Abstract: There is provided a system and method for programming a data storage device with a password. Specifically, there is provided a method comprising initiating a password programming routine for a data storage device, and programming the data storage device with the password associated with an external storage medium, wherein the data storage device is configured to condition access to the data stored on the data storage device based on the password.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a system and a method for cooling a storage device pertain to determining the temperature of the storage device and adjusting computer operation so as to reduce the temperature of the storage device if that temperature is deemed to be too high.

Abstract: Software image portability may be achieved automatically: A host computer reads geometric parameters from a data structure in a boot record of a disk device containing a software image. The computer adopts those parameters as geometric translation parameters for use when accessing the software image. This may be done without the need for intervention by a computer user. In one implementation, the host computer reads the Master Boot Record from the disk device; finds a usable entry in the partition table of the Master Boot Record; reads a sector specified by the Starting LBA field in the usable partition table entry; assigns a number of sectors per track equal to the word found at offset 18h in the BIOS Parameter Block of the sector; and assigns a number of heads equal to the word found at offset 1Ah in the BIOS Parameter Block of the sector.

Abstract: A system and method of resource conflict detection and reporting during power on self test is provided. The method includes, for example, reading the state of a flag indicative of a user-selected compatibility mode requiring at least partial reallocation of resources. If the flag is in a first state and one or more devices will become inaccessible due to resource constraints, at least one message indicative of a resource conflict is generated.