Using Remote Rom Flash; Failsafe Boot Block Rom - Compaq 127507-008 - Deskpro EP - 64 MB RAM Software Reference Manual

Using Remote ROM Flash

Remote ROM Flash allows the system administrator to safely
upgrade the ROM on remote Compaq Deskpro personal
computers, directly from the centralized network management
console. Enabling the system administrator to perform this task
remotely, on multiple computers, results in a consistent
deployment of and greater control over Deskpro ROM images
over the network. It also results in greater productivity and
lower total cost of ownership.
Compaq created the Remote ROM Flash capability to be secure
and fail-safe. All Deskpro ROMPaq ROM images from Compaq
are digitally signed to ensure authenticity and minimize
potential corruption. The ROM firmware includes a Boot Block
that is protected during the flash process and allows the Deskpro
to be restarted, in the unlikely event of an unsuccessful ROM
flash.
Your computer must be powered on, or turned on through
Remote Wakeup, to take advantage of Remote ROM
Flash. Use of Remote ROM Flash also requires an
established setup password.
For more information on enabling Remote ROM Flash, refer to
the online Remote Management Administrators Guide. The
Remote Management Administrators Guide is included with the
Remote Management Administration Tools, and is available on
the Support Software CD for Compaq Desktop, Portable, and
Workstation Products or at the Compaq Web Site at
www.compaq.com.

FailSafe Boot Block ROM

The FailSafe Boot Block ROM allows for system recovery in
the unlikely event of a ROM flash failure, for example, if a
power failure occurs during a ROM upgrade. The Boot Block is
a flash-protected section of the ROM that checks to validate the
system ROM each time power to the system is turned on.
If the system ROM is valid, the system starts normally.
If the system ROM fails the validation check, the FailSafe
Boot Block ROM provides enough support to start the
system from a ROMPaq diskette, which will program the
system ROM with a valid image.
Software Reference Guide 3-17