System Firmware Updates - IBM RS/6000 Enterprise Server M80 Service Manual

System Firmware Updates

This section provides information and instructions for updating the system firmware. You may need to
perform these steps if you are installing an option or if your support representative has instructed you to
update your firmware.
Always check the pSeries & RS/6000 Support Web site for the latest firmware images and update
instructions. The Web address is: http://www.rs6000.ibm.com/support/micro
Downloading the firmware update image and update instructions from the Web is preferred.
If the system is running, but access to the Web is not available, see "System Firmware Update Using a
Locally Available Image" on page 391.
If the system cannot be powered on, but the service processor menus are available, see "Updating
System Firmware From the Service Processor Menus" on page 391.
If the service processor programming has been corrupted, the service processor will automatically enter
recovery mode when power is applied to the system. Recovery mode is described later in this section.
To check the level of firmware that is currently on the system, see "Determining the Level of Firmware on
the System."
General Information on System Firmware Updates
All the types of system firmware that can be reprogrammed are updated at the same time. They are:
v System power control network programming
v Service processor programming
v IPL programming
v Run-time abstraction services
It is strongly recommended that you create a set of firmware update diskettes from the Web site as soon
as possible after a system is installed. As noted below, the diskette images can be downloaded to any
personal computer, pSeries, or RS/6000 system with Internet access. This method is the only way to
acquire a set of firmware update diskettes; they cannot be created by using the service processor menus
or by using AIX.
Retain and store the latest firmware diskettes each time the firmware gets updated in the event that the
firmware becomes corrupted and must be reloaded.
Download the detailed instructions, as well as the latest flash images, from this Web site. Before doing a
system firmware update, check the Web site for the latest code and images. Do not attempt a firmware
update if you are unsure of the image you have, or of the procedure required for the update.
The images are available on the Web site in either DOS format or AIX (backup) format:
v If downloading to a PC, download the DOS image and follow the instructions. The diskettes that are
created will be in AIX (backup) format.
v If downloading to a pSeries or RS/6000 system, follow the instructions to create an image on a disk
drive or on diskettes.
Determining the Level of Firmware on the System
Note: This information may be superseded by the information that is available on the Web site listed
below. Always check the Web site for the latest images and instructions for checking the firmware
level. The Web address is: http://www.rs6000.ibm.com/support/micro
390
Service Guide