Using AIX commands to install a firmware fix permanently

Find out how to use AIX commands to install a firmware fix permanently.

You might recognize the process of installing the firmware fix permanently by different terms, depending on the type of hardware or software you use. For example, for AIX^® or Linux^®, you might refer to this process as committing the fix.

Note: To perform this task, you must meet the following criteria:

You must have root user authority.
You must start your server from the temporary side. For details, see Working with the temporary and permanent side of the service processor.

Use one of the following methods to install a firmware fix permanently:

Using the flash command
Using the AIX diagnostic service aids

Using the flash command

At an AIX command line, type the following:
```
/usr/lpp/diagnostics/bin/update_flash -c
```
The update_flash -c command might run for 10 or more minutes.
After the update completes, choose from the following options:
- If you are committing a firmware fix level that begins with SF220, use the manual process to shut down and restart the server. This ends the procedure.
- If you are committing a firmware fix level that begins with SF222 or higher, there is no need to shut down and restart the server. This ends the procedure.

Using the AIX diagnostic service aids

On the AIX command line, type diag.
Initialize the terminal type, if requested.
On the function selection screen, select Tasks and Service Aids.

On the task selection screen, scroll to the bottom of the list of options, and select Update and Manage Flash. A screen similar to the following is displayed:

UPDATE AND MANAGE SYSTEM FLASH

The current permanent system firmware image is SF220_005.
The current temporary system firmware image is SF220_006.
The system is currently booted from the temporary image.

Validate and Update System Firmware
Update System Firmware
Commit the Temporary Image

Select Commit the Temporary Image, and press Enter. The process might run for 10 or more minutes.
After the update is complete, choose from the following options:
- If you are committing a firmware fix level that begins with SF220, use the manual process to shut down and restart the server. This ends the procedure.
- If you are committing a firmware fix level that begins with SF222 or higher, there is no need to shut down and restart the server. This ends the procedure.