A system and method is provided to allow a computer network system to keep a device in a powered off state over a power cycle. A service processor stores the power state information or power mask corresponding to the field replaceable unit (FRU) slots in a non-volatile storage location. As a result, after the system has been powered off and on, the power mask information is retained. Accordingly, a hotswap controller may then retrieve the power mask from storage to determine whether a given FRU should be powered on or kept in a powered off state. Depending on the power mask, the service processor will not power on the FRU if the power mask indicates that the device should remain in a powered off state. A management entity may update the power mask information depending on predetermined parameters or the condition of the FRU. As a result, a power mask may be maintained for several power cycles to keep a device in a powered off state.