Abstract: A method, apparatus and computer instructions for handling exception vectors by firmware. An exception vector is identified to form an identified exception vector when control is passed from an operating system to the firmware. The identified exception vector is saved to form a saved exception vector. The identified exception vector is then replaced with a substitute vector; and the saved exception vector is restored when control is returned to the operating system to form a restored exception vector. At that point, the restored exception vector is again used to perform error and debugging processes.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for generating a hardware interrupt to the operating system in response to detecting a presence of the event in the platform. The event is stored in a partition queue associated with a partition firmware in response to the presence of the event. The event is identified in the partition queue, in response to receiving a request to check the hardware interrupt in the partition firmware. The event is processed in response to identifying the event.

Abstract: A method, apparatus, and computer instructions for updating partition firmware in a logical partitioned data processing system. A first module in the partition firmware for a partition within a set of partitions is loaded. The first module provides an interface for receiving calls from an operating system in the partition. A second module in the partition firmware for the partition is loaded. The second module is loaded by the first module, and the second module provides a plurality of functions. Calls received at the interface of the first module are routed to the second module. The second module executes functions in response to the calls. A new second module may be loaded while the original second module continues to execute. Thereafter, the new second module may begin execution with the original second module being terminated.

Abstract: A method, system, and apparatus for managing a failed input/output adapter within a data processing system is provided. In one embodiment, an operating system handler receives an indication that one of a plurality of input/output adapters has failed. The operating system handler consults an error log to determine which input/output adapter has failed. Once the bad input/output adapter has been determined, the operating system handler disables the bad input/output adapter and deallocates any processes bound for the bad input/output adapter without powering down the data processing system. A user is then notified of the bad input/output adapter so that the bad input/output adapter can be replaced. The input/output adapter may be replaced without powering down the data processing system. Once the bad input/output adapter has been replace, the new input/output adapter is enabled.

Abstract: A method and system for functional kernel verification testing within a data processing system is described. The method and system of the present invention performs imbedded functional verification test suites on selected kernel components within the data processing system when system administrator kernel component power-on self tests are required during an operating system boot operation. When an error is detected during the imbedded functional verification testing for a selected kernel component, it is reported based on the severity level. For a low or minor functional error, a warning is sent to the user and for a high or major functional error, the data processing system is immediately halted and a service call is generated. Additionally, to correct for the functional error, the data processing system may be enabled to de-install the most recent update of the kernel component.

Abstract: Accordingly, provided is an apparatus and method for generating a computer system interrupt emulation having the effect of a hardwired interrupt. A service processor with a test circuit interface can be coupled to an integrated circuit, which has a test circuit with an access to a register of the integrated circuit. A program, executable by the processor, responds to an interrupt request by instructing the processor to save a system state of the integrated circuit and to set a system state of the integrated circuit. The method for emulating an interrupt of an integrated circuit provides for receiving an interrupt request. A register of an integrated circuit is then accessed through a test circuit of the integrated circuit. The contents of the register are saved to a storage location, and the register is then set to a state responsive to the interrupt request. The interrupt request may be made locally or remotely.