Abstract: Various systems and methods for performing incremental backups in transactional file systems. For example, one method involves performing the first stage of a multi-stage write operation, where the write operation writes a data block. The method then involves performing a backup operation. However, the backup operation does not backup the modified block, since not all stages of the multi-stage write operation have been performed. The method involves updating metadata to indicate that though the data block was modified and a backup operation was performed, the data block was not included in the backup operation. After all stages of the multi-stage write operation have completed, e.g., a transaction is committed, a subsequent backup operation is performed. The data block is backed up during the subsequent backup operation.

Abstract: Various systems and methods for restoring a virtual machine and virtual machine data. For example, one method can involve receiving a request to restore the virtual machine and virtual machine data. The virtual machine data can include part or all of a virtual disk associated with the virtual machine. Both the virtual machine and the virtual machine data are stored in one or more backup storage devices. In response to the request, the virtual machine is restored from the backup storage device to a local storage device, and restoration of the virtual machine data is initiated. While the virtual machine data is being migrated from backup to local storage, I/O requests are received and processed. Processing the I/O request can involve performing the I/O requests to both the backup storage device and the local storage device.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for restoring a system volume on a computing system without requiring the system volume to be fully restored prior to being used or requiring the use of a dedicated recovery environment (e.g., the WinPE or BartPE environments). Instead, the computing system is booted directly from the restore image or by redirecting I/O interrupts to the restore image. That is, when user initiates a restore process, the system boots from the backup itself. Once booted, a background process can complete the restore process.

Abstract: Techniques are disclosed for restoring a system volume on a computing system without requiring the system volume to be fully restored prior to being used or requiring the use of a dedicated recovery environment (e.g., the WinPE or BartPE environments). Instead, the computing system is booted directly from the restore image or by redirecting I/O interrupts to the restore image. That is, when user initiates a restore process, the system boots from the backup itself. Once booted, a background process can complete the restore process.