Abstract: A microprocessor based system, such as a Personal Computer (PC), server, router, word processor or like devices, includes circuit arrangement that monitors the processor for a heartbeat pulse. If the heartbeat pulse is not sensed within a specified time interval the circuit arrangement issues a Soft Reset signal (Unmasked Interrupt) that causes the microprocessor to execute a program that logs the current state of selected entities within the system and a Hard Reset Pulse that resets the system hardware. The log can be used to identify the cause of a problem, whereas the Hard Reset causes the system to reboot and continue normal operation.