Getting server and power subsystem firmware fixes through an HMC with an Internet connection

Task 1. Ensure that you have an Internet connection

To download fixes from the service and support system or Web site to your HMC or server, you must have a connection to service and support either through a modem, direct or indirect Internet, or pass-through system.

To verify the service connection, follow these steps:

In the navigation area, open Service Applications.
Select Remote Support.
Select Customize Outbound Connectivity.
Select the tab for the type of outbound connectivity that you chose for your HMC (Local Modem, Internet VPN, or Pass-Through Systems). For more information about these settings, see Specifying the connection type from the HMC.
Note: If a connection to service and support does not exist, set up the service connection before proceeding with this procedure. For instructions on how to set up a connection to service and support, see Setting up AIX, IBM i5/OS, Linux, and the HMC to connect to service and support.
Click Test.
Verify that the test completes successfully. If the test is not successful, troubleshoot your connectivity and correct the problem before proceeding with this procedure.

Task 2. Review your HMC machine code version and release

The level of HMC machine code that you have will determine the available features, including concurrent server firmware maintenance and enhancements to upgrading to a new release.

In the navigation area, open Licensed Internal Code Maintenance.
Select HMC Code Update.
In the contents area, look for the version and release of your HMC machine code in the Status area.
Record the version and release.

Task 3. View existing firmware levels with an HMC

Ensure that the managed systems and power frames (if you have a model 575 or 59x server) are in the correct state.
1. From the HMC, select Server and Partition.
2. Select Server Management and ensure that the State is Power Off, Standby, or Operating.
3. If you have a model 575 or 59x server, select Frame Management and ensure that the state is Standby.
From the HMC, expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
In the Contents area, click Change Licensed Internal Code for the current release.
In the Target Object Selection window, click the target system, and click OK. The target is the managed system for which you want to verify the firmware level.
In the Change Licensed Internal Code window, select View system information, and click OK.
In the Specify LIC Repository window, select None, and click OK. A window is displayed that shows system information for the target system.
- The Installed Level indicates the level of firmware that has been installed and will be installed into memory after the managed system is powered off and powered on.
- The Activated Level indicates the level of firmware that is active and running in memory.
- The Accepted Level indicates the backup level of firmware. You can return to the backup level of firmware if you decide to remove the installed level.
Record the installed level and click Close.
Click Cancel.

Task 4. View available firmware levels

To view the available levels, follow these steps:

From the HMC, expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
In the Contents area, click Change Internal Code for the current release.
In the Target Object Selection window, click the target system, and click OK.
In the Change Internal Code window, select View system information and click OK.
In the Specify LIC Repository window, select the repository location from which you want to view available firmware fixes, and click OK. The following options are available:
- IBM service Web site (This site provides the most recent level of fixes. You need a direct Internet connection to access this site.)
- IBM support system (This site provides all available levels of fixes. You can use a modem or direct Internet connection to access this site.)
- DVD-RAM media: Select this option if you previously put the fix on CD and it is in the DVD drive on the HMC.
  Note: If you choose the DVD-RAM media repository and receive an I/O Error when using a CD that you created, it might mean that the software you used to create the CD does not conform to the writing of temporary records requirements of the HMC.
- FTP site: Select this option if you previously downloaded the fix to an FTP site. (This site would be setup previously by your organization's advanced support personnel.) An FTP server is any system on which the FTP server protocol is activated. If you select the FTP site, you need to know the following information:
  Note: Usually, a PC has only the FTP client active.
  - FTP site - The fully qualified host and domain name of the FTP server from which you want to download the fix.
  - User ID - Your user ID for the FTP server.
  - Password - Your password for the FTP server.
  - Directory - The directory on the FTP server that holds the server or power subsystem firmware fix. You can specify the default directory /opt/ccfw/data if you placed the fix in that directory, or you can change the directory path if the fix is in a directory other than the default directory. For example, if you downloaded the fix and copied it to a unique directory on the FTP server, you can specify that directory.
- Hard drive: Select this option if you previously downloaded the fix to the hard disk drive on your HMC. (This repository can be selected after a successful Code Update for this release was the last completed update to another Managed System or Power Subsystem by this HMC.)
  Note: For more information about each of the repository locations, click Help.
A window is displayed that shows system information for the target system, including the retrievable levels of firmware.
Note: If no firmware fixes are available at the selected repository, the columns in the table will be empty.
Record the available firmware level or levels.

Task 5. Update a current release or upgrade to a new release

Note: If you receive an error during the code update and are sent to the Service Focal Point application in the HMC, it means that you need to repair and close any open events that caused the code update to fail. For details, see Using Service Focal Point for the HMC. If you receive an HSCFxxxx reference code during the update, refer to the HSCFxxxx Licensed Internal Code error codes.

