pSeries 650 Firmware Update

Applies to:  pSeries 650 Model 6M2 (7038-6M2)

This document describes the installation of Licensed Machine Code, which is sometimes referred to generically as microcode or firmware.


Contents


1.0 Systems Affected

This update provides firmware (FW) for pSeries 650 Model 6M2 (7038-6M2) Servers only.  Do not use on any other systems.

The firmware level contained in this update is:

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.


2.0 Firmware Description and Revision History

Table 2.1 lists the levels and descriptions for the firmware.
 
Table 2.1:  Firmware Update Descriptions and History
3K080425 IMPACT:   Serviceability     SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • A problem was fixed that caused the time-of-day clock to gain one second every time the system or partition was rebooted.
3K070425 IMPACT:   Serviceability     SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • A problem was fixed that caused a failure with error code 20EE000B when upgrading to later AIX versions with large boot images.
  • A problem was fixed that caused Linux to fail to boot if there were more that 256 characters in the boot string.
3K061030 IMPACT:   Serviceability     SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • Aproblem was fixed that caused the ring indicate power-on function (in the service processor menus) to power on the system even though it was set to "disabled".
  • A problem was fixed that caused the system to hang at E52A when rebooted after SRC B1274634 ("SPCN loop fault") was reported.
3K060917 IMPACT:   Serviceability     SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • A problem was fixed that was causing the calls to system firmware to set the time-of-day clock to take too long and prevent interrupts on single processor systems.  This can cause adapter errors due to overruns which may result in hangs or retries depending on the adapters and system activity.
3K060626 IMPACT:   Serviceability     SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • A problem was fixed that was causing enhanced error handling (EEH) error codes to be erroneously generated when certain adapter card configurations were heavily stressed by the application code.
  • A problem was fixed that was causing the system to crash when error data was retrieved.
3K060109 IMPACT:   Serviceability     SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • Fixed a problem that was causing the AIX logical location codes of the Ethernet ports to be incorrect when several types of multi-port Ethernet adapter cards were replaced using the PCI hot-plug function.
3K051101 IMPACT:   Serviceability     SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • The firmware was changed so that the time-out for firmware console selection is 60 seconds no matter how many devices are attached to the system or partition.
  • Changes were made in the yellow button reset firmware path (in the service processor code) so that only licensed and configured processors are reset, instead of all processors, in full system partition mode. This enables the system to perform a dump when it has a mix of licensed and unlicensed processors.
  • Firmware was updated to fix intermittent failures of the AIX command "shutdown -t" to power on. 
3K050715 IMPACT:   Serviceability     SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • Fixes a problem that causes the system to crash when AIX tries a reset on a slot which is already in the reset state. 
  • Added support for address request protocol (ARP).
  • A problem was fixed that was causing the firmware to report an error on an I/O slot when no I/O adapter card was present.
  • A problem was fixed that was causing the PCI bus to report an error when a PCI adapter with a bridge on it was hot-plugged.
  • An invalid error code callout for clock errors was fixed.
3K050405 IMPACT:   Serviceability     SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • Improved isolation for Remote I/O (RIO) loop failures.
  • Corrects system Time of Day gains observed after reboot.
3K050202 IMPACT:   Function      SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • Change made to collect hypervisor dump as part of snap command.
  • Change made to mask interrupts for a specific slot if a problem is encountered with and I/O adapter.
  • Resolves a problem that prevented the hard reset of a partition from working every time.
  • Corrects a problem that caused incorrect tracking of CUoD activation time.
  • Corrects a problem that resulted in ON/OFF CUoD processors suddenly being deactivated.
  • Resolves the problem that caused informational firmware events (B1008FF0) to be posted after an ON/OFF event.
  • Resolves an issue with the firmware reset handler in order to prevent an LPAR hang condition.
3K041029 IMPACT:   Function      SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • Added support for network boot when target server provides preferred gateway information in bootp reply.
  • Added support for PCI adapters that require additional memory I/O space (Future OEM vendor requirement).
  • Corrects network boot problems with IBM Gigabit Ethernet adapters (FC 2969).
  • Resolves issue where On/Off CUoD reclaims more processors than it should if system is allowed to go out of compliance.
  • Resolves issue where On/Off CUoD posts change event messages when ON/OFF resources are no longer in use.
3K041021 IMPACT:   Function      SEVERITY:   Special Attention
  • Resolves issue of excessive length of time required to collect AIX dump for partitions with Service Authority assigned.
