Patent ID: 7587613

Claim:
A method for selectively enabling a microprocessor based system, comprising: obtaining state information describing at least one microprocessor based system operating condition; determining at least one valid hash value; obtaining candidate authorization information from a user of said microprocessor based system; generating a candidate hash value by applying a hashing algorithm to at least said candidate authorization information and said state information describing at least one microprocessor based system operating condition; comparing said candidate hash value and said at least one valid hash value; enabling said microprocessor based system if said candidate hash value matches said at least one valid hash value; after said enabling said microprocessor-based system if said candidate hash value matches said at least one valid hash value, periodically checking for a reset condition; and if said reset condition is detected: executing a power-down sequence; waiting for a power-up condition; and upon detecting said power-up condition, executing a power-up sequence.