Abstract: A method for resetting a password in a computer system is provided. A remote reset signal is received. A local reset verification signal is received at the computer system. An elapsed period of time between receipt of the remote reset signal and the local reset verification signal is determined. The password is reset in response to the elapsed period of time being less than a predetermined time period.

Abstract: Instead of storing a previous version of file, a backup technique stores a transformation operator which reflects the differences between a previous version of a file and a subsequent version. The operator may include the difference between a numerical value in the previous file version and the corresponding value in a subsequent version. Further, the transformation operator may indicate textual or binary changes between the file versions. To recover the previous version, the transformation operator is applied to the newer version to regenerate the previous version. If desired, multiple transformation operators can be maintained for a given file to be able to regenerate more than just the immediately preceding version of the file, thereby creating a multilevel backup system. The transformation operators preferably are stored in a RAID-type storage system for fault tolerance.

Abstract: A computer system includes a first storage device, a backup storage device, and a system controller. The first storage device has a default operating system and a customized operating system stored therein. The backup storage device has at least archived configuration data stored therein. The system controller is adapted to replace the customized operating system with a restored operating system that is based on the default operating system. A method for restoring a computer system includes providing a first storage device having a default operating system stored therein. A backup storage device is provided having at least configuration data stored therein. The configuration data is transferred to the first storage device.

Abstract: A method for undeleting files in a computer system includes flagging at least one deleted file with an identifier. The flagged deleted file is hidden in the computer system. A list of deleted files that have been flagged with the identifier is generated. The list of deleted files is comprised of a directory path hierarchy for each deleted file. A file is selected from the list of deleted files and undeleted.

Abstract: A method for configuring storage devices includes detecting an existing storage device configuration. The existence of a new storage device is detected, and the new storage device is configured based on the existing storage device configuration. A computer system includes an existing storage device, a new storage device, and a processor. The existing storage device has an existing storage device configuration, and the processor is adapted to detect the existence of the new storage device and configure the new storage device based on the existing storage device configuration.

Abstract: Improved techniques for facilitating identification of a computer system's hardware features to software executing on the computer system are disclosed. In one embodiment, the software is system management software that serves to monitor and control the computer system to reduce failures and/or improve performance. In a general sense, the invention provides a system feature table within a computer system to describe each of the hardware features of the computer system, including feature data and appropriate access mechanisms for additional information. In addition, a user can be notified when the software does not support all the hardware features of the computer system. The invention also is able to identify locations of failing hardware features for easy replacement or examination.