This document describes the installation of Licensed Machine Code, which
is sometimes referred to generically as microcode or firmware.
The firmware levels contained in this update (Release S7XR14) are:
The typical time to install this firmware is two hours. The firmware does not become active when installed and requires a system reboot to become active. This reboot time will vary depending on the system and the amount of features installed. This estimate is for an average system.
NOTE: The System and Service Processor Firmware are combined into a single file. This allows both the System Firmware and Service Processor Firmware to be updated together and assures they are companion levels.
NOTE: This firmware package CANNOT be used to update any S70 or S7A Series Servers that have System Firmware level earlier than 19990416, and Service Processor Firmware level earlier than 19990412 installed. See table 4.1 Update Decisions.
Don't be alarmed at the length of this document! For any given download/unpacking/update environment, the process is short. This document describes processes for several environments. One should be suitable for your needs, and these instructions guide you through just the environment you choose.
| Table 3.2: Companion Firmware Levels, File Sizes and Checksums | ||||||
| System Firmware | Service Processor Firmware | |||||
| Distribution Date | Filename | Size | Checksum | Filename | Size | Checksum |
| Oct 1999 | S7XR9SY.img | 1573530 | 39492 | S7XR9SP.img | 2444892 | 14858 |
| April 1999 | S7XR8SY.IMG | 1573530 | 51001 | S7XR8SP.IMG | 2444528 | 49186 |
| Feb 1999 | S7XR7SY.IMG | 1573530 | 51069 | S7XR7SP.IMG | 2438572 | 45711 |
| Nov 1998 | S7XR6SY.IMG | 1573530 | 54648 | S7XR6SP.IMG | 2438920 | 17312 |
| Sept 1998 | S7XR5SY.IMG | 1573530 | 03673 | S7XR5SP.IMG | 2437872 | 48607 |
| August 1998 | S70R4SY.IMG | 1573530 | 53851 | S70R4SP.IMG | 2421572 | 23011 |
| May 1998 | S70Rel3.img | 3105363 | 50678 | Combined with System FW | ||
| March 1998 | 012H7777.ruhxa | 1573530 | 59833 | SP980220.img | 1531833 | 22963 |
| January 1998 | 012H7777.ruhxa | 1573530 | 28335 | SP980105.img | 1526433 | 54722 |
| Original (GA) | 012H7777.ruhxa | 1573530 | 22001 | SP971008.img | 1520613 | 52645 |
Use the following AIX command for checking the firmware levels.
Enter:
lscfg -vp |
grep -p alterable
This command will produce a system configuration report similar to the following.
System Firmware ROM Level.(alterable).......20031006 (A) 20021007 (B) <= System FW levels Version.....................RS6K System Info Specific.(YL)...u0.1-P1-X1 SP_CARD_: Part Number.................PART_NUM EC Level....................EC_LEVEL FRU Number..................FRU_NUM_ Manufacture ID..............IBM_ Serial Number...............SERIAL_# System Info Specific.(YL)...u0.1-P1-X1 ROM Level (alterable).......20031006 (A) 20021004 (B) <= SvP FW levelsThe ROM Level lines list the level of the currently installed System and Service Processor firmware. In these examples (illustrations only), the system was booted from type A, since it is listed first. For more information about the uses of IPL Types A and B, see paragraphs 6.0 and 6.4, or refer to the server's Users Guide. For information on how to proceed, See Table 4.1.
If you find the firmware must be updated, proceed as specified above. If no update is needed, installation is complete.
Prerequisite: System Firmware level 1990416 or later and Service Processor Firmware level 19990412 or later must be running on type A of the server in order to update firmware using this section. Otherwise, the update will fail.
If the server meets the conditions for success stated above, continue to paragraph 5.1, if not, you must return to table 4.1 Update Decisions to determine how to install the firmware update.
