Abstract: A method for checkpointing a system that includes receiving a stop command by an executing thread from a master, wherein the executing thread executes an operating system, continuing execution of the executing thread until a checkpoint is reached after receiving the stop command, halting execution of the executing thread at the checkpoint, and checkpointing the system by storing a state and a snapshot of memory.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention provides a system that detects a failure sequence that leads to undesirable computer system behavior and that subsequently takes a corresponding remedial action. During operation, the system receives instrumentation signals from the computer system while the computer system is operating. The system then uses these instrumentation signals to determine if the computer system is in a failure sequence that is likely to lead to undesirable system behavior, such as a system crash, wherein the determination involves considering predetermined multivariate correlations between multiple instrumentation signals and a failure sequence that is likely to lead to undesirable system behavior. Next, if the computer system is in a failure sequence that is likely to lead to undesirable system behavior, the system takes a remedial action.