  • Corrects potential cause for system hang with error 40670EA1 on systems with Linux Operating System.
  • Corrects loss of one hour of resource time when activating On/Off CUoD resources.
3K040602 IMPACT:   NA       SEVERITY:  NA
  • Added dynamic link recovery for Remote I/O loops in single I/O drawer per loop environments.
  • Prevents information checkpoints E900 and E901 from being displayed on operator panel during runtime for extended periods.
  • Increased HMC surveillance timeout value to prevent  false loss of communication errors.
3K040323
  • Added support for AIX 5.3.
  • Added support for system boot from devices containing boot images larger than 12MB.  Must be used in conjunction with AIX 5.1 APAR IY57522 or AIX 5.2 APAR IY56839.  To create a boot image larger than 12MB, you must first apply the appropriate APAR.  The firmware must be at 3K040323 (or later) before the image can be restored.
  • Added support for new or replacement CPU cards manufactured after March 2004.
  • Improved isolation for Remote I/O (RIO) loop failures.
  • Corrects SCAN_ERROR_CHRP error log entries with SRC B0061406 on initial boot after AC power is removed.  Only affects systems with firmware level 3K031021 installed.
  • Corrects AIX error log entries, caused by Early Power off Warning (EPOW) conditions, from being erroneously logged as FIRMWARE_EVENT entries. Affects only system with 3K030916 or 3K031021 firmware level installed.
  • Corrects memory DIMM mis-isolation problem on systems equipped with 1.20GHz processors.
3K031021
  • Prevents System Attention Indicator from being turned on when informational messages are posted to the AIX error log.
3K030916 NOTE:  This release contains a significant number of improvements and changes which are too numerous to document individually.  Only those items of common interest or high impact are documented.  Customers are strongly encouraged to install this release.
  • Added support for On/Off Capacity On Demand (CoD).
  • Corrects time synchronization problem on CUoD processors added via DLPAR operation.
  • Corrects time loss on LPAR systems.
  • Enhanced error detection for RIO link failures.
  • Corrects System Attention light blinking after a PCI hot plug operation is completed.
  • Corrects firmware flash update failure due to recoverable diskette errors when update is performed via Service Processor Menu.
  • Corrects drawer ID reassignment for existing drawers when new drawers with duplicate IDs are added.
3K030814
  • Corrects potential cause for system hang at checkpoint E52A on systems with external I/O drawers attached.
3K030515 NOTE:  This release contains a significant number of improvements and changes which are too numerous to document individually.  Only those items of common interest or high impact are documented.  Customers are strongly encouraged to install this release.
  • Added support for RIO-2 Remote I/O Hardware.
  • Added support for IBM 7311 Rack-Mounted High-Density Expansion Drawer Model D20.
  • Added support for Capacity Upgrade on Demand (CUoD).
  • Added support for Cluster1600 and SP attachment. 
  • Added support for SP Switch2 PCI-X Attachment Adapter, Feature Code 8398.
  • Resolved incorrect PCI adapter AIX location codes when adapters are added or reassigned via a DLPAR operation. 
  • Corrects time loss problem on LPAR systems.
  • Corrects exposure to potential system crash on LPAR systems when one partition is shutdown and rebooted. 
  • Resolved incorrect identify and power LED behavior during PCI adapter hot plug operations.
  • Corrects configuration problems with IBM 3581 Ultrium Tape Autoloader. 
  • Corrects problems with tape devices not seen in some SMS menu screens. 
  • Reliability enhancements for adapter recovery during an EEH event.
  • Corrects reversed system unit cooling fan location codes when accessed via the Service Processor LED Control Menu. 
  • Corrects reversed system unit cooling fan FRU numbers displayed via the lscfg command or posted by Diagnostics. 
  • Resolved incorrect Service Processor menu behavior during a system firmware update if an error is encountered. 
  • Corrected reporting of power supply errors when redundant AC input power is lost while system is in Standby state. 
RK030206
  • Contains potential minor performance enhancement for PCI adapters internal to the system unit.
  • Corrects system hang during boot with bad date/time stamp in AIX banner and 'default catch' message displayed on the console.
  • Provides potential performance enhancement for SP Switch2 PCI Attachment Adapters, Feature Code 8397.
  • Changed initialization routines for high performance PCI adapters to allow best use of available bandwidth.
  • Corrects behavior where the system will automatically boot from tape device when SMS 'List All Devices' option is chosen.
  • Corrects problem with tape devices not appearing in the SMS 'Select Boot Options' menu.
  • Corrects false L3 Cache error and deconfiguration during system initialization.
  • Corrects failure to recognize PCI adapters equipped with PCI-X to PCI-X bridge chips during system boot.
  • Corrects potential cause for system hang with error B1114699 during firmware flash update.
  • Prevents logging of false error condition B1xx8FF0 in Service Processor and AIX error logs during firmware flash update.
  • Added FRU part number information to configuration data.
  • Corrects false error condition reported by RIO hub card (error LED).
RK030205
  • Prevents a low probability data error caused by the floating point unit using incorrect mode settings. (Mandatory Update)
RK021220
  • Fix 91FF hang due to loss of IRDY in system processor drawer.
RK021120
  • Original (GA) level.