The System and Service Processor Firmware are combined into a single image file. This allows both the System Firmware and Service Processor Firmware to be updated at once and assures the two firmware levels are companion levels.
http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/firmware/gjsn
Follow the instructions on this web page. You must read and agree to the license agreement to obtain the firmware packages.
In the drop-down box, choose the entry for your specific machine type and model.
The download choices at that entry are:
Note: In the instructions that follow are specific AIX commands.
AIX commands are CASE (lower and upper) SENSITIVE, and must
be
entered exactly as shown, including the filenames.
a) Provide a directory on an AIX system to receive the AIX package.
Enter:
mkdir /tmp/fwupdate
Note: If the
directory /tmp/fwupdate already exists,
make sure it is empty before proceeding.
b) Transfer the AIX package to the /tmp/fwupdate directory
(using "Save as ...").
You'll see that the filename is
7017S7XF.BIN
c) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below.
Enter the commands:
cd /tmp/fwupdate
chmod +x
7017S7XF.BIN
./7017S7XF.BIN
[Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]
These files will be added to /tmp/fwupdate:
S7XR14.img
promote.img
If the above procedure was used to transfer the files directly to the target server, proceed to Section 6.0, Updating the Firmware.
Otherwise, on the intermediate AIX system, choose one of the following methods for transferring files to the target server.
On the intermediate AIX system,
Enter the commands:
ftp {name
of target server}
{Login with a
valid userid and password}
bin
lcd /tmp/fwupdate
mkdir /tmp/fwupdate
cd /tmp/fwupdate
put S7XR14.img
put promote.img
quit
Proceed to Section 6.0, Updating the Firmware.
On the intermediate AIX system, proceed as follows. Three 2MB (HD) new or freshly formatted diskettes are required.
With a diskette loaded in the drive,
Enter the commands (this process will request another diskette when the first is full):
cd /tmp/fwupdate
ls
*.img | backup -i -v -f/dev/rfd0
This will produce AIX backup diskettes. Label these diskettes, respectively,
"Volume 1: System (20040716) and SvP
(20040716) FW (R14) and Promote for
S7x Series Servers"
"Volume 2: System (20040716) and SvP
(20040716) FW (R14) and Promote for
S7x Series Servers"
"Volume 3: System (20040716) and SvP
(20040716) FW (R14) and Promote for
S7x Series Servers"
Proceed to Section 6.0, Updating the Firmware.
a) Prepare a directory for receiving the DOS package.
This directory can be in any partition
with 10MB available space.
Executing in such a partition,
called [path] in these instructions
(ex. c:\download),
Enter:
md [path]\fwupdate
Note: If the directory [path]\fwupdate
already exists,
make
sure it is empty before proceeding.
b) Transfer the DOS package to the [path]\fwupdate directory
(using "Save as ...").
You'll see the filename is 7017S7XF.EXE
c) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below.
Enter the commands:
cd [path]\fwupdate
7017S7XF
These files will be added to the fwupdate subdirectory:
S7XR14B1.EXE
S7XR14B2.EXE
S7XR14B3.EXE
Note: The diskettes produced below will be in a format
that can be used
directly with a computer running AIX as it's operating system. These
diskettes, once made on a PC platform, cannot be read using normal PC
platform tools or command line operations.
a) With a diskette loaded in the drive,
Enter the commands:
cd [path]\fwupdate
S7XR14B1
Label this diskette,
"Volume 1: System (20040716)
and SvP (20040716) FW (R14) and Promote for
S7x Series Servers"
b) With a second diskette loaded in the drive,
Enter:
S7XR14B2
Label this diskette,
"Volume 2: System (20040716)
and SvP (20040716) FW (R14) and Promote for
S7x Series Servers"
c) With a third diskette loaded in the drive,
Enter:
S7XR14B3
Label this diskette,
"Volume 3: System (20040716) and
SvP (20040716) FW (R14) and Promote for
S7x Series Servers"
Proceed to Section 6.0, Updating the Firmware.