To update a current release or upgrade to a new release, follow these steps:

You must install HMC fixes before you install server firmware or power subsystem firmware fixes so that the HMC can handle any fixes or new function that you apply to the server. Also, if an HMC manages multiple servers at different firmware release levels, the HMC machine code level must be equal to or higher than the system firmware level on the server that is at the latest release level. For instructions on how to update your HMC machine code, see Getting HMC machine code fixes and upgrades. Then you should either install the power subsystem firmware and server firmware fixes together, or install the power subsystem firmware first (if you have a model 575 or 59x server), and then the server firmware second.
Ensure that the managed systems and power frames (if you have a model 575 or 59x server) are in the correct state.
1. From the HMC, select Server and Partition.
2. Select Server Management and ensure that the State is Power Off, Standby, or Operating.
3. If you have a model 575 or 59x server, select Frame Management and ensure that the state is Standby.
Expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
Choose from the following options:
- To update a current release, continue with Task 5.1. Update a current release.
- To upgrade to a new release, continue with Task 5.2. Upgrade to a new release.
  Note: If you are unsure about whether to select an update or upgrade, select Task 5.1. Update a current release.

Task 5.1. Update a current release

In the Contents area, click Change Licensed Internal Code for the current release.
In the Target Object Selection window, click the target system, and click OK. The target is the managed system for which you want to update.
Note: You can select multiple managed systems to be updated simultaneously. If you have a 575 system, there are some considerations you should review before choosing to update or upgrade multiple managed systems. For details, refer to Applying firmware to multiple managed systems using an HMC.
In the Change Licensed Internal Code window, select Start Change Licensed Internal Code wizard and click OK.
In the Specify LIC Repository window, select the repository location from which you want to download the server firmware or power subsystem firmware fixes, and click OK. The following options are available:
- IBM service Web site (This site provides the most recent level of fixes. You need a direct Internet connection to access this site.)
- IBM support system (This site provides all available levels of fixes. You can use a modem or direct Internet connection to access this site.)
  Note: Downloading server firmware or power subsystem firmware fixes over a modem might take several hours.
- DVD-RAM media: Select this option if you previously put the fix on CD and it is in the DVD drive on the HMC.
  Note: If you choose the DVD-RAM media repository and receive an I/O Error when using a CD that you created, it might mean that the software you used to create the CD does not conform to the writing of temporary records requirements of the HMC.
- FTP site: Select this option if you previously downloaded the fix to an FTP site. (This site would be set up previously by your organization's advanced support personnel.) An FTP server is any system on which the FTP server protocol is activated. If you select the FTP site, you need to know the following information:
  Note: Usually, a PC has only the FTP client active.
  - FTP site - The fully qualified host and domain name of the FTP server from which you want to download the fix.
  - User ID - Your user ID for the FTP server.
  - Password - Your password for the FTP server.
  - Directory - The directory on the FTP server that holds the server or power subsystem firmware fix. You can specify the default directory /opt/ccfw/data if you placed the fix in that directory, or you can change the directory path if the fix is in a directory other than the default directory. For example, if you downloaded the fix and copied it to a unique directory on the FTP server, you can specify that directory.
- Hard drive: Select this option if you previously downloaded the fix to the hard disk drive on your HMC. (This repository can be selected after a successful Code Update for this release was the last completed update to another Managed System or Power Subsystem by this HMC, or the fix was downloaded using the Retrieve function from the Advanced Features on the HMC interface.)
  Note: For more information about each of the repository locations, click Help.
In the welcome window, click Next. One of the following will occur:
- If the selected repository has only an update to the current release available, continue with step 6.
- If a message displays stating that there is a new upgrade level available, choose from the following options:
  - Click Cancel to switch to an upgrade to a new release. You will not have to reselect the repository. Then continue with step 4 in Task 5.2.
  - Click OK to proceed with an update for the current release, and continue with step 6.
- If there are no updates or upgrades available for your current release, a message displays indicating that targets are up to date. In this situation, click Cancel to end the task.
In the Change Licensed Internal Code wizard window, ensure that Managed System and Power LIC is selected and choose from the following options:
- If the window contains a grayed out message across from 'Current Installation type selection' continue with step 7.
- If the window contains a message regarding the availability of a concurrent update across from 'Current Installation type selection' choose from the following options:
  - To continue with a concurrent update, follow these steps:
    1. Read the message that is displayed.
```
Notice:  Do not perform any configuration or management
 operations on the managed system while 
Licensed Internal Code is being updated. 
```
      Note: Do not perform any tasks on the managed system that is being updated until the firmware update is complete. If an operation does occur, both the code update and operation might complete correctly. However, if there is a failure, allow the update to complete before retrying a new operation. If the concurrent firmware update fails, remove the corrupted image and retry the concurrent Licensed Internal Code update. For details, see Removing the current firmware (Licensed Internal Code) level.
    2. Continue with step 7.
  - To change to disruptively install and activate the update, click Advanced Options.
    1. In the Concurrency window, select the target that you want to update. The type of installation is shown in the Concurrency Status field.
    2. In the Select the type of installation to perform area, choose from the available options, which might include:
      - Concurrent install and activate
      - Concurrent only, with deferred disruptive activate
      - Disruptive install and activate
    3. Click OK and continue with step 7.
Click Next. The Hardware Management Console License Agreement window is displayed.
In the License Agreement window, read the agreement and click Accept.
In the Confirm the Action window, perform the required actions, and click Finish.
If the following message is displayed on the HMC interface, you will need to manually shut down all of the applications and logical partitions to prevent the system from shutting them down abnormally during the process. Quiesce any applications currently running on your operating systems for the systems listed below.
Use the usual procedures to shut down the logical partitions:
- To shut down AIX^® logical partitions, see Shutting down AIX.
- To shut down i5/OS^® logical partitions, use the Power Down System (PWRDWNSYS) command from an i5/OS command line (either in a 5250 emulator session on your HMC, or on the Operations Console). For further instructions, see Shutting down i5/OS logical partitions.
- To shut down Linux^® logical partitions, see Shutting down Linux.
At the end of a disruptive process, the managed system automatically returns to its original state.
To verify that the fix installed correctly, see Task 6. Verify that the fix installed correctly.

