Method and apparatus for recovering from corrupted system firmware in a computer system

A computer system that includes at least one system processor and a system management processor, the at least one system processor adapted to execute a system BIOS beginning at a starting address, 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 chip set;
• a storage device that is adapted to store the system BIOS;
• and
• wherein the system management processor is adapted to:
• detect a boot attempt of the computer system;
• initiate a countdown from a starting point to an expiration point responsive to detecting a boot attempt;
• if the countdown reaches the expiration point:
• place the at least one system processor in a reset state;
• provide a starting address of an alternate system BIOS to the at least one system processor;
• and
• release the at least one system processor from the reset state;
• and
• if the countdown is stopped before reaching the expiration point:
• allow the at least one system processor to continue executing without placing the at least one system processor in the reset state.

A process for allowing a computer system to execute an alternate system BIOS after a failed attempt to execute a primary system BIOS, the computer system having at least one system processor, the method comprising the acts of:

• detecting a boot attempt of the computer system;
• initiating a countdown from a starting point to an expiration point responsive to detecting a boot attempt;
• if the countdown reaches the expiration point:
• placing the at least one system processor in a reset state;
• providing a starting address of the alternate system BIOS to the at least one system processor;
• and
• releasing the at least one system processor from the reset state;
• and
• if the countdown is stopped before reaching the expiration point:
• allowing the at least one system processor to continue executing without placing the at least one system processor in the reset state.