A method is disclosed for authenticating a gaming device, wherein the gaming device includes a plurality of components, one of which is a storage device. The method includes: starting up the gaming device; authenticating a data file stored on the storage device, wherein the authenticating comprises: opening and reading a file allocation structure in a storage device using a file allocation reader; processing the file allocation structure using a processor to provide access to files stored in the storage device, wherein the files in the storage device include installed identification data from one or more selected gaming units as to components actually installed on the selected gaming units, and wherein the files also include registered identification data for components supposed to be installed on the selected gaming units, each component including hardware components and software components, and each gaming unit including multiple components with identification data; and examining the installed identification data and registered identification data to determine enablement of the gaming units.