If you server meets the conditions for success stated above, continue, if not, you must return to Table 4.1 Update Decisions to determine how to install the firmware update.
The System and Service Processor Firmware are combined into a single image file. This allows both the System Firmware and Service Processor Firmware to be updated together and assures they are companion levels.
***
WARNING:
Do not power off the target server at any time before
the update process completes. Be sure the server is NOT running any
user applications.
***
You must have root authority on the target server to update its firmware.
If the server is currently running from IPL Type B, you should consider promoting that level before continuing. Use the instructions in paragraph 6.4, Promoting the Update, for reference.
Updating the firmware requires rebooting the server. The update is applied during the shutdown sequence following the firmware transfer.
As the firmware update takes place (during the shutdown sequence), progress can be monitored from the operator panel. The checkpoints E080 and E081 alternately appear while the update is in progress.
At some points in the update process, these checkpoints may not change for fifteen to twenty five minutes. If this occurs, be patient and allow time for the update process to complete.
The new firmware is placed in IPL Type B for use while your acceptance tests are under way. When you are satisfied with the performance of the new level, "promote" it to IPL Type A. There is no time limit on when promotion must occur. Thorough testing of any changes to the server is recommended before committing to them.
If you applied the update while running in IPL Type A, you will need to boot from IPL Type B in order to test the new level of firmware.
Updating firmware in the S7x Series servers must be initiated either directly from the AIX command line or from the Update Flash Diagnostic Service Aid.
Note: In the instructions that follow are specific AIX
commands.
AIX commands are CASE (lower and upper) SENSITIVE, and must
be
entered exactly as shown, including the filenames.
At the AIX command line, enter:
sum S7XR14.img
This command will produce the following output:
14867 3926 S7XR14.img
The checksum is -----> 14867
Enter the commands:
cd /usr/lpp/diagnostics/bin
./update_flash
-f /tmp/fwupdate/S7XR14.img
[Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]
You will be asked for confirmation to proceed with the firmware update and the required reboot. If you confirm, the server will apply the new firmware, reboot and return to the AIX prompt. This may take fifteen to twenty five minutes, depending on the configuration of the target server.
Having successfully executed the above commands, the server automatically performs the update, reboots, and places the update in IPL Type B. Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is important to protect the server from interruptions.
The update of the System and the Service Processor firmware is complete. You will want to verify this update and then promote it after you have tested it to your satisfaction. Verifying is discussed in paragraph 6.3. Promotion is discussed in paragraph 6.4.
Enter the commands:
mkdir /tmp/fwupdate
Note: If the directory /tmp/fwupdate
already exists,
make sure it is empty before proceeding.
cd /tmp/fwupdate
Enter :
restore
You will be prompted to mount volume 1 on /dev/rfd0
In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:
"Volume 1: System (20040716)
and SvP (20040716) FW (R14) and Promote
for S7x Series Servers"
When prompted for volume 2,
In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:
"Volume 2: System (20040716)
and SvP (20040716) FW (R14) and Promote
for S7x Series Servers"
When prompted for volume 3,
In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:
"Volume 3: System (20040716)
and SvP (20040716) FW (R14) and Promote
for S7x Series Servers"
The files are now in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory.
Enter the commands:
cd /usr/lpp/diagnostics/bin
./update_flash
-f /tmp/fwupdate/S7XR14.img
[Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]
You will be asked for confirmation to proceed with the firmware update and the required reboot. If you confirm, the server will apply the new firmware, reboot and return to the AIX prompt. This may take fifteen to twenty five minutes, depending on the configuration of the target server.
Having successfully executed the above commands, the server automatically performs the update, reboots, and places the update in IPL Type B. Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is important to protect the server from interruptions.
The update of the System and Service Processor firmware is complete. You will want to verify this update and then promote it after you have tested it to your satisfaction. Verifying is discussed in paragraph 6.3. Promotion is discussed in paragraph 6.4.
