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System Firmware Updates
This section provides information and instructions for updating the system firmware. You
may need to perform these steps if you are installing an option or if your support
representative has instructed you to update your firmware.
Downloading the firmware update image and update instructions from the Web is
preferred.
Always check the pSeries and RS/6000 Support Web site for the latest firmware images
and update instructions. The Web address is: http://www.rs6000.ibm.com/support/micro
If you cannot download from the Web, do the following:
v If the system is running, but access to the Web is not available, see “System
Firmware Update Using a Locally Available Image” on page 62.
v If the system cannot be powered on, but the service processor menus are available,
see “Updating System Firmware From the Service Processor Menus” on page 63.
v If the service processor programming has been corrupted, the service processor will
automatically enter recovery mode when power is applied to the system. For more
information on recovery mode, go to “Recovery Mode” on page 64.
To check the level of firmware that is currently on the system, see “Determining the
Level of Firmware on the System” on page 62.
General Information on System Firmware Updates
All the system firmware types that can be reprogrammed are updated at the same time.
They are:
v System power control network programming
v Service processor programming
v IPL programming
v Run-time abstraction services
It is strongly recommended that you create a set of firmware update diskettes from the
Web site as soon as possible after a system is installed. The diskette images can be
downloaded to any personal computer, pSeries, or RS/6000 system with Internet
access. This method and contacting your service representative are the only two ways
to acquire a set of firmware update diskettes; they cannot be created by using the
service processor menus or by using AIX.
Retain and store the latest firmware diskettes each time the firmware gets updated in
the event that the firmware becomes corrupted and must be reloaded.
Download the detailed instructions, as well as the latest flash images, from the following
Web address: http://www.rs6000.ibm.com/support/micro. Before doing a system
firmware update, check the Web site for the latest code and images. Do not attempt a
firmware update if you are unsure of the image you have, or of the procedure required
for the update.
Chapter 3. Using the Service Processor 61