Patent ID: 6625703
Filing Date: 2003-09-23
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for verifying primary and backup copies of vital information for an automated data storage library, said library having a plurality of storage shelves for storing data storage media, at least one accessor for accessing said data storage media in said plurality of storage shelves, a machine readable serial number identifier, a positionable reader for reading said machine readable serial number identifier, primary and backup non-volatile storage for storing said primary and said backup copies of said vital information, and a library controller comprising at least one processor, said library controller coupled to said accessor, said positionable reader, and to said primary and backup non-volatile storage, said library controller additionally storing programs for operating said library in accordance with said vital information, said method comprising the steps of:storing said serial number identifier associated with said primary copy of said vital information of said primary non-volatile storage; copying said primary copy of vital information to said backup non-volatile storage as said backup copy associated with said serial number identifier; upon a power-on reset of said processor, operating said positionable reader to read said machine readable serial number identifier; comparing said read serial number identifier to said stored serial number identifiers of said primary non-volatile storage and said backup non-volatile storage; if said read serial number identifier matches said primary stored serial number identifier, indicating said primary copy of vital information is valid; and if said read serial number identifier matches said backup stored serial number identifier only, indicating restore copying of said backup copy of vital information to said primary non-volatile storage as said primary copy associated with said serial number identifier.