Method and apparatus to search for errors in a translation look-aside buffer

A method and apparatus for discovering errors in a translation look-aside buffer (TLB). The TLB comprises a content addressable memory (CAM) and a random access memory (RAM). The TLB contains additional logic to check for error when the TLB is not in normal use to translate from a first set of elements, stored as entries in the CAM, to a second set of elements, stored as entries in the RAM. If the TLB is not in normal use, a RAM entry is selected and checked for errors. If an error is detected in the RAM entry, the corresponding TLB entry is purged.