Abstract: A fixed image factory installation system which enables installation and launching of additional partitions or volumes. The fixed image factory installation system further enables customization and configuration of additional operating systems with corresponding drivers and software applications stack. The additional partitions can be hidden and do not require a visible descriptor.

Abstract: A method for registering and initiating a pre-boot environment for enabling partitions. The method provides a basic input output system (CIOS) with an application program interface (API) that accesses a Logical Clock Address (LCA) sector number when a boot configuration flag is set, the LCA sector number stores an operating environment manager which then boots the information handling system to an appropriate partition.

Abstract: A mechanism via which system state changes can be detected and corrected automatically prior to a customer initiated boot. The mechanism is extensible to address newly added or discovered system state changes that result in a locked condition. The mechanism detects and corrects adverse events before booting into the operating system.

Abstract: A system and method for restoring a master boot record in association with accessing a hidden partition is disclosed. According to one aspect, a method of restoring a master boot record for a storage device is disclosed. The method can include initiating access to a hidden partition stored within a storage device. The method can also include disassociating a visible partition descriptor from a visible partition of the storage device. The method can also include associating the visible partition descriptor with the hidden partition and accessing the hidden partition using the visible partition descriptor. The method can also include reassociating the visible partition descriptor with the visible partition while accessing the hidden partition.

Abstract: A method for registering and initiating a pre-boot environment for enabling partitions. The method provides a basic input output system (CIOS) with an application program interface (API) that accesses a Logical Clock Address (LCA) sector number when a boot configuration flag is set, the LCA sector number stores an operating environment manager which then boots the information handling system to an appropriate partition.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing a hidden partition during a boot sequence is disclosed. An information handling system can include a basic input output system (BIOS) that can be operable to access a master boot record (MBR) of a storage device. The digital media storage device can include a fixed number of visible partitions and at least one hidden partition. The information handling system can further include a processor operable to detect a boot event operably associated with initiating a request to access contents that can be stored within an associated hidden partition of the storage device. The information handing system can also include a memory that can be operable to store at least a portion of the contents of the hidden partition. The contents can be stored upon accessing the hidden partition using an association established between one of the fixed number of visible partitions and the hidden partition.

Abstract: A method for registering and initiating a pre-boot environment for enabling partitions. The method provides a basic input output system (CIOS) with an application program interface (API) that accesses a Logical Clock Address (LCA) sector number when a boot configuration flag is set, the LCA sector number stores an operating environment manager which then boots the information handling system to an appropriate partition.

Abstract: A mechanism via which system state changes can be detected and corrected automatically prior to a customer initiated boot. The mechanism is extensible to address newly added or discovered system state changes that result in a locked condition. The mechanism detects and corrects adverse events before booting into the operating system.

Abstract: A system and method for restoring a master boot record in association with accessing a hidden partition is disclosed. According to one aspect, a method of restoring a master boot record for a storage device is disclosed. The method can include initiating access to a hidden partition stored within a storage device. The method can also include disassociating a visible partition descriptor from a visible partition of the storage device. The method can also include associating the visible partition descriptor with the hidden partition and accessing the hidden partition using the visible partition descriptor. The method can also include reassociating the visible partition descriptor with the visible partition while accessing the hidden partition.

Abstract: A fixed image factory installation system which enables installation and launching of additional partitions or volumes. The fixed image factory installation system further enables customization and configuration of additional operating systems with corresponding drivers and software applications stack. The additional partitions can be hidden and do not require a visible descriptor.

Abstract: A method for registering and initiating a pre-boot environment for enabling partitions. The method provides a basic input output system (CIOS) with an application program interface (API) that accesses a Logical Clock Address (LCA) sector number when a boot configuration flag is set, the LCA sector number stores an operating environment manager which then boots the information handling system to an appropriate partition.

