Abstract: This mechanism preserves the identity of the first error condition which is capable of causing a machine check even though other such conditions may have occurred before the data processing machine has stopped. After the first machine check condition has been examined, the remaining conditions, if any, will be examined in accordance with a predetermined priority irrespective of the time sequence in which they occur.

Abstract: A mechanism is provided for saving substantial time when a service processor needs to communicate with one of a plurality of satellite devices, but does not know the identity of the specific device. The service processor, through an intermediate adapter, issues a command which addresses the class of devices. The adapter redirects the command to the specific device, and concatenates the response from that device along with the device's identity and forwards this to the service processor. Further communication between the service processor and the specific device can then take place directly.