Method and system for metadata modification

A modification system for modifying a first storage medium having a plurality of files that includes a first file, wherein the first file includes a plurality of data blocks, wherein the first storage medium includes a first metadata structure that describes the plurality of files, the system comprising:

• a first modification tool that includes:
• an attachment module configured to operatively couple the modification tool to the first storage medium;
• a construction module configured to construct a second metadata structure that describes the plurality of files;
• a dematerialization module configured to dematerialize at least the first file to form one or more dematerialized files, wherein the dematerialization module is further configured to, as part of the dematerialization, render the first file inaccessible but not destroy the plurality of data blocks of the first file nor release the plurality of data blocks of the first file for reallocation;
• and
• a first materialization module operatively coupled to the first storage medium and configured to modify the first metadata structure based at least in part on the second metadata structure in order to materialize at least one of the one or more dematerialized files.

A non-transitory computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon for causing a suitably programmed modification computer to execute a method for modifying a first storage medium having a plurality of files including a first file that includes a plurality of data blocks, wherein the first storage medium includes a first metadata structure that describes the plurality of files, the method comprising:

• operatively coupling the first storage medium to the modification computer;
• constructing a second metadata structure that describes the plurality of files;
• dematerializing at least the first file to form one or more dematerialized files, wherein the dematerializing of the at least first file includes:
• rendering the first file inaccessible without destroying the plurality of data blocks of the first file and without releasing the plurality of data blocks of the first file for reallocation, and
• modifying directory information that describes the at least first file;
• and
• materializing at least one of the one or more dematerialized files, wherein the materializing includes modifying the first metadata structure based at least in part on the second metadata structure.