Abstract: A system and method for accessing a hidden partition during a boot sequence is disclosed. An information handling system can include a basic input output system (BIOS) that can be operable to access a master boot record (MBR) of a storage device. The digital media storage device can include a fixed number of visible partitions and at least one hidden partition. The information handling system can further include a processor operable to detect a boot event operably associated with initiating a request to access contents that can be stored within an associated hidden partition of the storage device. The information handing system can also include a memory that can be operable to store at least a portion of the contents of the hidden partition. The contents can be stored upon accessing the hidden partition using an association established between one of the fixed number of visible partitions and the hidden partition.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for partitioning a hard disk during installation of a network OS. In one embodiment, a computer system is booted from a CD-ROM containing a computer server setup (“CSS”) program. The CSS program prompts a user for certain disk preparation data, including the primary and utility partition sizes and volume label. The CSS program then writes a self-loading binary image (“SLBI”) to the first track of the first hard disk immediately following the master boot record (“MBR”). The SLBI includes a bootstrap loader, disk preparation code, and the disk preparation data. The sector address of the SLBI bootstrap loader is placed into a partition descriptor within the master partition table (“MPT”) of the MBR.

Abstract: Execution is initiated of operating system software by a computer system. After initiating execution of the operating system software, a partition is formed within a computer-readable medium. In response to the partition, information is formed that identifies a logical drive associated with the partition, irrespective of whether execution of the operating system software is reinitiated.

Abstract: A computer system includes first and second computer-readable media. The second computer-readable medium stores information specifying one of the first and second computer-readable media from which the computer system boots. The computer system reads the information from the second computer-readable medium and boots from the specified one of the first and second computer-readable media in response to an event and the information.

Abstract: A computer system includes at least one processor and at least one computer-readable drive. The at least one computer-readable drive includes at least one partition. The computer system further includes manufacturing process code having instructions for causing the processor to build prescribed internal data structures necessary to support the at least one partition subsequent an initial preparation of the at least one computer-readable drive, further without requiring a system reboot to have access to the at least one computer-readable drive.

Abstract: A computer system includes a computer-readable medium. First and second partitions are formed within the computer-readable medium. The second partition is within the first partition. A computer program is processable by the computer system for causing the computer system to form the first and second partitions. The computer program is accessible by apparatus in the computer system.

Abstract: A software installation process for use in the manufacture of a prescribed computer system includes the steps of providing at least one processor, at least one memory, and an interface for connecting the computer system to a network server. The at least one memory includes a master boot record, a utility partition and a primary partition. The utility partition includes manufacturing code particular to a manufacturing sequence in the manufacture of the computer system. The primary partition further includes file allocation tables and a root directory. Upon booting of the computer system, the manufacturing code is executed by the at least one processor, wherein the manufacturing sequence includes at least a downloading of software from the network server to the primary partition.

Abstract: A system and method for preventing a program from being run under a debugger utility program. The method is part of a routine which is stored along with a software program on a hard drive of a computer system. The computer system has a processor for running both the software program and the routine and is capable of operating in a debug mode. The routine prevents unauthorized access to the software program, such as when the processor is running in the debug mode. When the processor is running the software program, the program can initiate execution of the routine. Once initiated, the routine checks a certain registers of the processor to determine if it is operating in the debug mode and if so, stops the processor from continuing to run the software program.

Abstract: A system for specifying, ordering, and building a build-to-order computer system. After initiating an ordering session, a user such as a purchaser or designer is presented with a list of options such as a list of operating systems offered by a computer system vendor or manufacturer that may be implemented on a targeted computer system. After receiving an indication of a selection from a first list of options, the system accesses a computer system readable master data base to generate a second list of options such as software programs wherein each option of the second list is compatible with the selection from the first list. The master data base includes entries for every option offered by the computer system vendor or manufacturer and includes at least one tag indicating compatibly with other entries in the master data base. The system can be used to present to the user a plurality of lists wherein all of the options presented are compatible with the previous selections.