Patent ID: 6779132
Filing Date: 2004-08-17
Classification: G06F

Abstract:
A method of fault handling in a data processing system comprising the steps of:A) detecting a first fault; B) determining a fault number for the first fault; C) indexing into a fault vector pointer table with the fault number as an index into the fault vector point table to select a fault vector pointer table entry; D) utilizing the fault vector pointer table entry as a first pointer to access a first entry descriptor describing a first fault routine; E) validating the first entry descriptor; F) when the first entry descriptor is valid, entering and completing the first fault routine; G) when the first entry descriptor is invalid, accessing a second entry descriptor describing a backup fault routine; H) validating the second entry descriptor; I) when the second entry descriptor is valid, entering and completing the backup fault routine; J) when the second entry descriptor is invalid: 1) resetting the fault flags; 2) copying to a reserved memory: a) instruction counter and indicators; b) fault word from safe store frame; c) instruction segment register; base and bounds; and d) working space registers; 3) setting the working space registers to 0; 4) transferring control to an intercept process in the reserved memory for further processing thereunder; and under control of the intercept process:K) undertaking to build a stable environment for an operating system dump by: 1) reloading fault entry descriptors; and 2) reloading hardware registers necessary to achieve a stable environment; L) determining if enough valid information is available in reserved memory to effect an operating system dump; and M) if enough valid information is available in reserved memory to effect an operating system dump, then: 1) carrying out the dump; and 2) effecting a normal operating system restart.