A system and method for implementing a fast reset of a computer system is described.
In one implementation, the fast reset is implemented by adding a new ResetType
to the EFIResetSystem( ) function. In particular, a third ResetType, i.e., "EfiResetFast"
(FAST option), is added, which is passed as a parameter when calling the EFIResetSystem(
) function. In another implementation, the fast reset is implemented using a new
EFI function, referred to herein as "EFIResetFast( )". In either implementation,
in response to a fast reset, the firmware skips several steps typically performed,
including some of the core firmware construction, single cell initialization, memory
testing, memory re-initialization, and partition creation, and proceeds directly
to transfer of control of the platform to a software interface disposed between
an OS and firmware.