A computer system warranty upgrade method and apparatus are provided. The computer system is programmed to detect a change in its configuration such as when new components are installed. When such a configuration change is detected, the computer system sends a warranty upgrade request including configuration information to a remote warranty server computer. The warranty server prepares a warranty price quote specific to the particular configuration of the requesting computer. When the quoted price is paid, the warranty server digitally signs and transmits a warranty authorization to the requesting computer. The warranty authorization includes warranty type, duration, the specific configuration warranted and an identification number unique to the requesting computer. These data are authenticated and validated by a secure processor in the requesting computer. After validation, the verified data is stored in secure storage by the secure processor.