Getting server firmware and power subsystem firmware fixes through an HMC using a CD, FTP server, or hard drive

Learn how to update or upgrade server firmware and power subsystem firmware (if you have a model 575 or 59x server) through an HMC using a CD, FTP server, a hard drive to apply the fix.

Note: 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.

After you install HMC fixes, 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.

To get server firmware and power subsystem firmware fixes (if you have a model 575 or 59x server), perform tasks 1 through 5.

Note: By default, the server firmware is installed on the temporary side only after the existing contents of the temporary side are permanently installed on the permanent side. (This process is performed automatically when you install a server firmware fix.) If you want to preserve the contents of the permanent side, select Install and Activate from the Advanced Features on the HMC interface, and indicate that you do not want to automatically accept the firmware level.
Parent topic: Getting server firmware and power subsystem firmware fixes and upgrades

Task 1. View existing firmware levels with an HMC

  1. 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.
  2. From the HMC, expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
  3. Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
  4. In the Contents area, click Change Licensed Internal Code for the current release.
  5. 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.
  6. In the Change Licensed Internal Code window, select View system information, and click OK.
  7. 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.
  8. Record the installed level and click Close.
  9. Click Cancel.

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.

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

Task 3. View or download the firmware fix

To view or download the server firmware and power subsystem firmware fixes, follow these steps:
Note: If you plan to create a CD, you will need a CD burner and software. If you prefer to order a fix CD, contact service and support (AIX® or Linux®), or Fix Central (i5/OS®).
  1. From a computer or server with an Internet connection, go to the Fix Central Web site at http://www.ibm.com/eserver/support/fixes/.
  2. Select the appropriate family in the Product family list.
  3. Choose from the following options:
    • For AIX or Linux, continue with step 4.
    • For i5/OS, continue with step 7.
  4. For AIX or Linux, perform the following steps:
    1. From the Fix Central Web site, select Hardware microcode and firmware in the Product or fix type list.
    2. Click Continue.
    3. Select your machine type and model from the drop-down list. An information window is displayed.
    4. Click Continue. The available firmware levels are displayed.
    5. Record the available firmware, or if you want to download the fix, choose from the following options:
      • To download the ISO image, continue with step 5.
      • To download the RPM and XML files, continue with step 6.
        Note: To learn more about the firmware release, click Desc. An HTML file is displayed.
  5. To download the ISO image, perform the following steps:
    1. Click Desc. An HTML file is displayed.
    2. In the Description file, click the .ISO file. For example, or SF2aa_bbb_BP2cc_ddd.iso.
    3. Follow the on-screen prompts.
    4. Continue with Task 4. Update a current release or upgrade to a new release.
  6. To download the firmware RPM and XML files, perform the following steps:
    1. Select the RPM check box for the server firmware version you want.
    2. If you have a model 575 or 59x server, select the RPM check box for the power subsystem firmware version that corresponds to the system firmware you are installing.
    3. Scroll to the bottom of the page and click Continue.
    4. Click Continue again. The License Agreement is displayed.
    5. Click I agree to abide by its terms and click Continue.
    6. Follow the on-screen prompts. You will need to select the XML file when prompted to apply the firmware through the HMC.
    7. Continue with Task 4. Update a current release or upgrade to a new release.
  7. For i5/OS, perform the following steps:
    1. From the Fix Central Web site, select Server firmware in the Product or fix type list.
      Note: This selection includes both server firmware and power subsystem firmware (if you have a model 575 or 59x).
    2. Select Update policy set to HMC in the Firmware update policy.
    3. Click Continue.
    4. Click Recommended fixes on the Server firmware fixes page.
    5. From the Recommended fixes page, select your version and release in the Select your release field (for example, V5R3).
    6. Select Server Firmware: Update Policy Set to HMC from the select a topic list.
    7. Click Go.
    8. Record the available firmware.
    9. If you want to download or order the firmware, choose from the following options:
      • To download the ISO image which contains both the server firmware and power subsystem firmware (if you have a model 575 or 59x server), click Go across from the .iso image.
      • To download the RPM and XML files, click Download.rpm Download.xml for server firmware files and Bulk power files (if you have a model 575 or 59x server).
      • To order the fix on CD, click the MHxxxxx file. You will be prompted for your IBM® ID and Password.
        Note: In the following screens, you will need to select both of the following to receive the CD:
        • Immediate download over the Internet (HTTP)
        • Mail order on CD if the total size exceeds the limits you selected above
        Note: You also can order the CD using the SNDPTFORD command.
    10. Follow the on-screen prompts.
    11. Continue with Task 4. Update a current release or upgrade to a new release.

Task 4. 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:

  1. 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.
  2. If you obtained a fix CD for this procedure, insert it into the CD drive on the HMC.
  3. 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.
  4. Expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
  5. Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
  6. Choose from the following options:

Task 4.1. Update a current release

  1. In the Contents area, click Change Licensed Internal Code for the current release.
  2. 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.
  3. In the Change Licensed Internal Code window, select Start Change Licensed Internal Code wizard and click OK.
  4. 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.
  5. 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 re-select 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 no change fixes are available, a message displays indicating that no fixes are available and targets are up to date. In this situation, click Cancel to end the task.
  6. 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 concurrent message 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 a disruptive install and activate, click Advanced Options.
        1. In the Concurrency window, select the target 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.
  7. Click Next. The Hardware Management Console License Agreement window is displayed.
  8. In the License Agreement window, read the agreement and click Accept.
  9. 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:

    At the end of a disruptive process, the managed system automatically returns to its original state.

  10. To verify that the fix installed correctly, see Task 5. Verify that the fix installed correctly.

Task 4.2. Upgrade to a new release

  1. To upgrade to a new release, click Upgrade Licensed Internal Code to a new release in the Contents area.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. In the License Agreement window, read the agreement and click Accept.
  5. 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:

    At the end of a disruptive process, the managed system automatically returns to its original state.

  6. To verify that the fix installed correctly, see Task 5. Verify that the fix installed correctly.

Task 5. Verify that the fix installed correctly

  1. 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.
  2. From the HMC, expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
  3. Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
  4. In the Contents area, click Change Licensed Internal Code.
  5. 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.
  6. In the Change Licensed Internal Code window, select View system information, and click OK.
  7. In the Specify LIC Repository window, select None, and click OK. A window is displayed that shows system information for the target system.
  8. Verify that the installed and activated levels of firmware match the fix that you installed.
  9. If the installed and activated levels of firmware do not match the fix that you installed, see Failed verification that the fix installed successfully.
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