Abstract: A method and system for configuring an operating system in a computer system including language selection during bootup rather than at manufacture. A first aspect of the method and system comprises providing a plurality of operating system images in the computer system, each of the plurality of operating system images being based upon a particular language, selecting one of the plurality of operating system images based on the language supported by the computer system and loading the selected operating system image into the computer system. A second aspect of the method and system comprises providing a language-independent operating system image in the computer system, determining a language supported by the computer system, loading the language-independent operating system image into the computer system, and associating the language supported by the computer system with the language-independent operating system image.

Abstract: The hard disk drive of a computer system is loaded with a preloaded image including an operating system, a number of application programs, and a device driver installation routine, all of which are not dependent on the hardware configuration of the computer system. A hidden partition of the hard disk drive is also loaded with a number of device drivers, which are dependent upon the hardware configuration. During the first boot only of the preloaded image, the device drivers are installed by the device driver installation routine.

Abstract: A method and system for providing field replaceable units (FRU's) to a personal computer being repaired of updated. A software agent, installed on the personal computer, collects identification information about all FRU's in the personal computer. The collected identification information is stored in a memory register in the personal computer on a scheduled periodic basis, and then transmitted to and stored on a remote service computer. A field service technician, upon receipt of a repair request for the personal computer, retrieves the identification information from the remote service computer identifying all FRU's for the uniquely identified personal computer. The technician then brings all FRU's used by the personal computer to the field repair site so that the needed FRU is readily available, thus avoiding multiple trips that would be required to first visually inspect the components of the personal computer and then return with the needed FRU's.

Abstract: A method and system for providing automatic notification of an end of lease of a computer system and its location within a computer network is disclosed. The computer network includes a server computer system and multiple client computer systems. A message is initially sent from the server computer system to all the client computer systems to inquire the lease status of each of the client computer systems. At each of the client computer systems, a determination is made as to whether or not a current date falls within a predetermined amount of days from the end of lease date for the client computer system. If the current date falls within the predetermined amount of days from the end of lease date for the client computer system, the physical location of the client computer system is obtained from a storage device located at an Ethernet wall plate to which the client computer system is attached.

Abstract: A method and system for recovering a master boot record within a data processing system. In accordance with the method of the present invention, a master boot record recovery setup utility is invoked by a user. In response to invoking the master boot record recovery utility, the master boot record in a first bootable device is copied to an alternate non-volatile storage device. A recovery flag is set within BIOS indicating that the MBR has been securely copied. In response to a failed boot attempted from the first boot device, the copy of said master boot record within said alternate non-volatile storage device is accessed and utilized to boot the system.

Abstract: A method and system are disclosed for automating migration of user system settings from an existing computer system to a replacement computer system in response to a user input. Selected portions of the registry, or central hierarchial data base within the existing computer system are automatically copied and stored in response a user input. A plurality of application program interface (API) routines are then initiated to retrieve and store selected settings within the existing computer system. Adapter binding information for all adapters within the existing computer system are retrieved and stored. The selected portions of the registry, selected settings and adapter binding information are then transferred to the replacement computer system and copied into appropriate registry keys, directories and files, effectively transferring the system settings from the existing computer system to the replacement computer system.