) of the storage area where the value of the identification flag A14 (FIG. 7) is 1 (that is, the storage area A1) is 0. If the value of is 0, the process proceeds to step S27. If the value of the flag is not 0, the process proceeds to step S23. In step S23, the OS 10 compares the BIOS setting value recorded in the storage area where the value of the identification flag A14 is 1 (that is, the storage area A1) with the setting value 11 of the BIOS itself.

  In step S24, the OS 10 verifies whether or not there is a difference between the set values in the comparison in the steps so far, and if there is a difference between the set values of both, the process proceeds to step S25. If there is no difference between the two setting values, the BIOS setting value comparison operation is terminated. In step S25, the OS 10 displays a configuration change screen (FIG. 4) via a display device (not shown), and proceeds to step S26. In step S26, the OS 10 creates a BIOS difference setting menu (FIG. 3) based on the difference value obtained in the comparison of the steps so far, and changes the configuration of the menu via the display device (not shown). Displayed on the screen (FIG. 4), the operation at the time of BIOS set value comparison is completed.

  In step S27, the OS 10 verifies whether the value of the update flag A13 (FIG. 7) of the storage area where the value of the identification flag A14 is 1 (that is, the storage area A1) is 2, and the value of the flag is 2 If not, the process proceeds to step S23. If the value of the flag is 2 (that is, the set value when POST is not completed in step S5 shown in FIG. 8), the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, the OS 10 verifies whether or not the value of the update flag A13 of the storage area whose identification flag A14 is 2 (that is, the storage area A2) is 0. If the flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S33. . If the flag is not 0, the process proceeds to step S29. In step S29, the OS 10 exchanges the value of the identification flag A14 in the storage area A1 and the value of the identification flag A14 in the storage area A2, and proceeds to step S30.

  (In step S30, the OS 10 compares the BIOS setting value recorded in the storage area where the value of the identification flag A14 is 1 (that is, the storage area A2) with the setting value 11 of the BIOS itself, and then proceeds to step S26. In step S31, the OS 10 compares the set value 11 recorded by the BIOS itself with the BIOS initial value, and in step S32, the OS 10 determines that the difference value is 0 based on the difference value obtained by the comparison. The BIOS difference setting menu (FIG. 3) configured only for the setting menu that is not the same is created, and the menu is displayed on the configuration change screen (FIG. 4) via the display device. End the operation.

  According to the operation of the OS 10 at the BIOS setting value comparison shown in this flowchart, when the BIOS setting value 11 is destroyed or the system board is replaced, the setting value saved in the spare area 2 is used. A difference is detected when compared with 21. Accordingly, by displaying the configuration change screen shown in FIG. 4 or the configuration abnormality screen shown in FIG. 5, the user is informed that the system needs to be changed, and then the BIOS difference setting menu as shown in FIG. 3 is displayed. can do.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the OS 10 when updating the BIOS settings of the information processing apparatus according to the embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation of the OS 10 when changing the BIOS setting of the information processing apparatus according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. In step S41, the OS 10 verifies whether or not the value of the initial flag A12 of the storage area (A1 or A2) whose identification flag A14 is 1 is 0. If the value of the flag is 0, the process proceeds to step S44. If the value of the flag is not 0, the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the OS 10 changes the value of the initial flag A12 of (A1 or A2) of the storage area whose identification flag A14 is 1 to 0, and also changes the value of the update flag A13 of the storage area to 1. The process proceeds to step S43.

  In step S43, the OS 10 overwrites the setting value 11 stored in the BIOS 1 itself with the BIOS setting value recorded in the storage area (A1 or A2) where the value of the identification flag A14 is 1, and when the BIOS setting is updated. End the operation. In step S44, the OS 10 verifies whether or not the value of the update flag A13 of the storage area (A1 or A2) whose identification flag A14 is 1 is 0. If the value of the flag is 0, step 10 is performed. Proceed to S45. If the value of the flag is not 0, the process proceeds to step S42. In step S45, the OS 10 exchanges the value of the identification flag A14 (FIG. 7) in the two storage areas (A1, A2) of the spare area 2, and then proceeds to step S42.

  According to this embodiment, since the setting value 11 of the BIOS 1 and the setting value 21 of the spare area 2 are compared, the case where the setting value 11 of the BIOS 1 is destroyed or the system board is replaced is detected. There is an effect that can be. Further, when the setting value 11 of the BIOS 1 and the recording value 21 of the spare area 2 are different, the BIOS difference setting menu is displayed, so that the user does not need to record the past setting value by himself / herself. There is an effect that necessary setting items can be partially taken over. Further, since the setting value 21 stored in the spare area 2 stores the setting value at the time when the POST is completed, there is an effect that the activation of the BIOS 1 can be guaranteed.

