Working with the temporary and permanent side of the service processor

The service processor maintains two copies of the server firmware. One copy is considered the permanent copy and is stored on the permanent side, sometimes referred to as the "p" side. The other copy is considered the temporary copy and is stored on the temporary side, sometimes referred to as the "t" side. When you install a server firmware fix, it is installed on the temporary side. It is recommended that you start and run the server from the temporary side. You might want to use the new level of firmware for a period of time to verify that it works correctly. When you are sure that the new level of firmware works correctly, you can permanently install the server firmware fix.

9080-HEX

When you permanently install a server firmware fix, you copy the temporary firmware level from the temporary side to the permanent side. Conversely, if you decide that you do not want to keep the new level of server firmware, you can remove the current level of firmware. When you remove the current level of firmware, you copy the firmware level that is currently installed on the permanent side from the permanent side to the temporary side.

All other systems

Copying the firmware level from the one side to the other side is not supported. To promote the firmware level that is on the temporary side to the permanent side, you must reinstall the same level of firmware to the permanent side that is on the temporary side. To remove the firmware level that is on the temporary side, you must install the same level of firmware that is on the permanent side to the temporary side. This results in the firmware level that was on the temporary side being promoted to the permanent side and the firmware level that was on the permanent side being installed to the temporary side. To fully remove the original firmware level that was on the temporary side and is now on the permanent side, do another install of the firmware level that you just installed to the temporary side.

To learn how to determine which side you are booting from and how to switch to the other side if necessary, see the following procedures.