Method and apparatus for maintaining data integrity using a system management processor

A computer system that includes at least one system processor and a system management processor, the computer system comprising:

• a core logic chipset adapted to exchange data with the at least one system processor and the system management processor;
• at least one input/output device adapted to deliver input data from a user to the core logic chipset;
• a video graphics controller connected to the core logic chipset;
• a storage device that is adapted to store a set of target data;
• and
• wherein the system management processor is adapted to:
• detect a boot attempt of the computer system;
• place the at least one system processor in a reset state;
• determine whether the set of target data is valid or corrupted;
• attempt to repair the set of target data and then release the at least one system processor from the reset state if the set of target data is corrupted;
• and
• release the at least one system processor from the reset state if the set of target data is valid.

A process for maintaining the integrity of a set of target data in a computer system, the computer system having at least one system processor, the method comprising the acts of:

• detecting a boot attempt of the computer system;
• placing the at least one system processor in a reset state;
• determining whether the set of target data is valid or corrupted;
• attempting to repair the set of target data and then releasing the at least one system processor from the reset state if the set of target data is corrupted;
• and
• releasing the at least one system processor from the reset state if the set of target data is valid.