David W Burdette

US Patent:

20060123210, Jun 8, 2006

Filed:

Dec 6, 2004

Appl. No.:

11/006410

Inventors:

Gary Pritchett - Rancho Santa Fe CA, US
David Burdette - San Diego CA, US
Christopher Neill - San Diego CA, US
Anatol Piotrowski - San Diego CA, US
Reza Razavipour - San Diego CA, US
Terence Wong - San Diego CA, US

International Classification:

G06F 12/16

US Classification:

711162000

Abstract:

A method for providing logically-consistent computer file backups in an operating environment whose file backup provisions rely on application programs recognizing a freeze writes command but where the operating system also hosts programs that do not recognize such a command. The method intercepts a system level command issued during the backup process that signals the file system manager to flush write operations cached in memory and hold any subsequent write operations. (“Flush and Hold Writes”). File write operations are then monitored to find a quiescent period, which signals that all current file transactions are complete. Application level write operations are halted, preventing any further file transactions. The Flush and Hold Writes Command is then allowed to pass to the file system and volume manager so that these operation system components can flush to permanent storage any write operations that are cached in memory and hold any new write operations.