Hewlett-packard Development Company, L.p.

Compaq Computer Corporation, Inc.

Don R James, Jr

Randall L Hess

Mark A Piwonka

Jeffrey D Kane

Paul J Broyles

Paul James Broyles

Norm Brown

In one embodiment, a system and method for controlling program download pertain to determining the configuration of an existing program that executes on the computing device, determining the configuration of a new program that is to be installed on the computing device to replace the existing program, determining whether installation of the new program is authorized, and preventing installation of the new program if installation is not authorized.

Systems and methods for controlling program installation on a computing device

In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, a method for recovering a BIOS in a computer is described, comprising: unattendingly loading a BIOS recovery code image into system ROM stored on a bootable device; and unattendingly rebooting the computer.

Unattended BIOS recovery

A method for easily restoring CMOS parameters in a computer having a multi-function power button is provided. In one embodiment, the method for restoring CMOS parameter values in a computer includes (a) pressing the power button for a predetermined time delay while the computer is performing a power-on self test ('POST'), thereby placing the computer in an OFF state; and (b) momentarily pressing the power button to turn on the computer. Pressing the power button for four seconds preferably invokes a power button override function. The power button override function unconditionally forces the computer to a 'soft-off' state. The BIOS is preferably configured to determine if the power-override function was invoked during the POST in the previous boot-up, and if so, to replace the CMOS parameter values with backup parameter values before proceeding with the current boot-up. The CMOS parameter values are preferably backed up only if they have changed and the BIOS has successfully completed the POST procedure with the changed values. This ensures that the backup values will allow the computer to boot when CMOS parameter restoration is needed.

Method for restoring CMOS in a jumperless system

A method for easily restoring CMOS parameters in a computer having a multi-function power button is provided. In one embodiment, the method for restoring CMOS parameter values in a computer includes (a) pressing the power button for a predetermined time delay while the computer is performing a power-on self test (&ldquo;POST&rdquo;), thereby placing the computer in an OFF state; and (b) momentarily pressing the power button to turn on the computer. Pressing the power button for four seconds preferably invokes a power button override function. The power button override function unconditionally forces the computer to a &ldquo;soft-off&rdquo; state. The BIOS is preferably configured to determine if the power-override function was invoked during the POST in the previous boot-up, and if so, to replace the CMOS parameter values with backup parameter values before proceeding with the current boot-up. The CMOS parameter values are preferably backed up only if they have changed and the BIOS has successfully completed the POST procedure with the changed values. This ensures that the backup values will allow the computer to boot when CMOS parameter restoration is needed.

An apparatus and method to force the computer system to boot from the boot block. During a computer system power-up and initialization, the computer system determines if the escape key is pressed. If so, the computer system will boot from the code in the boot block, proceeding as if the flash ROM is corrupted. This forces the computer system to boot from the boot block even though the system determines that the flash ROM is not corrupt, allowing the user to flash a ROM at the user's discretion.

Computer method and apparatus to force boot block recovery

A computer system is provided with a dynamically reconfigurable boot order. In one embodiment, the computer comprises a user input device, a nonvolatile memory, a network interface, a boot trigger, and a CPU. The CPU is coupled to the user input device to detect a predetermined key press, coupled to the boot trigger to detect the assertion of a system reset signal, and coupled to the nonvolatile memory to retrieve a system BIOS in response to assertion of the system reset signal. The CPU executes the BIOS to initialize the computer system, and as part of the system initialization, the CPU determines a first target boot-up device. Preferably if the predetermined key has been pressed during the system initialization, the CPU alters the default boot order to select the network interface as the first target boot up device. The network interface is configurable to retrieve an operating system from a network device for the CPU to execute. The disclosed embodiment advantageously provides for reduced system installation and maintenance effort, and thereby lead to reduced costs for owners of computer networks.

Hotkey for network service boot

An apparatus and a method to prompt for an administrative password during the boot block process to flash a corrupted ROM image. During a computer system's power-up and initialization, the flash ROM image is examined to determine if the image is corrupt. If so, the computer system executes certain protected code stored in the boot block of the ROM. When the computer system is booted from this boot block, a reduced set of capabilities are needed. One capability according to the invention, is the ability to flash a new ROM image to the corrupted ROM. Once booted from the boot block, the computer system prompts the user for a password preferably by flashing keyboard LEDs. Upon receiving a password, this password is compared to an administrative password stored in non-volatile memory. If the password matches the administrative password, then the computer system enables the ROM to accept a flash ROM image. If the password does not match, the ROM is disenabled, not accepting a flash ROM image.

Growing community of inventors

Houston, TX, United States of America

Don R James, Jr