Protecting a system during system maintenance by usage of temporary

Abstract

A method of maintaining functional compatibility after performing system maintenance on a computer during system operation is described. The method starts when there is a request to perform system maintenance by determining if a directory holding a set of files to be maintenanced has adequate space for a set of new files. The system maintenance typically occurs when the operating system is to be replaced by a new operating system or upgraded with an improved version of the current operating system. Next, the system, in response to there being adequate space to for the new set of files, places the new set of files in the directory. Each file within the new set of files is given a new name within the directory. Each file in the set of old files in the directory is then renamed with a temporary name. The new names of the new set of files are then placed in an alias table for access by any other files open on the computer during maintenance. In response to a file request for one of new files with a new name in the alias table, the system accesses one of the old files with a temporary name instead of the request for the new file, thus preserving system integrity and compatibility during the system maintenance.