3.0 Cautions and Important Notes

The System, Service Processor (SvP) and System Power Control Network (SPCN) firmware are combined into a single file. This allows all the firmware to be updated together and assures they are compatible.

Before Beginning the Update

Go to http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/firmware/gjsn?mode=10&page=compare.html to determine if the tools can assist you with this update.

Before installing this level of firmware, ensure the Hardware Management Console (HMC) code on all HMC systems is Release 3, Version 1.2 or later.

Updating the firmware may result in the HMC going into 'Recovery' state.  Before updating the firmware, make sure the backup of Profile Data is complete (if running LPAR).

Native Linux Systems

To update firmware on a Linux system, you must first download and install the following service tools on your server: Platform Enablement Library, Service Aids, and Hardware Inventory. To obtain these service tools, go to https://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/sas/f/lopdiags/home.htmland follow the instructions on this web site for downloading and installing the service tools.

Firmware Update Installation Is Not Concurrent

Installation of the firmware will cause an unconditional reboot of the system. Therefore, all user operations should be gracefully terminated before firmware updates are to be applied.

Recovery Mode

If the service processor detects that its programming has been corrupted when it is powering up to  standby mode, it will enter recovery mode.  In recovery mode, it will ask for the firmware update diskettes by putting eight-digit codes on the operator panel.  For more details, see the pSeries 650 Service Guide.

Never Power Off the System During the Firmware Update Process

The update will fail, and the process must be repeated.

AIX and Linux Instructions are CASE SENSITIVE

In the instructions that follow are specific AIX, Linux and DOS commands. AIX and Linux commands are CASE (lower and upper) SENSITIVE, and must be entered exactly as shown, including the filenames.  DOS commands are not case sensitive, and may be entered without regard to the cases shown.

Replacement Parts May Require Updating

When the Service Processor/PCI backplane assembly is replaced, the firmware must be checked to ensure it is at the latest level. Table 3.1 lists the released levels.
 
Table 3.1: Firmware Levels, File Sizes and Checksums
Distribution Date Filename Size Checksum
May 2008 3K080425.img 5104821 56545
June 2007 3K070425.img 5104797 52953
December 2006 3K061030.img 5104765 47479
November 2006 3K060917.img 5104553 34197 
August 2006 3K060626.img 5104565 12229
February 2006 3K060109.img 5104149 33637 
December 2005 3K051101.img 5104253 58415
August 2005 3K050715.img 5100501 61224
April 2005 3K050405.img 5100613 13946 
February 2005 3K050202.img 5095685 07237
November 2004 3K041029.img 5092849 50080
October 2004 3K041021.img 5081581 15412
June 2004 3K040602.img 5068449 61221
April 2004 3K040323.img 5052741 57291
December 2003 3K031021.img 5028261 23042
September 2003 3K030916.img 5027509 28307
August 2003 3K030814.img 4921173 01058
May 2003 3K030515.img 4920929 52770
March 2003 RK030206.img 4674059 16345
February 2003 RK030205.img 4656423 39692
December 2002 RK021220.img 4656351 57308
December 2002 RK021120.img 4656323 52470


4.0 How to Determine Currently Installed Firmware Level

The firmware level can be check in AIX, Linux or in the Service Processor Main Menu.

4.1 Using AIX to Read Currently Installed Firmware Levels

Use the following AIX command for checking the firmware level.

