Obtaining firmware updates through an HMC with an Internet connection

Learn how to update or upgrade server firmware and power subsystem firmware (if you have a model 575 or 59x server) through an HMC when you have an Internet connection from the HMC or server.

Important: The HMC machine code needs to be equal to or greater than the server firmware level. 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. During this procedure you will find out how to ensure your HMC machine code and server firmware is compatible.

You must install HMC updates before you install server firmware or power subsystem firmware updates so that the HMC can handle any updates or new function that you apply to the server. After you install HMC updates, either install the power subsystem firmware and server firmware updates together, or install the power subsystem firmware first (if you have a model 575 or 59x server), and then the server firmware second.

Perform tasks 1 through 6 to obtain server firmware and power subsystem firmware updates (if you have a model 575 or 59x server).

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 update.) 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.

Step 1. Ensure that you have an Internet connection

To download updates 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 that the service connection is working, perform the following steps:

  1. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 2.
    • If you are using a an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 3.
  2. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the navigation area, open Service Applications.
    2. Select Remote Support.
    3. Select Customize Outbound Connectivity.
    4. Continue with step 4.
  3. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the Navigation area, click Service Management.
    2. Select Manage Outbound Connectivity.
  4. 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 your server to connect to service and support.
  5. Click Test.
  6. Verify that the test completes successfully. If the test is not successful, troubleshoot your connectivity and correct the problem before proceeding with this procedure. Alternatively, you can obtain the update on CD.
  7. Continue with Step 2. Review your HMC machine code version and release.

Step 2. Review your HMC machine code version and release

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

  1. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 2.
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 3.
  2. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the navigation area, open Licensed Internal Code Maintenance.
    2. Select HMC Code Update.
    3. In the contents area, view and record the version and release of your HMC machine code in the Status area.
    4. Continue with 4.
  3. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the Navigation area, click Updates.
    2. In the Work area, view and record the information that appears under the HMC Code Level heading, including: the HMC version, release, maintenance level, build level, and base versions.
  4. Continue with Step 3. View existing firmware levels with an HMC.

Step 3. View existing firmware levels with an HMC

  1. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 2.
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 4.
  2. 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.
  3. Perform the following steps:
    1. From the HMC, expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
    2. Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
    3. Select Change Licensed Internal Code for the current release.
    4. 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.
    5. In the Change Licensed Internal Code window, select View system information, and click OK.
    6. 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.
    7. Record the installed level and click Close.
    8. Click Cancel.
    9. Continue with step 5.
  4. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the Navigation area, click Updates.
    2. Ensure that the managed system Status is Power Off, Standby, or Operating.
    3. Record the level that appears in the EC Number field. For example, 01EM310.
  5. For information on compatible levels of HMC machine code and system firmware, refer to the POWER5™ Code Matrix Web site.
  6. Choose from the following options:
    • If you need to update your HMC machine code, refer to Obtaining HMC machine code updates and upgrades.
    • If your HMC machine code is equal to or greater than the level of server firmware you want to install, continue with this procedure.
  7. Continue with Step 4. View the available firmware levels.

Step 4. View the available firmware levels

To view the available levels, follow these steps:
  1. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 2.
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 3.
  2. Perform the following steps:
    1. From the HMC, expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
    2. Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
    3. In the Contents area, click Change Internal Code for the current release.
    4. In the Target Object Selection window, click the target system, and click OK.
    5. In the Change Internal Code window, select View system information.
    6. Continue with step 4.
  3. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the Navigation area, click Updates.
    2. Select the target system.
    3. In the Task area, select View system information.
  4. In the Specify LIC Repository window, select the repository location from which you want to view available firmware updates, and click OK. The following options are available:
    • IBM service Web site (This site provides the most recent level of updates. You need a direct Internet connection to access this site.)
    • IBM support system (This site provides all available levels of updates. You can use a modem or direct Internet connection to access this site.)
    • DVD-RAM media: Select this option if you previously put the update 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 requirements for writing of temporary records on the HMC.
    • FTP site: Select this option if you previously downloaded the update 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 update.
      • 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 update. You can specify the default directory /opt/ccfw/data if you placed the update in that directory, or you can change the directory path if the update is in a directory other than the default directory. For example, if you downloaded the update 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 update 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. For details on retrievable levels of firmware, see Levels of firmware (Licensed Internal Code) on the HMC.
    Note: If no firmware updates are available at the selected repository, the columns in the table will be empty.
  5. Record the available firmware level or levels.
  6. Continue with Step 5. Update a current release or upgrade to a new release.