  Hereinafter, other embodiments of the present invention will be described. In the above-described embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 1, the example mainly corresponds to the case of handling a failure. However, in the information processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention, which parameter on the BIOS is changed by the user. It can also be confirmed by the user himself. That is, the two spare areas (A1, A2) shown in FIG. 6 have a structure that can be removed from the system board as described above. Therefore, a switch mechanism is prepared which starts in a state where the spare area (A1, A2) is removed from the system board, or has an effect equivalent to that temporarily removed from the system board. Start with the mechanism disconnected. Also in this case, the configuration change screen (FIG. 4) can be displayed in step S25 along the flow of the flowchart shown in FIG. 9, so that the user can confirm the changed parameters on the BIOS. .

  In addition, it is good also as what performs at least one part of the process of each component of the information processing apparatus which concerns on this invention by computer control. A program that causes a computer to execute the above processing according to the procedures shown in the flowcharts of FIGS. 8 to 10 is stored and distributed on a computer-readable recording medium such as a semiconductor memory, a CD-ROM, or a magnetic tape. May be. A computer including at least a microcomputer, a personal computer, and a general-purpose computer may read and execute the program from the recording medium.

  A part or all of the above-described embodiment can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.

  (Supplementary note A) A BIOS that records a current BIOS setting value and a spare area that records a setting value that backs up the BIOS setting value. The current BIOS setting value is an initial value of the spare area setting value. If the current BIOS setting value and the spare area setting value are different from the means for transferring as a value and the BIOS startup, only the different setting items are displayed on the menu screen. Means, and when the user makes an intention to change the menu of the displayed menu screen, the means for starting the BIOS, and after starting the BIOS, the user further indicates the intention of BIOS setup If the BIOS setup screen is displayed, the current BIOS setting value is updated and confirmed to the user via the BIOS setup screen. And means for determining the current BIOS setting value as it is when the user does not indicate the intention of BIOS setup after starting the BIOS, and executing POST after the BIOS setting value is determined. An information processing apparatus comprising: means for performing rewriting; and means for rewriting the setting value of the spare area with the determined BIOS setting value after completion of the POST.

  (Appendix B) At least two storage areas are provided in the spare area, and the setting value of the spare area before rewriting and the setting value of the spare area after rewriting are always assigned to the two storage areas, respectively. The information processing apparatus according to claim A, wherein the information processing apparatus is recorded.

  (Appendix C) Of the two storage areas, the storage area whose contents have been rewritten with the determined BIOS setting value after the completion of the POST and the other storage area can be identified. The information processing apparatus according to claim B, wherein the information processing apparatus is configured.

  (Appendix D) The information processing apparatus according to any one of claims A to C, wherein the spare area is configured using a flash memory.

  (Supplementary note E) The information processing apparatus according to claim D, wherein the spare area is detachably mounted on a system board.

  (Supplementary note F) A system operation setting method of an information processing apparatus comprising a BIOS that records a current BIOS setting value and a spare area that records a setting value that backs up the BIOS setting value, the current BIOS setting If the current BIOS setting value is different from the setting value of the spare area prior to the start of the BIOS, the step of transcribing the value as the initial value of the setting value of the spare area is different. Only the setting items that are displayed on the menu screen, and when the user makes an intention to change the menu on the displayed menu screen, the step of starting the BIOS, and after starting the BIOS, When the user further displays the intention of BIOS setup, the BIOS setup screen is displayed, and the BIOS setup screen is displayed. And updating the current BIOS setting value and confirming the current BIOS setting value when the user does not indicate the intention of BIOS setup after starting the BIOS. And a step of executing POST after the setting value of the BIOS is confirmed, and a step of rewriting the setting value of the spare area with the determined BIOS setting value after the completion of the POST. A system operation setting method for the information processing apparatus.

  (Appendix G) At least two storage areas are provided in the spare area, and the setting value of the spare area before the rewriting and the setting value of the spare area after the rewriting are always assigned to the two storage areas, respectively. The system operation setting method for an information processing apparatus according to claim F, wherein the system operation setting method is recorded.

  (Appendix H) A computer program for executing computer control of an information processing apparatus including a BIOS that records a current BIOS setting value and a spare area that records a setting value that backs up the BIOS setting value, The step of transferring the current BIOS setting value as an initial value of the setting value of the spare area is different from the current BIOS setting value and the setting value of the spare area prior to the start of the BIOS. A step of displaying only the setting items that are different from each other on the menu screen, a step of starting the BIOS when a user makes an intention to change the menu of the displayed menu screen, After the BIOS is started, the BIOS setup screen is displayed when the user further displays the intention of BIOS setup. And updating the current BIOS setting value via the BIOS setup screen and confirming the current BIOS setting value, and when the user does not indicate the intention of BIOS setup after the BIOS is started, The step of confirming the set value of the BIOS as it is, the means for executing the POST after the set value of the BIOS is confirmed, and the set value of the spare area are rewritten with the set value of the confirmed BIOS after the completion of the POST. And a computer program comprising steps.