         Enter:
            lscfg -vp | grep -p  Platform

       This command will produce a system configuration report similar to the following.

     Platform Firmware:
          ROM Level.(alterable).......3K061030
          Version.....................RS6K
          System Info Specific.(YL)...U1.18-P1-H2/Y2
        Physical Location: U1.18-P1-H2/Y2
The ROM Level line lists the level of the currently installed firmware. In the above example, the current firmware level is 3K061030.

If the right-most six characters (date) of firmware level is earlier than 080425, you should consider installing the update.

If you find the firmware must be updated, proceed to Section 5.0.  If the firmware level is correct and no update is needed, installation is complete.

4.2 Using the Service Processor Main Menu

The second line of the title, Version: 3K061030 shows the currently installed firmware level.

If the right-most six characters (date) of firmware level is earlier than 080425, you should consider installing the update.

If you find the firmware must be updated, proceed to Section 5.0.  If the firmware level is correct and no update is needed, installation is complete.

4.3 Using Linux to Read Currently Installed Firmware Levels

Use the following Linux command for checking the firmware level.

         Enter:
            /sbin/lscfg -vp | grep -A 1  Platform

     This command will produce a system configuration report similar to the following.

     Platform Firmware:
          ROM Level.(alterable).......3K061030
The ROM Level line lists the level of the currently installed firmware. In the above example, the current firmware level is 3K061030.

If the right-most six characters (date) of the current firmware level are earlier than 080425, you should consider installing the update.

If you find the firmware must be updated, proceed to Section 5.0.  If the firmware level is correct and no update is needed, installation is complete.


5.0 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package

Instructions for downloading and unpacking the firmware update package follow.

5.1 Internet Package

The firmware, in AIX, DOS and RPM packages, along with severity and impact information, is located at the website

         http://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/firmware/gjsn

Follow the instructions on this web page.

In the drop-down box, choose the entry for your specific machine type and model.

 The download choices at that entry are:

You will want a copy of the instructions document and one of the download  choices. You may transfer files to the target server in one of several ways. Detailed download/unpacking instructions follow for each of the downloading preferences.

5.1.1 Downloading the AIX Package

Use this method to download to an AIX system.

  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 70386M2F.BIN

  c) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below.

     Enter the commands:

        cd /tmp/fwupdate
        chmod +x 70386M2F.BIN
        ./70386M2F.BIN

     [Don't overlook the periods (.) in the above command.]

 This file will be added to  /tmp/fwupdate:

      3K080425.img

If the above procedure was used to transfer 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.

5.1.1.1 The FTP Transfer Method

This method presumes you have ftp access 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 3K080425.img
     quit

Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.

5.1.1.2 The Diskette Transfer Method

This method can be used for cases in which electronic connections between the intermediate AIX system and the target server are inconvenient.

 Four 2MB (HD) new diskettes are required.

With a diskette loaded in the drive,

  Enter the commands (this process will request additional diskettes as each is filled):

       cd /tmp/fwupdate
       ls *.img | backup -i -v -f/dev/rfd0

This will produce AIX backup diskettes.  Label these diskettes, respectively,

     "Volume 1:  Firmware (3K080425) for  7038-6M2"

     "Volume 2:  Firmware (3K080425) for  7038-6M2"

     "Volume 3:  Firmware (3K080425) for  7038-6M2"

     "Volume 4:  Firmware (3K080425) for  7038-6M2"

Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.

5.1.2 Downloading the DOS Package

Use this file to download to a Windows workstation.

  a) Prepare a directory for receiving the DOS package.
      This directory can be in any partition with 12MB 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 70386M2F.EXE

  c) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below.

      Enter the commands:

        cd [path]\fwupdate
        70386M2F

These files will be added to the fwupdate subdirectory:

       386M2_B1.EXE
       386M2_B2.EXE
       386M2_B3.EXE
       386M2_B4.EXE

5.1.2.1 Diskettes for Firmware Updates

Four 2MB (HD) new DOS formatted diskettes are required.

