Abstract: Methods are provided for detecting the validity of configuration data and recovering configuration data in a computer system. A layout of present configuration data is detected in the computer system. The present configuration data is stored in a memory device which may be a non-volatile random access memory (“NVRAM”) device. Next, a layout of updated configuration data for the computer system is detected. The updated configuration data is stored within program code, such as a BIOS, which includes an updated configuration for the computer system. Next, the layout of the present configuration data is compared to the layout of the updated configuration data in the computer system. If the layout of the present configuration data matches the layout of the updated configuration data, then it is determined that the present configuration data is valid configuration data for the computer system.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for detecting invalid function calls between segments during the generation of a computer program. A source file and a fixup source file are created for a program file. The source file defines segments in the program file. The fixup source file defines the segments defined in the source file to be a predetermined size. Next, the program file, the source file, and the fixup source file are assembled to create a program object, a source object, and a fixup object. A source library and a fixup library are created from the source object and the fixup object. The program object is linked with the fixup library to generate a dummy output file. During the generation of the dummy output file, a determination is made as to whether an invalid function call is made between the plurality of segments defined in the fixup library. If it is determined that an invalid function call is made between the segments defined in the fixup library, then an error is reported in the dummy output file.