An apparatus and method are disclosed for reloading software images. A copy module copies application metadata for an application image to an application metadata copy. The application metadata and application image are stored on a writable memory of a data processing device. The application metadata copy is stored remotely from the data processing device. A detection module detects an operational anomaly. An erasure module erases at least the application image on the writeable memory in response to detecting the operational anomaly. An identification module identifies the application image from the application metadata copy. A reload module reloads the application image to the writable memory using the application metadata copy.