A method and system for overriding state information programmed into a processor using an application programming interface (API) avoids introducing error conditions in the processor. An override monitor unit within the processor stores the programmed state for any setting that is overridden so that the programmed state can be restored when the error condition no longer exists. The override monitor unit overrides the programmed state by forcing the setting to a legal value that does not cause an error condition. The processor is able to continue operating without notifying a device driver that an error condition has occurred since the error condition is avoided.