System Firmware Updates - IBM pSeries 690 Service Manual

System Firmware Updates

Attention: If the firmware on the system is RH021025 or later, the firmware can be updated to the latest
level by the customer. If it is RH021024 or earlier, the firmware must be updated by a service
representative.
To determine the current level of firmware on the system, see "Determining the Level of Firmware on the
System" on page 820.
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 requested that you
update your firmware.
Downloading the firmware update image and update instructions from the Web, or CORE if the update is
being performed by a service representative, is preferred.
Always check the pSeries and RS/6000 Support Web site or CORE for the latest firmware images and
update instructions. The Web address is: http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/mdownload2
If you cannot download from the Web, do the following:
v If the system is running, but access to the Web is not available, see "System Firmware Update in AIX
Using a Locally Available Image" on page 821.
v 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 822.
v If the service processor programming has been damaged, the service processor will automatically enter
recovery mode when power is applied to the system. For more information on recovery mode, go to
"Recovery Mode" on page 824.
To check the level of firmware that is currently on the system, see "Determining the Level of Firmware on
the System" on page 820.
General Information on System Firmware Updates
All the system firmware types 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. The diskette images can be downloaded to any personal computer,
pSeries, or RS/6000 system with Internet access. This method and contacting your service representative
are the only two ways to acquire a set of firmware update diskettes; they cannot be created by using the
service processor menus or by using the operating system.
Retain and store the latest firmware diskettes each time the firmware gets updated in the event that the
firmware becomes damaged and must be reloaded.
Download the detailed instructions, as well as the latest flash images, from the following Web address:
http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/mdownload2. 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.
Chapter 7. Using the Service Processor
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