  Note: The diskettes produced below will be in AIX backup format and 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
            386M2_B1

      Label this diskette,

           "Volume 1: Firmware (3K080425) for 7038-6M2"

  b) With a second diskette loaded in the drive,

         Enter:
             386M2_B2

     Label this diskette,

           "Volume 2: Firmware (3K080425) for 7038-6M2"

  c) With a third diskette loaded in the drive,

         Enter:
             386M2_B3

     Label this diskette,

           "Volume 3: Firmware (3K080425) for 7038-6M2"

 d) With a fourth diskette loaded in the drive,

         Enter:
             386M2_B4

     Label this diskette,

           "Volume 4: Firmware (3K080425) for 7038-6M2"

Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.

5.1.3 Downloading the RPM Package to the Target Server

Use this method to download to the target server only.

 a) Provide a directory on the target server to receive the RPM package.

      Enter:
        mkdir /tmp/fwupdate

        Note:  If the directory /tmp/fwupdate already exists,
                    make sure it is empty before proceeding.

  b) Transfer the RPM package to the /tmp/fwupdate directory (using "Save as ...").
       You'll see that the filename is 3K080425.rpm

  c) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below.

     Enter the commands:

        rpm -ihv --ignoreos 3K080425.rpm

The 3K080425.img file will be added to  /tmp/fwupdate:

The file size and checksum will be verified.

Proceed to Section 6.0, Updating the Firmware.

5.2 Remote Installation of Firmware

 To install firmware on a remote system, login to the remote system as root. Copy (in binary format) the file, 3K080425.img to the /tmp/fwupdate directory on the remote system. Proceed to Section 6.0 Updating the Firmware.


6.0 Updating the Firmware

The System, Service Processor (SvP) and System Power Control Network (SPCN) firmware are combined into a single file. This allows all the firmware to be updated together and assures they are compatible.

Once the System and Service Processor firmware had been updated, the server will reboot.  The  System Power Control Network (SPCN) update will continue to run in the background.

***
WARNING:

Do not  power off the server at any time before the update process completes.  Be sure the system is NOT running any user applications when you begin the update process.
***

Note: Checksums should be used to verify files have not been corrupted or altered during transmission.

          At the AIX command line, enter:
           sum 3K080425.img

         The output will look like this ------>  56545  4986  3K080425.img
         The checksum is -------------->  56545

It is recommended that the update, on both a full system partition and a partitioned system, be performed using the Service Processor Menus.  Updating the firmware using the Service Processor Menus avoids the resource allocation issues that can arise if the server is a partitioned system.

6.1 Full System Partition

Updating firmware must be initiated either directly from the Service Processor Menus, from the AIX command line or the Linux command line.

6.1.1  Using the Service Processor Menus Method (Recommended)

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.

Service Processor Menus allow updating from AIX backup diskettes only.

You must have privileged user authority on the target server to update its firmware.

Note:   All  firmware (System, Service Processor and SPCN) will be updated when using this method.

    a. Shutdown the server from the HMC virtual terminal window or ASCII terminal window.

    b. When the operator panel on the server says OK,
         If using an ASCII terminal - Press Enter.
         If using an HMC terminal - close the current terminal window and open a new terminal window.

    c. Choose 1 for Service Processor Setup Menu.  <Enter>

    d. Choose 7 for Reprogram Flash EPROM Menu. <Enter>

    e. Type y to continue.  <Enter>

    f. Follow on-screen update steps as they are presented.

    g.  The 'Rebooting Service Processor ' message appears on the screen.

          The target server will reboot.  This may take up to thirty minutes, depending on the configuration
          of the target server.  Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is
           important to protect the server from interruptions.

    h. Begin watching the operator panel.

    i.  When the panel says 'OK',
         If using an ASCII terminal - Press Enter.
         If using an HMC terminal - close the current terminal window and open a new terminal window.

          The Service Processor Menu appears on your screen.

         The second line of the title, Version: 3K080425, should match the firmware level you just
          installed.

Don't forget to retrieve and file any firmware update diskette that may still be in the system's diskette drive.  A good time to do this is after the reboot has completed.

If you are using an ASCII terminal, the update of the firmware is complete.

If you are using an HMC, once you have powered on the system:

6.1.2 Using the AIX Command-Line Method

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.

You must have root authority on the target server to update its firmware.

AIX allows updating either from files already loaded into the target server or from diskettes.

6.1.2.1 File on Diskettes

 On the target server,

        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: Firmware (3K080425) for 7038-6M2"

    When prompted for volume 2,

     In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

          "Volume 2: Firmware (3K080425) for 7038-6M2"

     When prompted for volume 3,

     In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

          "Volume 3: Firmware (3K080425) for 7038-6M2"

     When prompted for volume 4,

     In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

          "Volume 4: Firmware (3K080425) for 7038-6M2"

The file is now located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory.  Continue to paragraph 6.1.2.2.

