Method and system for reversible installation of software applications in a data processing system utilizing an automated archival process

Abstract

A method and system for permitting reversible installation of software applications in a data processing system which includes a processor, memory containing a first version of a selected software application and a storage system for receiving a removable storage medium. A removable storage medium which includes at least one alternate version of a selected software application is inserted into the storage system and a user is then prompted to select an alternate version of the selected software application for installation within the data processing system. The existing version of the selected software application within the data processing system is then automatically copied from memory to the removable storage medium prior to initiation of installation of the alternate version of the selected software application in response to a selection of the alternate version, such that the installation may be selectively reversed. A directory within the removable storage medium is automatically created and updated each time an application is copied from or to the removable storage medium with a listing of each alternate version of the selected software application, a required hardware level for utilization with each version of the selected software application and a listing of each data processing system within the enterprise which has utilized that version.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.