Data processing system diagnostics

A method of performing remotely-initiated diagnostic testing of a data processing system, the data processing system including non-volatile memory for storing diagnostics testing code operable to perform diagnostics testing on the data processing system, the method comprising steps of:

• in response to a command from a remote computer system requesting performance of diagnostics testing, setting diagnostic indicator means in the data processing system;
• on power-on of the data processing system, checking a status of the indicator means;
• and
• on a determination that the indicator means is set, executing the diagnostics testing code.

A data processing system comprising:

• a non-volatile memory having code stored therein for performing diagnostics testing on portions of said data processing system;
• remote controller means for setting a diagnostic test indicator on said data processing system,;
• and
• means to check during power-on, the status of said diagnostic test indicator and on a determination that diagnostics test indicator has been set, to cause the execution of said diagnostics testing code from said non-volatile memory, wherein said non-volatile memory further comprising means for storing results generated during execution of said diagnostics testing code.