pSeries 690 and pSeries 670 Version 2 Firmware Update

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

Contents

• 1.0 Systems Affected
• 2.0 Firmware Description and Revision History
• 3.0 Cautions and Important Notes
• 4.0 How to Determine Currently Installed Firmware Level
• 5.0 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package
• 5.1 Internet Package
• 5.1.1 AIX Package
• 5.1.2 DOS Package
• 5.1.3 RPM Package
• 5.2  Remote Installation of Firmware
• 6.0 Updating the Firmware
• 6.1 Full System Partition
• 6.1.1 Using the Service Processor Menus Method
• 6.1.2 Using the Service Aids Method
• 6.1.3 Using the AIX Command-Line Method
• 6.2 Partitioned System
• 6.2.1 Using the Service Processor Menus Method
• 6.2.2 Using the Service Aids Method
• 6.2.3 Using the AIX Command-Line Method
• 6.3 Verifying the Update
• 6.4 Archiving the Update Files

1.0 Systems Affected

The Version 2 firmware level contained in this update is:

•   2H040323

ATTENTION:  This firmware package CAN ONLY be used to update any pSeries 690 or pSeries 670
                               Servers that currently have a Version 2 firmware level installed.
                               See  Table 4.1 Update Decisions.

2.0 Firmware Description and Revision History

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.

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.

Before beginning this update, go to mcodetools.html to determine if the tools can assist you with this update.

New Firmware Name

The versions of released firmware follow:

Version 1  -  RH011206 through RH020312
Version 2  -  RH020413 through RH021024 and 2H030325 through 2H040323
Version 3 -   RH021025 through RH030307 and any 3Hyymmdd level

A mandatory update from Version 1 to Version 2 was implemented in April 2002.

Service Processor Menus Update Method

Note:  If the update file will be downloaded directly to the target server,  diskettes will have to be made in order to update the firmware from the Service Processor Menus.

Recovery Mode

Firmware Update Installation Is Not Concurrent

Never Power Off the System During the Firmware Update Process

Replacement Parts May Require Updating

AIX Instructions are CASE SENSITIVE

How to Determine the Firmware Release Date

4.0 How to Determine Currently Installed Firmware Level

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

• If using AIX, continue to paragraph 4.1.
• If using Service Processor Main Menu, skip to paragraph 4.2.

4.1 Using AIX

         Enter:
            lscfg -vp | grep -p  Platform

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

     Platform Firmware:
          ROM Level.(alterable).......RH021024
          Version.....................RS6K
          System Info Specific.(YL)...U1.18-P1-H2/Y2
        Physical Location: U1.18-P1-H2/Y2

For information on how to proceed, See Table 4.1 Update Decisions.

4.2 Using the Service Processor Main Menu

For information on how to proceed, See Table 4.1 Update Decisions.
 

5.0 Downloading and Unpacking the Firmware Update Package

5.1 Internet Package

         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:

• Desc        (Instructions document)
• AIX        (For downloading to an AIX system)
• DOS       (For downloading to a Windows workstation)
• RPM      (For downloading to the target server ONLY)

• By downloading files directly to the target server.
• By downloading files to an intermediate AIX system and then using either ftp or diskettes for transferring to the target server.
• By downloading files to a Windows workstation from which you can use diskettes for transferring to the target server.

• If using the AIX package for downloading, continue to paragraph 5.1.1.
• If using the DOS package for downloading, skip to paragraph 5.1.2.
• If using the RPM package for downloading, skip to paragraph 5.1.3.

5.1.1 Downloading the AIX Package

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 7040681F.BIN

  c) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below.

     Enter the commands:

        cd /tmp/fwupdate
        chmod +x 7040681F.BIN
        ./7040681F.BIN

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

 These files will be added to  /tmp/fwupdate:

      2H040323.img
      errata.txt  (this contains information about potential problems that may be encountered)

If the above procedure was used to transfer the AIX package 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.

• To transfer files to the target server via the ftp method, continue to paragraph 5.1.1.1.
• To transfer files to the target server via the diskettes method, skip to paragraph 5.1.1.2.

5.1.1.1 The FTP Transfer Method

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 2H040323.img
     quit

Proceed to Section 6.0, Updating the Firmware.

5.1.1.2 The Diskette Transfer Method

 Four 2MB (HD) new or freshly formatted 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 (2H040323) Version 2 for  7040-681 and 7040-671"

     "Volume 2:  Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for  7040-681 and 7040-671"

     "Volume 3:  Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for  7040-681 and 7040-671"

     "Volume 4:  Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for  7040-681 and 7040-671"

Proceed to Section 6.0, Updating the Firmware.

5.1.2 Downloading the DOS Package

  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 7040681F.EXE

  c) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below.

      Enter the commands:

        cd [path]\fwupdate
        7040681F

These files will be added to the fwupdate subdirectory:

       40681_B1.EXE
       40681_B2.EXE
       40681_B3.EXE
       40681_B4.EXE
       errata.txt  (this contains information about potential problems that may be encountered)
 

5.1.2.1 Diskettes for Firmware Updates

  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
           40681_B1

      Label this diskette,

           "Volume 1: Firmware (2H040323)  Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

  b) With a second diskette loaded in the drive,

         Enter:
             40681_B2

     Label this diskette,

           "Volume 2: Firmware (2H040323)  Version 2 for 7040-681 and 70406-671"

  c) With a third diskette loaded in the drive,

         Enter:
             40681_B3

     Label this diskette,

           "Volume 3: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"
 

 d) With a fourth diskette loaded in the drive,

         Enter:
             40681_B4

     Label this diskette,

           "Volume 4: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

Proceed to Section 6.0, Updating the Firmware.

