US5894571A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Process for configuring software in a build-to-order computer system
Assignee: Dell USA LP
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Filing: 1995-08-14
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Granted: 1999-04-13
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Expires: 2015-08-14
Abstract
Abstract A process for manufacturing a computer system, including a selected hardware configuration and a selected software configuration, utilizes a CD-ROM writer connected to a manufacturing system network to select and write a custom software configuration to a CD-ROM. The CD-ROM is used to install the selected software configuration onto a custom hardware configuration and to subsequently serve as a permanent backup copy of the software configuration. The CD-ROM is written with an identifier of the specific computer hardware assembled in the manufacturing process and the identification written to the CD-ROM is checked when the software is loaded from the CD-ROM onto the computer so that the software is only accessible to the specified computer hardware.
Inventors
- 👤 Clint H. O'Connor
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-11-04 06:50
CPC Classifications
G; G06; G06F; G06F21/00; G06F8/00; G06F8/60; G06F8/61; G06F8/63; G06F2211/00; G06F2211/1097
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 8
Claim 1
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of configuring software of a computer system comprising the steps of: receiving a customer order for computer system, the customer order including a list of hardware configuration components and a list of software configuration components; assembling hardware components designated by the list of hardware configuration components; recording software components designated by the list of software configuration components on a CD-ROM, the CD-ROM providing the customer the capability to exactly restore the ordered software configuration components; and loading software components from the CD-ROM onto the assembled hardware components to ensure that the computer system includes the ordered software configuration components.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
101 words
A method of configuring software of a computer system comprising the steps of: receiving a customer order for computer system, the customer order including a list of hardware configuration components and a list of software configuration components; assembling hardware components designated by the list of hardware configuration components; recording software components designated by the list of software configuration components on a CD-ROM, the CD-ROM providing the customer the capability to exactly restore the ordered software configuration components; and loading software components from the CD-ROM onto the assembled hardware components to ensure that the computer system includes the ordered software configuration components.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
26 words
A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of: shipping the assembled hardware components and loaded software components and the CD-ROM to the customer.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
24 words
A method according to claim 1 further comprising the step of: retaining the list of software configuration components for subsequent replacement of the CD-ROM.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
27 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the software components are selected from a group including: BIOS files, operating systems, drivers, utilities, application software and vendor software.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
72 words
A method according to claim 1 further comprising the steps of: assigning an identification number to the assembled hardware components; storing the identification number in the assembled hardware components; writing the identification number to the CD-ROM; programming a CD-ROM bootstrap process to compare the identification number written to the CD-ROM with the identification number stored in the assembled hardware components and to complete the bootstrap operation only if the identification numbers match.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
22 words
A method according to claim 1 wherein the hardware components assembling step and the software components recording step are performed in parallel.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
42 words
A method according to claim 1 further comprising the steps of: verifying that the list of software configuration components is compatible with the list of hardware configuration components; and terminating the software-configuring method if the software list and hardware list are incompatible.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2002-04-12 | 2002-10-12 | 2003-04-13 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2006-04-12 | 2006-10-12 | 2007-04-13 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2010-04-12 | 2010-10-12 | 2011-04-13 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |