Abstract: This invention is comprised of a data processing system containing at least one main processor connected to a system bus, a system memory connected to the system bus and accessible to each of the main processors, a tamper mechanism, and a local service processor. The tamper mechanism is configured to change state each time the system is inserted into a slot in a rack enclosure. The local service processor is connected to the tamper mechanism and configured to update an insertion log upon detecting a change in state of the tamper mechanism. The insertion log provides a count and a history of rack insertions to which the system has been subjected. The system may include a non-volatile storage element which is updated exclusively by the local service processor that contains the insertion log. The insertion log may include an insertion counter. In this embodiment, the local service processor is configured to increment the insertion counter upon each insertion.

Abstract: A system and method for storing adapter card Option ROM BIOS extensions on the system's DASD and, more particularly, on a partition of the DASD that is generally inaccessible to the operating system. The system may partition the system DASD into a user partition and a hidden partition where the hidden partition is preferably inaccessible to the operating system. BIOS extensions files are stored in the hidden partition. The system BIOS, when executed, identifies the peripheral devices on the system and interrogates the hidden partition for BIOS extension files corresponding to each of the identified devices. If the hidden partition contains a BIOS extension file corresponding to an identified peripheral device, the file is verified for authenticity. If the verification completes successfully, the BIOS extension file is copied into shadow RAM and control is passed to it.

Abstract: A system, method, and software for monitoring server blades in a server system. The system may include a cabinet having a plurality of racks configured to receive a server blade. The server blade typically includes one or more general purpose microprocessors, a volatile system memory, and a service processor all interconnected via one or more busses. In addition, the system would typically include a management blade that included a system service processor configured to monitor the local service processors attached to each server blade. Upon installation, a new blade identifies itself to the system management blade by its physical slot position within the cabinet and by the blade characteristics needed to uniquely identify and power the blade. The software may then configure a functional boot image on the blade and initiate an installation of an operating system.

Abstract: A method, system and computer program product for automatically switching remote shared devices in a dense server environment. A device driver in a server blade may be configured to receive a request to access a shared device from the server blade and issue a query to a service processor as to whether the requested shared device is being accessed. If the requested shared device is not being accessed by the requesting server blade, then the device driver may wait to receive a response from the service processor indicating that the requested shared device is available. Once the requested shared device is available, the service processor may connect the requested shared device with the requesting server blade. The request to access the requested shared device may then be transferred to the requested shared device by the device driver.

Abstract: A method and system for erasing a drive of a computer system is disclosed. The method and system include scrubbing the drive and writing a message to a portion of the drive such that the message will be provided to a user in response to the drive being booted after scrubbing. The message indicates that the drive has been scrubbed.

Abstract: Described is a computer system which can be pre-set over a network to boot to a first or second remote boot protocol prior to being powered on over the network. The system is coupled to a remote computer via a data communication link. The system includes a communication subsystem for communicating data with the computer system. The communication subsystem is supplied with auxiliary power and is operative to communicate with the computer system regardless of whether the computer system is in a normal operating state. The remote computer includes a program for sending a first packet to the computer system via the communication link. The first packet contains a boot parameter which is indicative of the first or second remote boot protocol. The computer system is operative to receive the first packet via the communication subsystem and store the boot parameter in a memory thereof without powering on.

Abstract: A system and method for recovering from corruption of an executable application and/or operating system stored on a client computer without downloading another copy of the application and/or operating system. This recovery is accomplished by storing, preferably at the initial program loading, two copies of the application (and the operating system, if desired) in different segments of a partitioned storage, one copy as a working copy and a second copy as an archive or backup copy. When the working copy of the application or operating system becomes corrupted and crashes, the backup copy is thereafter used as the new working copy and, if desired, a new backup copy is stored to be used when the working copy crashes. This allows the system to continue functioning after a crash without the necessity to find a new copy of the application and operating system from outside the computer.

Abstract: Apparatus for configuring a computer system is adapted to allow configuration to occur on the system unit without removing the system unit from its packaging. By so preparing and operating the unit that it can function to a degree as a network client, it is possible to perform steps for configuring "in the package" that violate normal self test expectations. With this abnormal operating environment and operation the system is placed in condition to be removed from the packaging at the user's location with BIOS and program image customized for the user. This approach provides a freshly configured system and yet eliminates unpacking at a configuration center and then repacking for transfer to the user or the need for refresh configuration at the user site as the system unit is set up for normal use.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring a computer system is adapted to allow configuration to occur on the system unit without removing the system unit from its packaging. By so preparing and operating the unit that it can function to a degree as a network client, it is possible to perform steps for configuring "in the package" that violate normal self test expectations. With this abnormal operating environment and operation the system is placed in condition to be removed from the packaging at the user's location with BIOS and program image customized for the user. This approach provides a freshly configured system and yet eliminates unpacking at a configuration center and then repacking for transfer to the user or the need for refresh configuration at the user site as the system unit is set up for normal use.