A storage system comprises a non-volatile memory configured to store boot code and a control circuit connected to the non-volatile memory. In response to a first request from a host to transmit the boot code, the storage system commences transmission of the boot code to the host at a first transmission speed. Before successfully completing the transmission of the boot code to the host at the first transmission speed, it is determined the boot code transmission has failed. Therefore, the host will issue a second request for the boot code. In response to the second request for the boot code, and recognizing that this is a fallback condition because the previous transmission of the boot code failed, the storage apparatus re-transmits the boot code to the host at a lower transmission speed than the first transmission speed.