Firmware Updates; Troubleshooting The Storage Subsystem - IBM DS4800 User, Installation And Maintenance Manual

Recovering from a storage-server failure might require you to perform procedures
other than replacing the component (such as backing up the logical drive). The
DS4000 Storage Manager client gives these procedures.
Attention:

Firmware updates

DS4800 models 82, 84 and 88 will be shipped with controller firmware version
6.15.xx.xx. The DS4800 model 80 will be shipped with version 6.16.xx.xx and will
not have support for versions 6.15.xx.xx or 6.14.xx.xx as will the other models.
Attention:
ESM firmware upgrades. Save the DS4800 storage subsystem profile and all
configuration (*.cfg) files to a server disk that will remain accessible in the event of
a DS4000 storage configuration failure. Do not save these files only to a LUN in the
DS4000 Storage Subsystem.
In order to ensure the optimal operation of the DS4800 and its attached storage
expansion enclosures, the storage expansion enclosure ESM firmware, the DS4800
controller firmware, the hard drive firmware, and the NVSRAM (for controllers only)
must be up to date. Go to the following Web site to get the latest updates.
www.ibm.com/servers/storage/support/disk/
Apply the necessary updates before configuring the storage subsystem arrays and
logical drives. Subscribe to My Support for automatic notifications of firmware or
Storage Manager software updates or any important information about your DS4000
subsystems (see "Product updates" on page 5).
Attention:
Storage Manager software package for any limitations, subsystem firmware
prerequisites, or download-sequence information. For example, the controller
firmware code might require the storage expansion enclosure ESM firmware to be
upgraded first to a particular version, or the controller firmware download might
require the halting of I/Os to the DS4800's logical drives. Failure to observe the
limitations, prerequisites, and dependencies in the Readme file might result in a
loss of data access.
Unless the Readme file contains special requirements for the sequence in which
you upgrade firmware, you should perform firmware upgrades in the following
sequence:
1. ESM firmware for the storage expansion enclosures
2. Controller firmware
3. Controller NVSRAM
4. Drive firmware

Troubleshooting the storage subsystem

The DS4000 Storage Manager client software enables you to monitor the storage
subsystem, diagnose problems, and recover from failures. For best configuration
operation, run the DS4000 Storage Manager client software continuously, and
frequently check the configuration status.
Not following the software-recovery procedures can result in data loss.
Save the storage subsystem profile before performing any controller or
Read the Readme file that is included in each firmware or DS4000
Chapter 4. Operating the storage subsystem
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