Task 5.2. Upgrade to a new release

To upgrade to a new release, click Upgrade Licensed Internal Code to a new release in the Contents area.
In the Target Object Selection window, click the target system, and click OK. The target is the managed system for which you want to upgrade the firmware to a new release.
Note: You can select multiple managed systems to be updated simultaneously (unless the DVD repository is used during an upgrade, then the upgrade will be performed sequentially). Also, if you have a 575 system, there are some considerations you should review before choosing to update or upgrade multiple managed systems. For details on using the DVD repository during an upgrade, or for considerations when updating or upgrading a 575 system, refer to Applying firmware to multiple managed systems using an HMC.
In the Specify LIC Repository window, select the repository location from which you want to download the server firmware or power subsystem firmware fixes, and click OK.
Note: If you receive a message that you can only use the DVD-RAM media repository, it means that you do not have the correct HMC machine code release installed. You will need to update your HMC machine code before you continue. For details, see Getting HMC machine code fixes and upgrades.
The following options are available:
- IBM service Web site (This site provides the most recent level of fixes. You need a direct Internet connection to access this site.)
- IBM support system (This site provides all available levels of fixes. You can use a modem or direct Internet connection to access this site.)
  Note: Downloading server firmware or power subsystem firmware fixes over a modem might take several hours.
- DVD-RAM media: Select this option if you previously put the fix on CD and it is in the DVD drive on the HMC.
  Note: If you choose the DVD-RAM media repository and receive an I/O Error when using a CD that you created, it might mean that the software you used to create the CD does not conform to the writing of temporary records requirements of the HMC.
  
  Note: If you selected to upgrade multiple managed systems, the DVD-RAM media repository will perform the upgrade sequentially. For details, refer to Applying firmware to multiple managed systems using an HMC.
- FTP site: Select this option if you previously downloaded the fix to an FTP site. (This site would be setup previously by your organization's advanced support personnel.) An FTP server is any system on which the FTP server protocol is activated. If you select the FTP site, you need to know the following information:
  Note: Usually, a PC has only the FTP client active.
  - FTP site - The fully qualified host and domain name of the FTP server from which you want to download the fix.
  - User ID - Your user ID for the FTP server.
  - Password - Your password for the FTP server.
  - Directory - The directory on the FTP server that holds the server or power subsystem firmware fix. You can specify the default directory /opt/ccfw/data if you placed the fix in that directory, or you can change the directory path if the fix is in a directory other than the default directory. For example, if you downloaded the fix and copied it to a unique directory on the FTP server, you can specify that directory.
In the License Agreement window, read the agreement and click Accept.
In the Confirm the Action window, perform the required actions, and click Finish.
If the following message is displayed on the HMC interface, you will need to manually shut down all of the applications and logical partitions to prevent the system from shutting them down abnormally during the process. Quiesce any applications currently running on your operating systems for the systems listed below.
Use the usual procedures to shut down the logical partitions:
- To shut down AIX logical partitions, see Shutting down AIX.
- To shut down i5/OS logical partitions, use the Power Down System (PWRDWNSYS) command from an i5/OS command line (either in a 5250 emulator session on your HMC, or on the Operations Console). For further instructions, see Shutting down i5/OS logical partitions.
- To shut down Linux logical partitions, see Shutting down Linux.
At the end of a disruptive process, the managed system automatically returns to its original state.
To verify that the fix installed correctly, see Task 6. Verify that the fix installed correctly.

Task 6. Verify that the fix installed correctly

Ensure that the managed systems and power frames (if you have a model 575 or 59x server) are in the correct state.
1. From the HMC, select Server and Partition.
2. Select Server Management and ensure that the State is Power Off, Standby, or Operating.
3. If you have a model 575 or 59x server, select Frame Management and ensure that the state is Standby.
From the HMC, expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
In the Contents area, click Change Licensed Internal Code.
In the Target Object Selection window, click the target system, and click OK. The target is the managed system for which you want to verify the firmware level.
In the Change Licensed Internal Code window, select View system information, and click OK.
In the Specify LIC Repository window, select None, and click OK. A window is displayed that shows system information for the target system.
Verify that the installed and activated levels of firmware match the fix that you installed.
If the installed and activated levels of firmware do not match the fix that you installed, see Failed verification that the fix installed successfully.