  (Appendix I) At least two storage areas are provided in the spare area, and the setting value of the spare area before rewriting and the setting value of the spare area after rewriting are always assigned to the two storage areas, respectively. The computer program according to claim H, further comprising a step of recording.

  (Appendix J) Of the two storage areas, the storage area whose contents have been rewritten with the determined BIOS setting value after the completion of POST can be distinguished from the other storage area The computer program according to claim I, wherein a flag operation is performed.

1 BIOS
2 Spare area 3 BIOS setting menu screen 10 OS
11, 21 Setting value (system setting information)

Claims (10)

A BIOS that records a current BIOS setting value, and a spare area that records a setting value that backs up the BIOS setting value;
Means for transcribing the current BIOS setting value as an initial value of the setting value of the spare area;
Prior to starting the BIOS, if the current BIOS setting value and the setting value of the spare area are different, means for displaying only the different setting items on the menu screen;
Means for starting up the BIOS when the user has made an intention to change the menu of the displayed menu screen;
Means for displaying a BIOS setup screen when the user further indicates the intention of BIOS setup after the BIOS is started, and for allowing the user to update and confirm the current BIOS setting value via the BIOS setup screen; ,
Means for determining the current BIOS setting value as it is when the user does not indicate the intention of BIOS setup after the BIOS is started;
Means for executing POST after determining the set value of the BIOS;
Means for rewriting the setting value of the spare area with the determined BIOS setting value after completion of the POST;
An information processing apparatus comprising:   At least two storage areas are provided in the spare area, and the setting value of the spare area before rewriting and the setting value of the spare area after rewriting are always allocated and recorded in the two storage areas, respectively. The information processing apparatus according to claim 1.   Of the two storage areas, the storage area whose contents have been rewritten with the set value of the determined BIOS after completion of the POST and the other storage area can be identified. The information processing apparatus according to claim 2.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the spare area is configured using a flash memory.   The information processing apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the spare area is detachably mounted on a system board. A system operation setting method for an information processing apparatus comprising a BIOS that records a current BIOS setting value and a spare area that records a setting value that backs up the BIOS setting value.
Transferring the current BIOS setting value as an initial value of the setting value of the spare area;
Prior to starting the BIOS, if the current BIOS setting value and the setting value of the spare area are different, displaying only the different setting items on the menu screen;
When the user makes an intention to change the menu of the displayed menu screen, starting the BIOS;
A step of displaying a BIOS setup screen when the user further indicates the intention of BIOS setup after the startup of the BIOS, and updating and confirming the current BIOS setting value via the BIOS setup screen; ,
After the BIOS is started, if the user does not indicate the intention of BIOS setup, the setting value of the current BIOS is fixed as it is;
Means for executing POST after determining the set value of the BIOS;
Rewriting the setting value of the spare area with the determined BIOS setting value after completion of the POST;
A system operation setting method for an information processing apparatus, comprising:   At least two storage areas are provided in the spare area, and the setting value of the spare area before rewriting and the setting value of the spare area after rewriting are always allocated and recorded in the two storage areas, respectively. The system operation setting method for an information processing apparatus according to claim 6. A computer program for executing computer control of an information processing apparatus including a BIOS that records a current BIOS setting value and a spare area that records a setting value that backs up the BIOS setting value,
Transferring the current BIOS setting value as an initial value of the setting value of the spare area;
Prior to starting the BIOS, if the current BIOS setting value and the setting value of the spare area are different, displaying only the different setting items on the menu screen;
When the user makes an intention to change the menu of the displayed menu screen, starting the BIOS;
A step of displaying a BIOS setup screen when the user further indicates the intention of BIOS setup after the startup of the BIOS, and updating and confirming the current BIOS setting value via the BIOS setup screen; ,
After the BIOS is started, if the user does not indicate the intention of BIOS setup, the setting value of the current BIOS is fixed as it is;
Means for executing POST after determining the set value of the BIOS;
Rewriting the setting value of the spare area with the determined BIOS setting value after completion of the POST;
A computer program characterized by comprising:   At least two storage areas are provided in the spare area, and the setting value of the spare area before rewriting and the setting value of the spare area after rewriting are always allocated and recorded in the two storage areas, respectively. The computer program according to claim 8, further comprising steps.   Of the two storage areas, a flag operation is performed so that the storage area whose contents have been rewritten with the set value of the determined BIOS after completion of the POST can be distinguished from the other storage area. The computer program according to claim 9, wherein the computer program is executed.

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