Methods and apparatus for modifying a backup data stream to be provided to
a fixed position delta reduction backup method are disclosed. When a data
stream is received, the data stream may be parsed into a plurality of
logical components, where each of the logical components includes one or
more data blocks. Missing data blocks may also be detected in the data
stream, and therefore may be detected in each of the plurality of logical
components. For instance, each of the logical components may be separated
into a separate data stream for which missing data blocks may be
detected. A temporary data block is then inserted where each missing data
block is detected (e.g., in each of the plurality of logical components).
In this manner, inefficiencies introduced into a fixed position delta
reduction backup process as a result of new or deleted data in a system
implementing a plurality of data blocks which may be stored in the form
of logical components are eliminated.