A method, an apparatus, and a computer program are provided to secure
diagnostic software from a software or hardware manufacturer for a
computer. Traditionally, diagnostic software was distributed to
professionals and other personnel in limited numbers. However, it was
still possible to obtain unauthorized copies of the diagnostic software.
Therefore, to alleviate the possibility of having unauthorized copies, a
Universal Serial Bus (USB) memory device containing identification number
can be used and a hidden partition that is inaccessible by an end-user
where an encrypted version of the identification number is stored. In
order to use diagnostic software, the specific USB memory device must be
physically interfacing a computer. Hence, by limiting the number of USB
memory devices, unauthorized copies can be prevented.