Other

Ralph J Kloepping

Stephen R Sweet

A stand-alone, interactive, self-service kiosk for initializing and copying computer hard drives and methods for the operation of the kiosk are disclosed. The kiosk, which includes a microprocessor, data storage and printer, is programmed to conduct a dialogue with a customer instructing them to connect their original and replacement hard drives to the kiosk. Once the hard drives are connected, the microprocessor automatically identifies the original and replacement hard drives, configures the replacement hard drive and copies all programs and data from the original hard drive to the replacement hard drive. When the copying process is complete, a printed report is generated with further instructions on installation of the hard drive and detailed information about any errors that may have occurred during the process. In a second embodiment, the kiosk includes a device to accept a payment card from the customer, and a telephone modem to connect to a central office for verification of funds. In a third embodiment the kiosk includes a removable media storage device with which the customer can make a backup of their hard drive. In a fourth embodiment the kiosk includes software for the optimization of the location of the programs and data on the replacement hard drive. In a fifth embodiment the kiosk includes a database of known computer viruses and software for the detection and removal of those viruses. In a sixth embodiment a database of video advertisements is stored in the kiosk which can be presented to the customer through multimedia devices. In a seventh embodiment a database of software titles is stored in the kiosk which the customer can choose to purchase and install automatically to their replacement hard drive.

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Bothel, WA, United States of America

Ralph J Kloepping