Final answer:
In protected mode, attempting to execute the CLI (Clear Interrupt Flag) instruction at a privilege level other than 0 will cause a general protection fault, leading to the termination of the program.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a program running in protected mode attempts to execute the CLI (Clear Interrupt Flag) instruction, the outcome would vary depending on the privilege level of the currently executing code. In protected mode, the CPU operates with different privilege levels, ranging from 0 (highest) to 3 (lowest). The CLI instruction is a privileged instruction, meaning it can only be executed when the current privilege level (CPL) is 0, also known as ring 0.
When a program that is running at a higher privilege level (such as 1, 2, or 3) tries to execute the CLI instruction, it will cause a general protection fault because the instruction is reserved for ring 0 use only. The operating system handles this fault, which typically results in the termination of the program to prevent it from performing potentially harmful operations to the system.