A multi-boot apparatus allows a portable computer to boot from a predetermined list of bootable data storage devices, even if the data storage devices have been relocated during operation. The computer system has a hard disk bay and multi-bay for accepting one or more data storage devices and/or battery packs. During initialization, the invention retrieves a previously entered IPL sequence from a configuration setup table stored in the nonvolatile RAM of the portable computer. Next, the invention queries each bay and determines the device connected to each bay, including the data storage device and the battery pack, if one is present. The invention then determines if a remapping of the data storage drives is necessary to ensure that the device at the beginning of the IPL order is the first drive in the BIOS boot sequence. If so, the invention remaps the drives such that the device is at the first drive in the BIOS boot sequence. After booting, the invention allows the user to modify the IPL sequence using a plug and play application programming interface (PnP API) and to enable/disable the multi-boot functionality if so desired. The invention also determines the disk drive containing a hibernation file by assuming that the hibernation file will reside on the disk in the hard-disk bay because of the chance that the disk will be removed is less than that of a disk located in one of the multi-bay. Thus, by treating the hard disk bay and the multi-bay as devices in accordance with the predetermined IPL order and by performing automatic device sensing and remapping if necessary, the present invention allows the user to dynamically insert and remove data storage devices without requiring the user to update the IPL order.