Abstract: Methods for specifying a boot order for two or more mass storage devices within a computer system are provided. According to one method, a single user interface menu is provided through which the boot order for the computer system may be specified by arranging in order identifiers corresponding to each of the mass storage devices. An initial program load of the computer is then attempted from the mass storage devices in the order specified utilizing the single user interface menu. In another operational mode, a boot order may be specified for two or more mass storage devices within a computer system by determining for each mass storage device type whether more than one mass storage device exists within the computer system. For each mass storage device type for which more than one mass storage device exists, a device type menu is provided including menu items corresponding to each of the mass storage devices of the device type.

Abstract: Methods and systems are provided for maintaining the boot order of mass storage devices in a computer system. According to these methods and systems, the boot order priority of the mass storage devices within a computer system are maintained following the addition or removal of mass storage devices from a computer. A determination is made prior to attempting an initial program load of the computer system as to whether a configuration change was made since the previous boot that may affect the boot order of the mass storage devices within the computer system. If a configuration change was made the computer system that may affect the boot order, the boot order is rearranged so that the mass storage devices are booted in the same order utilized prior to the configuration change. Mass storage devices added to the computer system are given a higher boot priority than other devices that existed within the computer prior to the configuration change.

Abstract: Methods, computer systems, and devices provide for the use of pointers of various formats stored in a ROM image that is initially stored in an on-board ROM device of a computer system. The pointers may be stored in either a first format such as segment:offset or a second format such as flat 32-bit. The flat 32-bit format allows the ROM device and ROM image to exceed one megabyte in size, which permits many modules to be included to allow the ROM image to provide support for a full spectrum of hardware of the computer system. The segment:offset format allows backward compatibility with legacy type systems and software. The format of the pointers is determined so that first format pointers are converted to second format pointers for use in accessing modules of the ROM image. Pointers already stored in the second format are utilized as is to access the modules.

Abstract: Methods, computer systems, and devices provide for the use of pointers of various formats stored in a ROM image that is initially stored in an on-board ROM device of a computer system. The pointers may be stored in either a first format such as segment:offset or a second format such as flat 32-bit. The flat 32-bit format allows the ROM device and ROM image to exceed one megabyte in size, which permits many modules to be included to allow the ROM image to provide support for a full spectrum of hardware of the computer system. The segment:offset format allows backward compatibility with legacy type systems and software. The format of the pointers is determined so that first format pointers are converted to second format pointers for use in accessing modules of the ROM image. Pointers already stored in the second format are utilized as is to access the modules.