Error recovery by isolation of peripheral components in a data processing system

A computer implemented method, comprising the steps of:

• providing a plurality of feature cards for implementing data processing functions;
• identifying a particular one of said plurality of feature cards which has issued an error signal;
• utilizing a controllable bridge interface, connected between an I/O bus and at least one of the plurality of feature cards, to prevent said error signal, issued by said particular one of said plurality of feature cards, from being transmitted to said I/O bus, wherein the controllable bridge interface prevents said error signal from being transmitted to said I/O bus by isolating said particular one of said plurality of feature cards from said I/O bus;
• and
• resetting said particular one of said plurality of feature cards while the remaining plurality of feature cards continue data processing activities.

A computer system having a cover that encloses the system, the computer system comprising:

• a processor;
• an I/O bus connected to said processor;
• a bridge chip connected to said I/O bus;
• a mezzanine bus connected to said bridge chip;
• at least one I/O slot, electrically connected to said mezzanine bus, for receiving a feature card;
• and
• means for changing a hardware configuration of the computer system by deactivating said at least one I/O slot while said processor concurrently performs data processing operations, and while said I/O bus continues to operate, and wherein said means for changing includes means for interchanging the feature card without removing the cover from the computer system.