IBM HANDBOOK 260 User Manual

Page 229

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Service Processor

211

The firmware in your server can be updated using one of four available
initiation processes:

1. Service Processor initiation

2. SMS Utilities initiation

3. Service Aids initiation

4. AIX initiation

Each initiation method is described below. In each case, the process prompts
you for your authority and shows the contents of the update media. Verify the
file with which to perform the update, and follow any other instructions that
may appear. After initiation, the processes are identical and automatic.

There are two areas in each firmware module that may need updating:

1. The gold code or base code or EPROM area

2. The custom or main program or FLASH area

Each update file contains matching gold and custom firmware, so it is not
possible to update to a conflicting set.

Before the update process begins, the versions of each of the two areas of
the target firmware module are compared to the versions on the update
diskette. Only the area(s) that need updating are updated. In most cases,
only the custom area is updated.

An update diskette can be acquired from the RS/6000 Support page on the
Internet or from your service team. The Internet address is:

http://www.rs6000.ibm.com/support/micro

The update files must be downloaded to a DOS-formatted diskette. You
should format the diskette just prior to receiving the download, to be sure it is
clean. Reformatting is worth the time and effort.

7.7.1 Updating Firmware from the Service Processor Menus

The Service Processor Menus are available while the server is powered off.
From the Service Processor Main Menu, select Service Processor Setup to
bring up a menu containing the item, Reprogram Service Processor Flash
EPROM. Selecting that item starts the update process. The process requests
the update diskette(s) as needed. After inserting the first diskette and
informing the system, the process continues automatically. If the process
requires user assistance, it is requested.

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