The current state of the attached client device. In order to function normally, the device must be in the 'attached' state. Quiescent states: attached = device is ready for normal use detached = device is stopped minimal = driver loaded but firmware needs updating error = device is not working properly Transitional states: attaching = device is initializing scanning = part of device initialization detaching = device is stopping formatting = the format operation is in process updating = the firmware is being updated Operations: attach = make device operational detach = take device off-line format = re-formats device update = firmware update Device state must be minimal or detached to update the firmware and must be detached in order format.