Patent ID: 6574748
Filing Date: 2003-06-03
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of swapping a replacement processor for a failing processor in a computer system with a plurality of processors, wherein said replacement processor is included as one of said plurality of processors, wherein:said method comprises: A) receiving a fault indication in a first of the plurality of processors as the failing processor in response to a failure by the failing processor to execute a failed instruction in an instruction stream; B) saving a set of registers and environmental information for the failing processor in a shared memory, shared by said plurality of processors which includes said replacement processor; C) selecting a second of the plurality of processors as the replacement processor, wherein: the replacement processor was not assigned prior to the selecting, and wherein; the step of selecting gives preference to a replacement processor sharing said shared memory with the failing processor over other replacement processors D) restoring the set of registers and environmental information to the replacement processor from the shared memory; and E) executing the instruction stream by the replacement processor starting with the failed instruction.