Use of hidden partitions in a storage device for storing BIOS extension files
US6725178B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jan 15, 2002 |
| Grant date | Apr 20, 2004 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | May 9, 2022 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/575
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A system and method for storing adapter card Option ROM BIOS extensions on the system's DASD and, more particularly, on a partition of the DASD that is generally inaccessible to the operating system. The system may partition the system DASD into a user partition and a hidden partition where the hidden partition is preferably inaccessible to the operating system. BIOS extensions files are stored in the hidden partition. The system BIOS, when executed, identifies the peripheral devices on the system and interrogates the hidden partition for BIOS extension files corresponding to each of the identified devices. If the hidden partition contains a BIOS extension file corresponding to an identified peripheral device, the file is verified for authenticity. If the verification completes successfully, the BIOS extension file is copied into shadow RAM and control is passed to it. In one embodiment, each BIOS extension file are downloaded to the system's DASD using a standards-based update process that is independent of the vendor or adapter card type.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.