5.1.3 Downloading the RPM Package to the Target Server

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 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 2H040323.rpm

  c) Unpack the file by executing the instructions below.

     Enter the commands:

        rpm -ihv --ignoreos 2H040323.rpm

The 2H040323.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

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 for up to one hour.  Do not power down the system during this hour.

***
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 2H040323.img

          This command will produce the following output:

                57070  4379     2H040323.img

         The checksum is --------------> 57070

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

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.

• If updating the firmware in full system partition mode, continue to paragraph 6.1.
• If updating the firmware in partitioned system mode, skip to paragraph 6.2.

6.1 Full System Partition

6.1.1  Using the Service Processor Menus Method (Recommended)

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, press Enter, to bring up the Service Processor
         Menu.

    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 the screen.

         The second line of the title, Version: 2H040323, 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.

The firmware update is complete.

6.1.2 Using the Service Aids Method

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.

Note: Review "Update System or Service Processor Flash" in the Service Aids
section of the eserver pSeries 690 User's Guide for more information about using this utility.

• If the file is loaded in the target server, skip to paragraph 6.1.2.2.
• If the file is on diskettes, continue to paragraph 6.1.2.1.

6.1.2.1 File on Diskettes

        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 (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

When prompted for volume 2,

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

    "Volume 2: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

When prompted for volume 3,

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

    "Volume 3: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

When prompted for volume 4,

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

    "Volume 4: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

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

6.1.2.2 Updating with the Diagnostics Service Aids

  b) Choose Update System or Service Processor Flash.

  c) Select 'File System' as the source of the flash update image file.

      The fully qualified path name of the update file is /tmp/fwupdate/2H040323.img

  d) If using an ASCII terminal press 'F7' key to 'Commit' the update.
       If using an HMC terminal  press 'ESC' + '7' keys to 'Commit' the update.

   e) Choose Yes to continue.

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 target 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.

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.

The update of the firmware is complete. You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.3.

6.1.3 Using the AIX Command-Line Method

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

• If the file is loaded in the target server, skip to paragraph 6.1.3.2.
• If the file is on diskettes, continue to paragraph 6.1.3.1.

6.1.3.1 File on Diskettes

        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 (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

    When prompted for volume 2,

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

          "Volume 2: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

     When prompted for volume 3,

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

          "Volume 3: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

     When prompted for volume 4,

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

          "Volume 4: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

The file is now located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory.  Continue to paragraph 6.1.3.2.

6.1.3.2 Updating With Files Already Loaded in the Target Server

     Enter the commands:

        cd /usr/lpp/diagnostics/bin
        ./update_flash -f /tmp/fwupdate/2H040323.img

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

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 target 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.

The update of the firmware is complete. You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.3.

6.2  Partitioned System

6.2.1  Using the Service Processor Menus Method (Recommended)

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,  press Enter, to bring up the Service Processor
         Menu.

    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 the  screen.

         The second line of the title, Version: 2H040323, 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.

The firmware update is complete.

6.2.2 Using the Update System or Service Processor Flash Diagnostic Service Aids Method

 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.

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.

Note:  Review "Update System or Service Processor Flash" in the Service Aids section
            of the eserver pSeries 690 User's Guide for more information about using this utility.

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

• If the file is loaded in the target server, skip to paragraph 6.2.2.2.
• If the file is on diskettes, continue to paragraph 6.2.2.1.

6.2.2.1 File on Diskettes

        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 (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

When prompted for volume 2,

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

    "Volume 2: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

When prompted for volume 3,

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

    "Volume 3: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

When prompted for volume 4,

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

    "Volume 4: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

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

6.2.2.2 Updating with the Diagnostics Service Aids

  b) Choose Update System or Service Processor Flash.

  c) Select 'File System' as the source of the flash update image file.

      The fully qualified path name of the update file is /tmp/fwupdate/2H040323.img

  d) If using an ASCII terminal press 'F7' key to 'Commit' the update.
       If using an HMC terminal  press 'ESC' + '7' keys to 'Commit' the update.

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 target 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 goes blank.

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.

The update of the firmware is complete. You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.3.

6.2.3 Using the AIX Command-Line Method

 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.

• If the file is loaded in the target server, skip to paragraph 6.2.3.2.
• If the file is on diskettes, continue to paragraph 6.2.3.1.

6.2.3.1 File on Diskettes

        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 (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

    When prompted for volume 2,

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

          "Volume 2: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

     When prompted for volume 3,

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

          "Volume 3: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

     When prompted for volume 4,

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

          "Volume 4: Firmware (2H040323) Version 2 for 7040-681 and 7040-671"

The file is now located in the /tmp/fwupdate subdirectory.  Continue to paragraph 6.2.3.2.

6.2.3.2 Updating With Files Already Loaded in the Target Server

       Enter the commands:

           cd /usr/lpp/diagnostics/bin
          ./update_flash -f /tmp/fwupdate/2H040323.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 target server.  Since the update occurs during this shutdown/reboot sequence, it is important to protect the server from interruptions.

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.

The update of the firmware is complete. You will want to verify this update as shown in paragraph 6.3.

6.3 Verifying the Update

• If using AIX, continue to paragraph 6.3.1.
• If using Service Processor Main Menu, skip to paragraph 6.3.2.

6.3.1 Using AIX

         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).......2H040323
        Version.....................RS6K
        System Info Specific.(YL)...U1.18-P1-H2/Y2
      Physical Location: U1.18-P1-H2/Y2

6.3.2 Using the Service Processor Main Menu

6.4 Archiving the Update Files

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