Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for reporting global errors in a logical partitioned data processing system having a plurality of partitions running different types operating systems. Responsive to detecting a global error, a unique identifier is assigned to the global error. The unique identifier is sent to a service focal point. The unique identifier also is sent to the partitions. Error information from the partitions is reported to the focal point. The partitions send error information to the focal point in association with the unique identifier. The focal point identifies error information sent from the partitions for the global error using the unique identifier.

Abstract: Hardware errors are stored in an error buffer for processing by one or more system partitions within a computer system. When errors are first placed in the buffer, an Already Reported Flag (ARF) is initialized to indicate that the error has not yet been reported to any of the system partitions. When one of the system partitions receives the corresponding error information by running a diagnostics routine, the ARF is set indicating that the error has been reported to at least one system partition. The system partition, in turn, uses the ARF information to determine how to handle the corresponding error. In an environment using a remote hardware service provider, the ARF determines whether to transmit the error information to the service provider. In environments without remote service providers, the ARF information is used to highlight newly reported errors to the user.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for reporting global errors in a logical partitioned data processing system having a plurality of partitions running different types operating systems. Responsive to detecting a global error, a unique identifier is assigned to the global error. The unique identifier is sent to a service focal point. The unique identifier also is sent to the partitions. Error information from the partitions is reported to the focal point. The partitions send error information to the focal point in association with the unique identifier. The focal point identifies error information sent from the partitions for the global error using the unique identifier.

Abstract: A method, system, and product in a computer system are described for reporting error events which occur within the computer system. The computer system includes multiple logical partitions. Each of the logical partitions includes a different one of multiple, different operating systems. A format is specified for reporting error events. An error event occurring within one of the logical partitions is detected. Information about the error event is formatted according to the specified format. Each operating system utilizes this format to report error events.

Abstract: According to a method form of the invention, in a computer system having a processing load distributed among a number of processors in the system, test computations are performed at intervals by floating point logic of a processor responsive to stored test instructions. Responsive to the test computations indicating an erroneous result by one of the processors information is passed by a firmware process and entered into an operating system error log. Responsive to the information, an operating system deconfiguration service is notified of the error log entry, and the service deconfigures the indicated processor, while the system is still running.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a diagnostic problem determination methodology for complex systems is provided. With the apparatus and method, a diagnostic application for a system may automatically invoke additional diagnostics for child devices and/or siblings of the child devices based on status of the child devices after testing the parent device. This allows for complete testing of a subsystem in a single diagnostic execution resulting in a more complete, accurate analysis of subsystems with complex configurations such as seen with redundant arrays of independent disk drive (RAID) systems.

Abstract: According to a method form of the invention, in a computer system having a processing load distributed among a number of processors in the system, test computations are performed at intervals by floating point logic of a processor responsive to stored test instructions. Responsive to the test computations indicating an erroneous result by one of the processors information is passed by a firmware process and entered into an operating system error log. Responsive to the information, an operating system deconfiguration service is notified of the error log entry, and the service deconfigures the indicated processor, while the system is still running.

Abstract: A method and system for performing problem determination procedures in a hierarchically organized computer system is provided. The hardware components of the data processing system are interconnected in a manner in which the components are organized in a logical hierarchy. A hardware-related error occurs, and the error is logged into an error log file. At some point in time, a diagnostics process is initiated in response to the detection of the error. The logged error may implicate a particular hardware component, and the hardware component of the data processing system is analyzed using a problem determination procedure. In response to a determination that the hardware component does not have a problem, the logically hierarchical parent hardware component of the hardware component is selected for analysis. The logically hierarchical parent hardware component is then analyzed using a problem determination procedure.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for performing a diagnostic problem determination methodology for complex systems is provided. With the apparatus and method, a diagnostic application for a system may automatically invoke additional diagnostics for child devices and/or siblings of the child devices based on status of the child devices after testing the parent device. This allows for complete testing of a subsystem in a single diagnostic execution resulting in a more complete, accurate analysis of subsystems with complex configurations such as seen with redundant arrays of independent disk drive (RAID) systems.

Abstract: Hardware errors are stored in an error buffer for processing by one or more system partitions within a computer system. When errors are first placed in the buffer, an Already Reported Flag (ARF) is initialized to indicate that the error has not yet been reported to any of the system partitions. When one of the system partitions receives the corresponding error information by running a diagnostics routine, the ARF is set indicating that the error has been reported to at least one system partition. The system partition, in turn, uses the ARF information to determine how to handle the corresponding error. In an environment using a remote hardware service provider, the ARF determines whether to transmit the error information to the service provider. In environments without remote service providers, the ARF information is used to highlight newly reported errors to the user.

Abstract: A method, system, and product in a computer system are described for reporting error events which occur within the computer system. The computer system includes multiple logical partitions. Each of the logical partitions includes a different one of multiple, different operating systems. A format is specified for reporting error events. An error event occurring within one of the logical partitions is detected. Information about the error event is formatted according to the specified format. Each operating system utilizes this format to report error events.

Abstract: A method and system for eliminating duplicate reported errors in a logically partitioned multiprocessing system is disclosed. The method and system comprise providing a single source for receiving a plurality of related globally reported errors; and filtering the plurality of related globally reported errors such that only one call for service is provided. Accordingly, through the use of a system and method in accordance with the present invention when a global fault is reported by several OS partitions only one call for service is initiated from the hardware console. In so doing, a service representative will not make repeated calls for the same reported fault. Moreover, in the case that a different service representative is responsible for different partitions only one of the representatives will respond to the fault report.

Abstract: A method for handling a log repair action in a logically partitioned (LPAR) multiprocessing system is disclosed. The LPAR multiprocessing system includes a plurality of partitions. The method and system comprise recording the log repair action on one of the plurality of partitions. The method and system further include sending the recording of the log repair action to a single log repair action source, the recording including the log repair action and the partition identifier of the one of the plurality of partitions. The method and system further includes sending the log repair action to each of the other of the plurality of partitions from the single service. Accordingly, a system and method in accordance with the present invention solves the problem of having to perform the same action in multiple partitions by using a notification scheme with a single focal point of control.

Abstract: A data processing system is provided with an electronic key for remote designation of the computer system into a service, secure, or normal/run mode of operation. Such a remote designation is enabled when a physical or manual key is set to a normal/run mode of operation. Setting of the electronic key to a service mode permits remote access to the system for maintenance or debug operations.