Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method comprises detecting loss of lockstep (LOL) for a processor in a multi-processor system. The method further comprises determining that the processor for which the LOL is detected is assigned the role of boot processor, and switching the role of boot processor to a spare processor without shutting down the system's operating system. In another embodiment, a method comprises system firmware determining that an LOL is detected for a lockstep pair of processors that are assigned the role of boot processor in a system. The method further comprises determining one of the lockstep pair of processors that is not the cause of the LOL, and copying the state of the determined one of the lockstep pair of processors that is not the cause of the LOL to a spare processor. The method further comprises switching the role of boot processor to the spare processor.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method comprises detecting a loss of lockstep (LOL) for a processor module. The method further comprises determining a type of LOL that is detected, and, based at least in part on the determined type of LOL, determining a responsive action to take for the LOL. According to one embodiment, a method comprises detecting a loss of lockstep (LOL) for a processor module. The method further comprises using information identifying at least one of type of the detected LOL and source of the detected LOL to determine a responsive action to take for the LOL.

Abstract: According to at least one embodiment, a method comprises detecting loss of lockstep for a pair of processors. The method further comprises triggering, by firmware, an operating system to idle the processors, and recovering, by the firmware, lockstep between the pair of processors. After lockstep is recovered between the pair of processors, the method further comprises triggering, by the firmware, the operating system to recognize the processors as being available for receiving instructions.

Abstract: According to one embodiment, a method comprises assigning a first processor of a multi-processor system a role of spare processor for at least a second processor, and responsive to detecting loss of lockstep (LOL) for any of the at least a second processor, the first processor replaces the processor for which the LOL is detected. The method further comprises reestablishing lockstep for the processor for which the LOL is detected, and assigning the processor having its lockstep reestablished the role of spare processor for at least the first processor.

Abstract: A system comprises a processor module that supports lockstep mode of operation. The system further comprises non-volatile data storage having stored thereto configuration information specifying whether the processor module is desired to operate in lockstep mode. A method comprises storing configuration information to non-volatile data storage of a system, wherein the configuration information specifies whether lockstep mode of operation is desired to be enabled or disabled for a processor module of the system. The method further comprises causing, by the system, the processor module to have its lockstep mode enabled or disabled as specified by the configuration information.