Abstract: A method and system for accessing and writing event data to a log on failure of a computer system that is independent of the computer system's operating system. On the occurrence of a failure event in the computer system, a Basic Input Output System (BIOS) program is executed to write data to an event data log describing the failure. A system management controller that is included in the computer system, is configured to receive an indication of the failure. In response to the failure, the system controller initiates an operation of the timer to determine whether the BIOS program has completed execution prior to the expiration of the timer. If the BIOS program fails to complete prior to the expiration of the timer, the system controller accesses and writes data to the event data log.

Abstract: A computer system warranty upgrade method and apparatus are provided. The computer system is programmed to detect a change in its configuration such as when new components are installed. When such a configuration change is detected, the computer system sends a warranty upgrade request including configuration information to a remote warranty server computer. The warranty server prepares a warranty price quote specific to the particular configuration of the requesting computer. When the quoted price is paid, the warranty server digitally signs and transmits a warranty authorization to the requesting computer. The warranty authorization includes warranty type, duration, the specific configuration warranted and an identification number unique to the requesting computer. These data are authenticated and validated by a secure processor in the requesting computer. After validation, the verified data is stored in secure storage by the secure processor.

Abstract: A computer system warranty upgrade method and apparatus are provided. When a warranty upgrade is desired, the computer requesting a warranty upgrade sends its configuration information to a remote warranty server computer. The warranty server prepares a warranty price quote specific to the particular configuration of the requesting computer. When the price quote is paid, the warranty server encrypts and transmits a warranty authorization to the requesting computer. The warranty authorization includes warranty type, duration, the specific configuration warranted and an identification number unique to the requesting computer. These data are authenticated and validated by a secure processor in the requesting computer. After validation, the validated data is stored in secure storage by the secure processor.

Abstract: A system that includes a computer system configured to boot using a system firmware is provided. The system firmware includes instructions for causing the computer system to detect a test apparatus coupled to the computer system and initiate a manufacturing mode of the system firmware in response to detecting the test apparatus coupled to the computer system.

Abstract: A system that includes a computer system configured to boot using a system firmware is provided. The system firmware includes instructions for causing the computer system to provide a control code to a test apparatus configured to perform a functional test on the computer system and receive information provided by the test apparatus in response to the control code.

Abstract: A computer system that includes a program and component information stored in a hidden partition on a hard disk drive of the computer system such that the program is configured to cause the computer system to store the component information into a portion of a memory, create a first table associated with the information, store the first table into the portion of the memory, and notify the system firmware of the first table and the portion of the memory.

Abstract: A computer system configured to retrieve a preboot image from a first remote location and execute the preboot image. The preboot image is configured to cause the computer system to detect a status indication associated with a previous boot attempt by the computer system, and, in response to the status indication indicating a local boot attempt state, to retrieve a first boot image from a second remote location and to boot the computer system using the first boot image.

Abstract: A configuration switch assembly for a computer system includes a protected switch for selectively enabling or disabling a function of the computer system, as determined by the state of the switch. The switch is mounted on the interior surface of a chassis panel. In one embodiment, a slide lock is installed in a guide on the exterior surface of the chassis panel. The slide lock alternatively engages, or disengages from, the switch as it travels between two limit positions that are determined by an aperture in the guide and a cam extending from the slide lock. The slide lock is lockable in one of the two positions so that when the slide lock is locked, the state of the protected switch cannot be altered, and the function, as established by the locked state of the switch, is protected.

Abstract: A computer system utilizing the Advance Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) Standard to notify an ACPI compliant operating system of a detected correctable error. The computer system includes and error check circuit that detects correctable and non correctable errors in computer information flowing between the processor and a RAM. The error correction circuit provides a CE signal in response to detecting a correctable error. The computer system includes a register block circuit, that when enabled, generates an SCI to the processor in response to receiving the SCI. The processor accesses a status register of the SCI to determine that the error signal was sent. An ACPI driver of the operating system interprets ACPI control methods to direct the processor to perform the functions of the control method to obtain an address and syndrome of the information unit having the detected correctable error.

Abstract: A portable computer is provided in which message variable values provided for user messages can be readily reordered when different versions of the computer are produced to support respective languages. The computer includes a basic input/output system software (BIOS) having a caller routine that initiates issuance of a user message by passing message variable values and a message token to a separate message handler routine within the BIOS. The message token designates the selection of one of a plurality of message strings stored within a message storage area in the BIOS. The message strings stored in the message storage area include fixed text portions and message variables. The message storage area is separate from the caller routine. The caller routine passes message variable values in a fixed order to the message handler routine.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for configuring a personal computer system according to the present invention allows a plurality of personal computers of the same type to be configured on a single computer system (which is not necessarily one of the plurality of personal computers that are to be configured). The method includes using a database including a plurality of configuration options to produce a program for storage in an information storage medium to be coupled to each of the plurality of personal computers to automatically configure those systems.

Abstract: An improved method of installing device drivers or utility programs on a data processing system is disclosed. Provided are a plurality of command specifications relating to installation operations for the device drivers or the utility programs. Installation programs on media introduced to an auxiliary memory units are identified, wherein the program include statement instances invoking selected command specifications. A list of the identified installation programs is built and the selected command specifications invoked by the statement instances called. Executing the command specification returns interpretable code for the installation programs. Upon running the installation program the interpretable code is interpreted.

Abstract: A method for enabling a user to designate device order and boot-device preference in a computer system in which the devices are controlled by mass storage controllers is disclosed. In a preferred embodiment, a customization program of the present invention gathers user preference order for any controllers present in a computer system, which information is stored in a nonvolatile storage element in the computer system. During bootup of the computer, the system's ROM BIOS retrieves the stored preference information and initializes the system's mass storage controllers in the user-specified order. This initialization ordering controls which set of drives is configured first, and therefore, which drive is given boot priority and the drive ordering as seen by the operating system.

Abstract: In a data processing system of a type including a basic input/output system (BIOS) circuit for carrying out prescribed functions including a power-on self-test (POST) which not only enables the system memory but checks the system configuration based on device register values, the device register values are stored in a non-volatile memory. A novel POST routine responds not only to change of system configuration determined by comparing device register values with values previously stored in the non-volatile memory, but also any change of state of a cabinet switch indicating that a cover of the cabinet housing the PC has been opened. If there has been a change of system configuration and the cover has not been opened since the last boot, the POST routine signals a device error. However, if the cover has been opened, the change of configuration is presumed intentional, i.e.

Abstract: An information processing system comprises a system processor, an information storage circuit for storing at least programs for operating the information processing system; an enclosure for enclosing the information processing apparatus, the enclosure including an opening for providing access to the information processing system; a cover attached to the enclosure, the cover providing an open position and a closed condition for the information processing apparatus; detection circuitry for detecting whether the cover is in the open position; and means for stopping information processing by the information processing system responsive to an indication that the cover is in the open condition.