Method and system for boot-time deconfiguration of a memory in a processing system

Abstract

A method and system for deconfiguring software in a processing system is disclosed. In one aspect, a processing system comprises a central processing unit (CPU), and a memory coupled to the CPU. The memory includes a memory array and a memory controller for capturing information concerning the status of the memory array. The processing system includes a service processor for gathering and analyzing status information from the memory controller. The processing system also includes a nonvolatile device coupled to the CPU and the service processor. The nonvolatile device includes a deconfiguration area. The deconfiguration area stores information concerning the status of the memory array from the service processor. The deconfiguration area also provides information for deconfiguring at least a portion of the memory array during a boot time of the processing system. Accordingly, through the present invention, memory errors are detected during normal computer operations by error detection logic. This detection is utilized during any subsequent boot process by service processor and CPU boot firmware to deallocate the defective memory module. This is accomplished through the use of error status registers within the memory controller and through the use of a deconfiguration area in the nonvolatile device which provides information directly to the CPU boot firmware.