Patent ID: 6018800
Filing Date: 2000-01-25
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method for ensuring secure delivery of a computer system to a customer, the computer system having a motherboard with a processor, a read-only memory, and a programmable read-only memory, the method comprising:encoding onto the read-only memory an identification number for the computer system;sending the computer system to the customer via a first delivery channel;sending the identification number for the computer system to the customer via a second delivery channel;when the computer system is initially booted after being sent,prompting for input of the identification number for the computer system;receiving as input an identification number for the computer system;when the received identification number matches the identification number encoded on the read-only memory, storing an indication of the match in the programmable read-only memory indicating that the identification number has been verified to be correct so that the computer system operates normally thereafter; andwhen the received identification number does not match the identification number encoded on the read-only memory, performing a security measure to ensure that the computer system operates abnormally thereafterwhereby the computer system and the identification number are sent separately to reduce the possibility of an unintended recipient receiving both the computer system and the identification number and whereby if an unintended recipient receives the computer system and not the identification number, the computer system operates abnormally.