Abstract: The present invention provides a way to secure data accessed by a software package pre-loaded on a computer system (for delivery to a customer). Specifically, under the present invention, customer data is loaded on a computer system along with any software package(s) that access the customer data prior to shipping the computer system to the customer. Also prior to shipping, a set (e.g., one or more) of passwords for accessing the data such as an administrative password and a hard disk password are set. After the computer system is shipped to the customer, confirmation of proper delivery will be sought. Once this confirmation is received, an access code such as a key or the set of passwords themselves will be shipped to the customer to unlock and use the data.

Abstract: The present invention provides a way to secure data accessed by a software package pre-loaded on a computer system (for delivery to a customer). Specifically, under the present invention, customer data is loaded on a computer system along with any software package(s) that access the customer data prior to shipping the computer system to the customer. Also prior to shipping, a set (e.g., one or more) of passwords for accessing the data such as an administrative password and a hard disk password are set. After the computer system is shipped to the customer, confirmation of proper delivery will be sought. Once this confirmation is received, an access code such as a key or the set of passwords themselves will be shipped to the customer to unlock and use the data.