Preparing to convert the expansion unit

Use this information to prepare for an expansion unit conversion.

Ensure that you read Expansion unit conversion paths and considerations.

To prepare for the expansion unit conversion, perform the following tasks:

  1. Upgrade to IBM® i Version 6 Release 1.

    If you have not upgraded the IBM i to V6R1, upgrade now. For more information about upgrading your operating system, see Upgrading IBM i and related software.

  2. From the System Planning Tool (SPT) application, print the SPT output before you begin the expansion unit conversion.

    You can ask your IBM marketing representative or IBM Business Partner to help you obtain this output during the order process.

    Note: The SPT output can help determine the logical partition to which the new bus numbers should be assigned and how to handle resource names.
  3. If you are using a Linux® operating system on your expansion unit, perform the following tasks. If you are not using a Linux operating system on an expansion unit, you can skip this step.
    1. Locate a Linux distribution kernel that is compatible with an IBM Power Systems™ model.
      Note: Even though you are upgrading from an IBM System i® model, you need to install a POWER™ Linux kernel to ensure that compatibility with an IBM System i model.
    2. Obtain access to an installation kernel through either of the following methods:
      • Linux installation CDs
      • Network-based installation source
    3. Download the latest POWER Linux kernel to the partition virtual disk. For SUSE Linux Enterprise Server 9, this kernel is on the first installation CD in the /suse/ppc directory.
    4. Back up all server partitions using the GO SAVE option 21 option. See the GO SAVE option 21 topic to back up all logical partitions of the server.
      Note: Backing up the server partitions is vital for recovery in case you experience errors during the expansion unit conversion.
  4. If you are migrating an expansion unit from a source server to a target server during your server upgrade, ensure that you plan for the following items:
    • If you are upgrading to a new IBM System i model, perform the following tasks to ensure that the SPCN download runs correctly:
      1. Ensure that the vital product data (VPD) has been added to the expansion unit before the upgrade.
        Note: The System Service Representative (SSR) updates the VPD when changing the VPD chip.
      2. Ensure that your HMC user ID has hmcsuperadmin authority. See Editing HMC user information and roles for information about changing authority for an HMC user ID.
    • Remove the power from the expansion unit during the migration so that the target server owns the SPCN ID of the expansion unit.