System and method for detecting and using a replacement boot block during initialization by an original boot block

摘要

A unique method and system to update or modify the original boot block of a computer system without endangering the integrity of the system. More particularly, the present invention relates to a method and system that allows for a secondary boot block to be substituted for the original boot block. This is accomplished by having the original boot block check for a replacement secondary boot block as early in the startup code as is feasible. If a valid secondary boot block is found, the startup process is passed to the secondary boot block. The original boot block is maintained, however, so the system can always be recovered.