Method and apparatus for initializing a processor based device having a processor that controls an electrical load, such as a motor. The electrical load is initially operationally controlled using startup code executed by the processor. Processor control of the electrical load is next temporarily released so that the electrical load operates in an open control mode while the startup code is displaced with application code during a "brain transplant" operation. Processor operational control of the electrical load is thereafter resumed using the application code and the device is placed in an operational ready mode. The apparatus preferably comprises a data storage device and the electrical load preferably comprises a spindle motor configured to rotate a data storage medium on which the application code is stored, as well as an actuator motor which supports a data transducing head used to access the application code.