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

Important: Do not interrupt the update or upgrade process once it begins.
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. Note the following:
    • You must install HMC updates before you install server firmware or power subsystem firmware updates so that the HMC can handle any updates or new function that you apply to the server.
    • 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 Obtaining HMC machine code updates and upgrades.
    • After you install HMC updates, you should either install the power subsystem firmware and server firmware updates together, or install the power subsystem firmware first (if you have a model 575 or 59x server), and then the server firmware second.
  2. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 3.
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 5.
  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. Perform the following steps:
    1. Expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
    2. Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
    3. Continue with step 6.
  5. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the Navigation area, click Updates.
    2. Select the target system.
    3. Ensure that the status for the system is Power Off, Standby, or Operating.
  6. Choose from the following options:

Step 5.1. Update a current release

  1. Select Change Licensed Internal Code for the current release.
  2. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 3.
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 4.
  3. 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.
  4. In the Change Licensed Internal Code window, select Start Change Licensed Internal Code wizard and click OK.
  5. In the Specify LIC Repository window, select the repository location from which you want to download the server firmware or power subsystem firmware updates, and click OK. The following options are available:
    • IBM service Web site (This site provides the most recent level of updates. You need a direct Internet connection to access this site.)
    • IBM support system (This site provides all available levels of updates. You can use a modem or direct Internet connection to access this site.)
      Note: Downloading server firmware or power subsystem firmware updates over a modem might take several hours.
    • DVD-RAM media: Select this option if you previously put the update 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 requirements for writing of temporary records on the HMC.
    • FTP site: Select this option if you previously downloaded the update 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 update.
      • 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 update. You can specify the default directory /opt/ccfw/data if you placed the update in that directory, or you can change the directory path if the update is in a directory other than the default directory. For example, if you downloaded the update 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 update 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 update 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.
  6. 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 7.
    • 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 5 in Step 5.2.
      • Click OK to proceed with an update for the current release, and continue with step 7.
    • 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.
  7. 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 8.
    • 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.
          Notes:
          • 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 level.
        2. Continue with step 8.
      • 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 8.
  8. Click Next. The Hardware Management Console License Agreement window is displayed.
  9. In the License Agreement window, read the agreement and click Accept.
  10. 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.

    Perform the following steps:
    1. Use the usual procedures to shut down the logical partitions:
      • To shut down AIX® logical partitions, see Shutting down AIX logical partitions.
      • To shut down i5/OS® logical partitions, use the Power Down System (PWRDWNSYS RESTART *NO) command from an i5/OS command line (either in a 5250 emulator session on your HMC, or on the Operations Console). For further details, see Shutting down i5/OS logical partitions.
      • To shut down Linux® logical partitions, see Shutting down Linux logical partitions.
    2. Power off the managed system.
    3. Restart the HMC after the server is off.
    4. Use the Change Licensed Internal Code Wizard to apply the firmware. Do not interrupt this process.
    5. Restart the managed system.
    6. Activate the Logical Partitions.

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

  11. To verify that the update installed correctly, see Step 6. Verify that the update installed correctly.

Step 5.2. Upgrade to a new release

  1. To upgrade to a new release, click Upgrade Licensed Internal Code to a new release.
  2. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 3.
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 4.
  3. 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.
  4. In the Specify LIC Repository window, select the repository location from which you want to download the server firmware or power subsystem firmware updates, 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 Obtaining HMC machine code updates and upgrades.
    The following options are available:
    • IBM service Web site (This site provides the most recent level of updates. You need a direct Internet connection to access this site.)
    • IBM support system (This site provides all available levels of updates. You can use a modem or direct Internet connection to access this site.)
      Note: Downloading server firmware or power subsystem firmware updates over a modem might take several hours.
    • DVD-RAM media: Select this option if you previously put the update 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 requirements for writing of temporary records on 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 update 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 update.
      • 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 update. You can specify the default directory /opt/ccfw/data if you placed the update in that directory, or you can change the directory path if the update is in a directory other than the default directory. For example, if you downloaded the update and copied it to a unique directory on the FTP server, you can specify that directory.
  5. In the License Agreement window, read the agreement and click Accept.
  6. 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.

    Perform the following steps:
    1. Use the usual procedures to shut down the logical partitions:
      • To shut down AIX logical partitions, see Shutting down AIX logical partitions.
      • To shut down i5/OS logical partitions, use the Power Down System (PWRDWNSYS RESTART *NO) command from an i5/OS command line (either in a 5250 emulator session on your HMC, or on the Operations Console). For further details, see Shutting down i5/OS logical partitions.
      • To shut down Linux logical partitions, see Shutting down Linux logical partitions.
    2. Power off the managed system.
    3. Restart the HMC after the server is off.
    4. Use the Change Licensed Internal Code Wizard to apply the firmware. Do not interrupt this process.
    5. Restart the managed system.
    6. Activate the Logical Partitions.

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

  7. To verify that the update installed correctly, continue with Step 6. Verify that the update installed correctly.

Step 6. Verify that the update installed correctly

  1. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 2.
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 4.
  2. 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.
  3. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the navigation area, expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
    2. Click the Licensed Internal Code Updates icon.
    3. Select Change Licensed Internal Code for the current release.
    4. 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.
    5. In the Change Licensed Internal Code window, select View system information, and click OK.
    6. 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.
    7. Record the installed level and click Close.
    8. Click Cancel.
    9. Continue with step 5.
  4. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the Navigation area, click Updates.
    2. Ensure that the managed system Status is Power Off, Standby, or Operating.
    3. Record the level that appears in the EC Number field. For example, 01EM310.
  5. If the level of firmware does not match the update that you installed, perform the following steps:
    1. Check the network connection on the HMC.
    2. Retry the update using a different repository.
    3. If the problem persists, contact your next level of support.