Method and apparatus for ensuring the recoverability of vital data in a data processing system

摘要

A method and apparatus for ensuring the recoverability of vital data in a data processing system. Vital data (30), such as manufacturer code, serial number or configuration data, is stored as a plurality of binary bits at a first address (32-000) within a memory associated with the data processing system. The vital data is then stored at a second address (32-111) within memory in a logically inverted form such that data line errors present in memory interface may be overcome by reading the vital data from the second address. In one embodiment of the present invention vital data is stored at a second address which is a logical inverse of the first address. In this manner address line errors may be overcome by reading the vital data from the second address.