Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing a set of I/O subsystems. Previously stored I/O subsystem information is compared to current I/O subsystem information collected from the set of I/O subsystems. The I/O subsystem information includes addresses associated with unique identifiers. Information in the set of subsystems is recorrelated if a mismatch is present between the previously stored I/O subsystem information and the current I/O subsystem information in the set of subsystems.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a host computer using a service processor is provided. A shared nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) area is used to store progress information from the host computer system. The host computer system writes progress information corresponding to the initialization step being performed to the shared NVRAM and also updates a host pointer in the NVRAM. The service processor reads the shared NVRAM and compares its pointer with the host pointer to determine whether new host initialization activity has been reported. The service processor sets a timer so that if host activity is not reported during a set amount of time an error condition occurs causing the service processor to handle the host computer error. An optional service processor routine determines whether the host computer is stuck in an initialization loop whereupon the service processor once again handles the host computer error.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for synchronizing device, node, and drawer addresses between two networks within a data processing system is provided. In one embodiment, a service processor assigns a plurality of SPCN addresses to each of a plurality of devices in the data processing system. System firmware then determines the RIO addresses corresponding to the plurality of devices. If one of the SPCN addresses is not the same as the RIO address for the corresponding device, node, or drawer, then the service processor reassigns a new SPCN address to the corresponding device, node, or drawer such that the new SPCN address is identical to the RIO address for a corresponding device, node, or drawer.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for updating firmware in a data processing system as a background operation allowing a user to utilize the computer for other purposes during the update process is provided. In one embodiment, after an operating system has been loaded and control has been transferred from the service processor to the host, the service processor determines whether the level of a firmware copy on a system component, such as an SPCN card, matches the current level of firmware stored on a non-volatile memory accessible to the service processor. If the level of the firmware copy in the component is different from the current level, the service processor transfers the current level of firmware from the non-volatile memory accessible to the service processor to the system component.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for simulated error injection for processor deconfiguration design verification is provided. A simulated error condition request is received from a user through software, such as the operating system executing in the multiprocessor data processing system. In response to the requested simulated error condition, an error condition is injected into a processor of the multiprocessor data processing system via instruction execution. In response to the detection of the error condition and execution of error-path code, a processor is deconfigured. The error condition may be injected by executing an instruction to set an error condition bit in an error condition register.

Abstract: A data processing system and method are disclosed for displaying a graphical depiction of the system configuration of the data processing system. Execution of a boot process of the data processing system is started. Prior to a completion of the boot process, a configuration of the data processing system is determined by the system itself. A graphical depiction of the configuration is then generated. The graphical depiction is then graphically displayed utilizing a display screen which is included in the data processing system. The graphical depiction illustrates each device included in the system as well as how the devices are interconnected. Thereafter, the execution of the boot process is completed. The steps of determining a configuration, generating a graphical depiction, and graphically displaying the graphical depiction are completed prior to completing the booting the data processing system, and thus prior to an operating system being executed by the data processing system.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for managing a set of I/O subsystems. Previously stored I/O subsystem information is compared to current I/O subsystem information collected from the set of I/O subsystems. The I/O subsystem information includes addresses associated with unique identifiers. Information in the set of subsystems is recorrelated if a mismatch is present between the previously stored I/O subsystem information and the current I/O subsystem information in the set of subsystems.

Abstract: A system and method for monitoring a host computer using a service processor is provided. A shared nonvolatile random access memory (NVRAM) area is used to store progress information from the host computer system. The host computer system writes progress information corresponding to the initialization step being performed to the shared NVRAM and also updates a host pointer in the NVRAM. The service processor reads the shared NVRAM and compares its pointer with the host pointer to determine whether new host initialization activity has been reported. The service processor sets a timer so that if host activity is not reported during a set amount of time an error condition occurs causing the service processor to handle the host computer error. An optional service processor routine determines whether the host computer is stuck in an initialization loop whereupon the service processor once again handles the host computer error.

Abstract: In a display computer with multiple serial ports, there is provided an on-screen facility for identifying each of the serial ports with a numerical identifier. A process is provided responsive to a change in the status of a connection to any serial port that displays the identifier for that serial port. The change in status takes place when connecting to the serial port. The process may be effectively used in systems having their serial ports extended through a universal serial bus. The identifiers for the serial ports may be stored in a look-up table from which the appropriate identifier may be obtained and displayed upon the connection of a peripheral device to a serial port. Among the many advantages of this on-screen serial port identification is the assurance that the user will not be confused or obstructed by any errors in the physical labelling of serial ports in the manufacture or assembly of computer hardware.

Abstract: A method and system for unattended boot sequencing is provided. A data processing system is powered on, and a boot mode menu is retrieved and displayed for a user. The user selects a boot mode from the boot mode menu, and the selected boot mode is stored in non-volatile memory. The system boot process is then initiated. At a subsequent point in time, the system boot process is able to execute the boot mode selected by the user. The selected boot mode is retrieved, and the selected boot mode process is then executed. The initial display and selection of a boot mode may be performed by a service processor or service firmware in a multiprocessor system.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program for updating firmware in a data processing system as a background operation allowing a user to utilize the computer for other purposes during the update process is provided. In one embodiment, after an operating system has been loaded and control has been transferred from the service processor to the host, the service processor determines whether the level of a firmware copy on a system component, such as an SPCN card, matches the current level of firmware stored on a non-volatile memory accessible to the service processor. If the level of the firmware copy in the component is different from the current level, the service processor transfers the current level of firmware from the non-volatile memory accessible to the service processor to the system component.

Abstract: A data processing system includes a plurality of components, a power control network, processing resources, and a memory that contains initialization firmware. At system startup, the power control network initiates supply of power to the plurality of components and collects information regarding which components are supplied power. In addition, the initialization firmware initializes the plurality of components to establish a configuration. If an ambiguity in the configuration arises, the initialization firmware resolves the ambiguity utilizing the information collected by the power control network.