Management Information Format (Mif); Alert On Lan; Bios Levels - IBM NetVista Hardware Maintenance Manual

Management Information Format (MIF)

Management Information Format (MIF) is a file used to maintain a list of the
system unit serial number along with all serialized components (for example,
system board, riser card, memory, and processor).
At the time of computer manufacture, the EPROM will be loaded with the serial
numbers of the system and all major components. The customer will have access to
the MIF file via the DMI MIF Browser that is installed with the preload and is also
available on the SSCD that is provided with the system.
A company called Retain-a-Group is a central data warehouse offering serial
number data management. Retain-a-Group acts as a focal point to law
enforcement. The customer has the option to purchase serial number information
and services from Retain-a-Group. It is the customer's responsibility to maintain
the MIF file and to inform Retain-a-Group of any changes to the file.
Some customers may request their servicers to assist them in maintaining the MIF
file when serialized components are replaced during hardware service. This
assistance is between the customer and the servicer. The servicer can use the DMI
MIF Browser to update the MIF information in the EPROM. It is anticipated that
some servicers might charge for this service.
To update the EPROM using the DMI MIF Browser, use the following procedure.
1. Click Start from the desktop, then Programs.
2. Select IBM SystemView Agent
3. Select the Serial Number Information icon
4. Click the plus sign to expand.
5. Select the component you want to view or edit.
6. Double click on the component you want to change.
7. Enter new data in the Value field, then click Apply.

Alert on LAN

Alert on LAN provides notification of changes in the computer, even when the
computer power is turned off. Working with DMI and Wake on LAN
technologies, Alert on LAN helps to manage and monitor the hardware and
software features of the computer. Alert on LAN generates notifications to the
server of these occurrences:
v Computer disconnected from the network
v Computer unplugged from the power outlet
v All POST errors
v Operating system or POST hang condition
Alert on LAN events are configured to be Enabled or Disabled from the LAN
server only, and not from the computer. See the LAN administrator for
configuration status information.

BIOS levels

An incorrect level of BIOS can cause false error and unnecessary FRU replacement.
Use the following information to determine the current level of BIOS installed in
the computer, the latest BIOS available for the computer, and where to obtain the
latest level of BIOS.
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Chapter 7. Symptom-to-FRU index
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