A method for automatically detecting an attempted invalid access to a memory address in accordance with an exemplary embodiment is provided. The method includes reading a first data set having a software application name and a memory address stored therein utilizing the mainframe computer. The memory address indicates a portion of a memory that is not allowed to be changed. The method further includes detecting when a software application is attempting to access the memory address and setting a first bit in the memory to a first value in response to the detection utilizing the mainframe computer. The method further includes storing a name of the software application, the memory address, and contents of the portion of the memory specified by the memory address, in a second data set, when the first bit has the first value utilizing the mainframe computer. The method further includes displaying an error message on a display device when the first bit has the first value.