6.1.2.2 Updating With Files Already Loaded in the Target Server

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.

With the files located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory.

     Enter the commands:

        cd /usr/lpp/diagnostics/bin
        ./update_flash -f /tmp/fwupdate/3K080425.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 automatically performs the update and reboots.  The checkpoints 99FF and 99FD alternately appear while the update is in progress. This may take up to thirty minutes, depending on the configuration of the server.  Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is important to protect the server from interruptions.

NOTE:  If using an HMC terminal you will need to close the existing terminal window and open a new terminal window when the Operator Panel goes blank.

If you are using an ASCII terminal, the update of the firmware is complete.  You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.4.

If you are using an HMC,  once you have powered on the system:

6.1.3 Using the Linux Command-Line Method

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.

You must have root authority on the target server to update its firmware.

This method allows updating from files already loaded onto the target server.

With the files located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory,

     Enter the commands:

         cd /tmp/fwupdate
        /usr/sbin/update_flash -f  3K080425.img

The server automatically performs the update and reboots.  The checkpoints 99FF and 99FD alternately appear while the update is in progress. This may take up to thirty minutes, depending on the configuration of the server.  Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is important to protect the server from interruptions.

NOTE:  If using an HMC terminal you will need to close the existing terminal window and open a new terminal window when the first line on the Operator Panel shows Linux ppc64.

If you are using an ASCII terminal, the update of the firmware is complete.  You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.4.

If you are using an HMC,  once you have powered on the system:

6.2  Partitioned System

 Updating firmware must be initiated either directly from the Service Processor Menu, from the AIX Diagnostic Service Aids, or from the AIX command line.

6.2.1  Using the Service Processor Menus Method (Recommended)

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.

Service Processor Menus allow updating from diskettes only.

You must have privileged user authority on the target server to update its firmware.

Note:   All  firmware (System, Service Processor and SPCN) will be updated when using this method.

    a. Shutdown the server from the HMC virtual terminal window or  the ASCII terminal.

    b. When the operator panel on the server says OK,
         If using an ASCII terminal - Press Enter.
         If using an HMC terminal - close the current terminal window and open a new terminal window.

    c. Choose 1 for Service Processor Setup Menu. <Enter>

    d. Choose 7 for Reprogram Flash EPROM Menu.  <Enter>

    e. Type y to continue. <Enter>

    f. Follow on-screen update steps as they are presented.

    g.  The 'Rebooting Service Processor ' message appears on the screen.

          The target server will reboot.  This may take up to thirty minutes, depending on the configuration
          of the target server.  Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is
           important to protect the server from interruptions.

    h. Begin watching the operator panel.

    i.  When the panel says 'OK',
         If using an ASCII terminal - Press Enter.
         If using an HMC terminal - close the current terminal window and open a new terminal window.

          The Service Processor Menu appears on your screen.

         The second line of the title, Version: 3K080425, should match the firmware level you just
          installed.

 Don't forget to retrieve and file any firmware update diskette that may still be in the system's diskette drive.  A good time to do this is after the reboot has completed.

If you are using an HMC,  once you have powered on the system:

6.2.2 Using the AIX Command-Line Method

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.

You must have root authority on the target server to update its firmware.

 ATTENTION:  This method is not recommended for partitioned systems, unless the device resources
                             are allocated properly.  This requires:

                              - One partition running AIX must have service authority.
                              - All other partitions except the one with service authority must be shut down.
                              - The partition with service authority must own the device from which the firmware
                                 update image will be read.
                              - It is also recommended that the partition with service authority have a hard disk.

If the required devices are not in the partition with service authority, the customer or system administrator must reassign the appropriate resources to it. This requires rebooting the partition with service authority. To avoid the resource allocation issues, it is recommended that the service processor menus be used to update the firmware.

This method allows updating either from files already loaded into the target server or from diskettes.

