FIG. 9 shows an illustrative state diagram including operational steps for installing executable code in a processor such as a system processor, according to an embodiment. The state diagram of FIG. 9 may, for example, be implemented in step 816 of FIG. 8. In one embodiment, the operational steps reflected by the state diagram of FIG. 9 may be implemented by a software install module and can be used when updating software in one or more processors. Discussion of FIG. 9 begins by discussing a successful installation, followed by discussion of recovering from an unsuccessful installation, and finishing with an installation failure. The installation process may begin at step 902 when an install command is received from a source (not shown). At step 902, the install module, which may be, e.g., a sub-module of software update module 510, may prepare a processor (such as the first processor discussed above) for executable code installation. This may involve determining which code portion contained within an image of the NVM that should be installed. If the preparation is successful, the install module proceeds to step 904. If the preparation is not successful, the install module proceeds to idle step 906, during which another install command may be received by the installer.
