IBM xSeries 236 POST/BIOS Flash Disk Version 1.04 (Build ID NRJT26A) Installation README File CONTENTS ________ 1.0 Overview 2.0 Change History 3.0 Installation and Setup Instructions 4.0 Configuration Information 5.0 Unattended Mode 6.0 Web Sites and Support Phone Number 7.0 Trademarks and Notices 8.0 Disclaimer 1.0 Overview 1.1 This README file contains the latest information about installing the IBM xSeries 236 POST/BIOS. 1.2 Limitations: N/A 1.3 Enhancements: N/A 1.4 Recommendations and Prerequisites for the Update: N/A 1.5 Dependencies: None 2.0 Change History V1.04 (Build ID NRJT26A) - April 18, 2005 ------------------------- - Added Setup option to disable PCI Option ROM execution. - Fixed misc. USB device errors. V1.03 (Build ID NRJT25A) - March 14, 2005 ------------------------- - Added Demand-Based-Switching for enabled processors. - Added ability to disable RSA II periodic SMI. - Updated PXE option rom to enable large packets. - Updated CPU microcode for CPU types F34, F41, and F43. - Fixed BMC communication problems that could cause POST hangs. - Fixed performance problem under heavily loaded conditions. - Fixed CD boot problem with attached USB floppy. - Fixed problem with RSA II remote session during system Setup. - Fixed problem with USB mass storage devices. - Improved USB CD boot performance. - Enhanced save of BMC Serial Port setting. - Fixed problems using Serial Over Lan and serial port sharing. V1.02 (Build ID NRJT22A) - November 19, 2004 ------------------------- - Added support for CPU type F43. - Properly report a CPU mismatch error. - Properly report corrected single-bit memory errors. - Properly report cable disconnected conditions. - Illuminate correct LED when PCI error occurs. - Fixed case where Asset Tag Id might not appear in SMBIOS data. - Corrected a misspelling. - Fix erroneous "DASD Backplane has been changed" message which is intermittently seen with a Remote Supervisor II Adapter installed. V1.01 (Build ID NRJT19A) - October 20, 2004 ------------------------- - Corrected problems communicating with BMC. - Fixed potential hang condition with multiple PCI Express cards. - Fixed potential hang with bad memory when 8GB installed. - Allow mixed case and special characters in the Asset Tag Number. - Correctly identify mismatched processors of new technologies. - Report correct row when hot spare message. - Don't share serial port interrupt (fixes diagnostics failure). - Fixed hang with some PCI Express video adapters - Fixed problem with PCI boot priority V1.00 (Build ID NRJT18A) - September 24, 2004 ------------------------- - Initial release 3.0 Installation and Setup Instructions The procedure to update the POST/BIOS is as follows: 3.1 Insert the "IBM xSeries 236 POST/BIOS Flash Disk" into drive A. 3.2 Start up or restart your IBM xSeries 236 server. 3.3 The system will boot from the disk and present a menu which allows you to choose from various update options. Choose "1 - Update POST/BIOS". 3.4 You will be asked if you would like to move the current POST/BIOS image to the backup ROM location. If you select 'Y', the current code will be flashed in to the backup bank immediately. 3.5 If the current system POST/BIOS supports the Asset Tag feature, you will be asked if you would like to change it. If you select 'Y', you will be able to enter a new number. 3.6 You will then be asked if you would like to save the current code to a disk. If you select 'Y', you need to have a formatted disk already available, or specify a fully qualified path and file name. 3.7 You will then have a final opportunity to proceed with the Flash update or exit the utility. If you proceed, the utility will update the Flash ROM with the new code. When this is complete you will be prompted to remove the diskette and press Enter to reboot the system. 4.0 Configuration Information 5.0 Unattended Mode 5.1 Steps for unattended mode. 5.1.1 Clear the read-only attribute of CONFIG.SYS on the Flash Diskette. 5.1.2 Modify CONFIG.SYS on the Flash Diskette to read: "SHELL=FLASH2.EXE /u /r *" 5.1.3 Reboot the system with the Flash Diskette in Drive A: * Note: An optional parameter of "/a:" can be added to allow for storing a system Asset Tag number where "" is replaced with up to a 32-character string. 6.0 Web Sites and Support Phone Number 6.1 IBM Support Web Site: http://www.pc.ibm.com/support 6.2 IBM Marketing Web Site: http://www.pc.ibm.com/ww/eserver/xseries/ 6.3 If you have any questions about this update, or problems applying the update go to the following Help Center World Telephone Numbers URL: http://www.pc.ibm.com/qtechinfo/YAST-3P2QYL.html. 7.0 Trademarks and Notices 7.1 IBM and the e(logo) are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. 7.2 U.S. Government Users Restricted Rights - Use, duplication or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Contract with IBM Corporation. IBM web site pages may contain other proprietary notices and copyright information which should be observed. 8.0 Disclaimer THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. IBM DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT. BY FURNISHING THIS DOCUMENT, IBM GRANTS NO LICENSES TO ANY PANTENTS OR COPYRIGHTS.