An automotive diagnostic tool and method for accessing user configuration data and retrieving vehicle diagnostic data for read/write mode and storage. The diagnostic tool comprises a processor and a non-volatile memory coupled with the processor for storing data as continuously arranged data. The tool further comprises a main memory coupled with the processor for access and transfer of the data between the main memory and the non-volatile memory. The main memory is configured such that the continuously arranged data can be accessed from the non-volatile memory and stored in the main memory as the read/write data in a file system format. The main memory is further configured such that the read/write data can be transferred from the main memory to the non-volatile memory for storage as continuously arranged data.