Method and apparatus for validating system operation

A method and apparatus for providing system operation validation is disclosed. The method and apparatus for validation operates within a computer system comprising a central processing unit coupled to a programmable memory, and to a system device. The programmable memory may store programs and instructions executable on the CPU and a non-volatile memory is also provided for access by the CPU. The system operation validation is provided by a chip identifier located within a device memory within the system device, which memory also serves as a chip identifier register. Selected information stored within the non-volatile memory is used, along with the chip identifier, to generate a first encryption code associated with the system device. An encryption key is used to generate a second encryption code associated with the computer system. The first and second encryption codes are matched to provide a first level system operation validation. A second chip identifier is generated, which identifier is associated with the computer system. Both chip identifiers are compared to provide a second level system operation validation.