System and method for protecting shared system files
US6618735B1 · kind B1 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jun 30, 2000 |
| Grant date | Sep 9, 2003 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Sep 2, 2021 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S707/99954
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for protecting shared system files enhances system stability by preventing system files shared by applications, such as DLL files, from being overwritten with invalid files during installation or update of applications or by user actions. A monitoring component monitors changes to the system files. When the monitoring component detects that a protected system file is being changed, it saves a copy of the original file and informs a file protection service of the change. The file protection service checks the modified file to determine whether it is valid. If the modified file is invalid, the system file is restored to its original contents using the copy saved by the monitoring component. Unauthorized importation of system files by application installers or update packages is prevented by requiring the use of a certificate issued by a party with proper authority.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.