Don't forget to retrieve and file any firmware update diskette that may still be in the server's diskette drive. A good time to do this is after the reboot has completed.
Note:
Review "Update System or Service Processor Flash" in the Service Aids
section of the RS/6000 Enterprise Server S7x User's Guide for more
information about using this utility.
mkdir /tmp/fwupdate
Note: If the directory [path]\fwupdate already
exists,
make
sure it is empty before proceeding.
cd /tmp/fwupdate
restore
You will be prompted to mount volume 1 on /dev/rfd0
In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:
"Volume 1: System (20040716)
and SvP (20040716) FW (R14) and Promote
for S7x Series Servers"
When prompted for volume 2,
In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:
"Volume 2: System (20040716)
and SvP (20040716) FW (R14) and Promote
for S7x Series Servers"
When prompted for volume 3,
In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:
"Volume 3: System (20040716)
and SvP (20040716) FW (R14) and Promote
for S7x Series Servers"
The files are now located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory. Continue to paragraph 6.2.2.
b) Choose Update System or Service Processor Flash,
c) Follow the on-screen update steps as they are
presented.
When you are asked for a
filename, first list the files and then select the appropriate
one for the update task.
Use the directory, diskette and filename information as shown below.
The update file is /tmp/fwupdate S7XR14.img
The server automatically performs the update, reboots, and places the update in IPL Type B. Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is important to protect the server from interruptions.
The update of the System and Service Processor firmware is complete. You will want to verify this update and then promote it after you have tested it to your satisfaction. Verifying is discussed in paragraph 6.3. Promotion is discussed in paragraph 6.4.
Don't forget to retrieve and file any firmware update diskette that may still be in the server's diskette drive. A good time to do this is after the reboot has completed.
Enter:
lscfg -vp
| grep -p alterable
This command will produce a system configuration report containing sections similar to the following.
System Firmware: ROM Level (alterable).......20040716 (B) 20020524 (A)<= System FW levels Version.....................RS6K System Info Specific.(YL)...u0.1-P1-X1 SP_CARD_: Part Number.................PART_NUM EC Level....................EC_LEVEL FRU Number..................FRU_NUM_ Manufacture ID..............IBM_ Serial Number...............SERIAL_# System Info Specific.(YL)...u0.1-P1-X1 ROM Level (alterable).......20040716 (B) 20010824 (A) <= SvP FW levelsThe (B) ROM Levels should match the levels you just installed, namely, 20040716 and 20040716 respectively.
The server maintains two copies of System and Service Processor firmware. These copies reside in locations referred to as IPL Type A and IPL Type B.
The server normally runs IPL Type A. New firmware updates are stored in IPL Type B until they are promoted. Once promotion takes place, the two IPL types are identical.
Operator panel function 01 may be used to determine which IPL type is in use at any given time. See the server's Users Guide for more information about operator panel functions.
Between the time of a firmware update and the promotion procedure, the
server may be instructed (using operator panel function 02) to use either
IPL type for the purpose of firmware testing.
When this update has been tested thoroughly, and you are ready to promote the new firmware, the server MUST be using IPL Type B. Otherwise the promotion fails. The recovery procedure is:
a) Turn off the server power
b) Switch the server's operation to IPL Type B
c) Turn on the server power to IPL from Type B
Be aware that the promotion process requires the server to shut down all of its processes to rewrite the IPL and reboot from it.
To promote the firmware refer to the instructions you used to install the update. Use the same instructions (i.e., either the AIX command-line method or the Update Flash Diagnostic Service Aid method) to execute the promotion.
This time, use the promote.img file rather than the filenames you selected previously. It is located either:
When promotion is processed, the server automatically begins using IPL Type A.
If the download process produced diskettes, label and store them in a safe place.
If the download process produced files, archive and identify them for convenient retrieval.
End of Installation Instructions