6.2.2.1 File on Diskettes

On the target server,

        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: Firmware (3K080425) for 7038-6M2"

    When prompted for volume 2,

     In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

          "Volume 2: Firmware (3K080425) for 7038-6M2"

     When prompted for volume 3,

     In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

          "Volume 3: Firmware (3K080425) for 7038-6M2"

     When prompted for volume 4,

     In the drive of the target server, put the AIX backup diskette labeled:

          "Volume 4: Firmware (3K080425) for 7038-6M2"

The file is now located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory.  Continue to paragraph 6.2.2.2.

6.2.2.2 Updating With Files Already Loaded in the Target Server

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.

With the file located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory,

       Enter the commands:

           cd /usr/lpp/diagnostics/bin
          ./update_flash -f /tmp/fwupdate/3K080425.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 automatically performs the update and reboots.   The checkpoints 99FF and 99FD alternately appear while the update is in progress.This may take up to thirty minutes, depending on the configuration of the server.  Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is important to protect the server from interruptions.

NOTE:  If using an HMC terminal you will need to close the existing terminal window and open a new terminal window and open a new terminal window when the Operator Panel shows LPAR.

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.

If the Managed System state on the HMC is either RECOVERY or INCOMPLETE, skip to paragraph 6.3 HMC Restore Functions to complete the procedure.

If the Managed System state on the HMC is READY, the update of the firmware is complete. You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.4.

6.2.3 Using the Linux Command-Line Method

Before installing this level of firmware, see Section 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes.

You must have root authority on the target server to update its firmware.

 ATTENTION:  This method is not recommended for partitioned systems, unless the device resources
                                are allocated properly.  This requires:

                              - One partition running Linux must have service authority.
                              - All other partitions except the one with service authority must be shut down.
                              - The partition with service authority must own the device from which the firmware
                                   update image will be read.
                              - It is also recommended that the partition with service authority have a hard disk.

If the required devices are not in the partition with service authority, the customer or system administrator must reassign the appropriate resources to it. This requires rebooting the partition with service authority. To avoid the resource allocation issues, it is recommended that the service processor menus be used to update the firmware.

This method allows updating from files already loaded onto the target server.

With the files located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory,

     Enter the commands:

         cd /tmp/fwupdate
        /usr/sbin/update_flash -f  3K080425.img

The server automatically performs the update and reboots.  The checkpoints 99FF and 99FD alternately appear while the update is in progress. This may take up to thirty minutes, depending on the configuration of the server.  Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is important to protect the server from interruptions.

NOTE:  If using an HMC terminal you will need to close the existing terminal window and open a new terminal window and open a new terminal window when the Operator Panel shows LPAR.

If the Managed System state on the HMC is either RECOVERY or INCOMPLETE, skip to paragraph 6.3 HMC Restore Functions to complete the procedure.

If the Managed System state on the HMC is READY, the update of the firmware is complete. You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.4.

6.3 HMC Restore Functions

To complete the update process,

    a. Click on the managed system name.

    b. Select the "Recover Partition Data" task.

    c. Select "Restore profile data from HMC backup" option.

 This can take up to 10 minutes.

When the restore is finished, the Managed System state changes to READY.  The update of the firmware is complete.

You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.4.

6.4 Verifying the Update

To verify the update was successful, the firmware level can be check in AIX, Linux or in the Service Processor Main Menu.

6.4.1 Using AIX

Use the following AIX command for checking the firmware level.

         Enter:
            lscfg -vp | grep -p  Platform

This command will produce a system configuration report containing sections similar to the following.

   Platform Firmware:
        ROM Level.(alterable).......3K080425
        Version.....................RS6K
        System Info Specific.(YL)...U1.18-P1-H2/Y2
      Physical Location: U1.18-P1-H2/Y2
The ROM Level line should match the level you just installed, namely, 3K080425.

6.4.2 Using the Service Processor Main Menu

The second line of the title, Version: 3K080425, shows the currently installed firmware level.

6.4.3 Using Linux

Use the following Linux command for checking the firmware level.

         Enter:
            /sbin/lscfg -vp | grep -A 1  Platform

     This command will produce a system configuration report similar to the following.

     Platform Firmware:
          ROM Level.(alterable).......3K080425
The ROM Level line should match the level of the you just installed, namely, 3K080425.

6.5 Archiving the Update Files

In the event it becomes necessary to restore the server to a certain firmware level, it is suggested you identify and archive the materials for each update you install.

If the download process produced diskettes, label and store them in a safe place.

If the download process produced files, archive and identify the files for convenient retrieval.



End of Installation Instructions