Abstract: An extended basic input output system (E-BIOS) has a first portion of code for providing power-on self-test (POST) and boot functions for a first computer, including code for sensing if the first computer does not boot. In the event of failure to boot, a second portion of code in the E-BIOS directs establishing communication link with a remote diagnostics and repair computer. When communication is established, a master code kernel at the diagnostics and repair computer may be executed to download a slave kernel to random access memory of the first computer, blowing an automatic software kernel or an operator at the diagnostics and repair computer to access and modify code and data in memory devices of the first computer, and to reboot the first computer after repair. Communication links may be by telephone modem, either analog or integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN), or by network links.