Troubleshooting
Problem
This information is released to inform all IBM customers of a new firmware update which is available for IBM DeskStar hard drives.
Resolving The Problem
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Symptom
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This information is released to inform all IBM customers of a new firmware update which is available for IBM DeskStar hard drives.
- IBM IntelliStation E-Pro PWS (type 6867 and 6893) systems.
- IBM IntelliStation M-Pro PWS (type 6868 and 6889) systems.
- IBM IntelliStation Z-Pro PWS (type 6865 and 6866) systems.
The following table provides a list of all the IBM DeskStar hard drives for which the firmware update is intended. The table should also be referenced after employing one or both of the means provided below to determine if a system is configured with one of these drives.
| Capacity in GB | RPM | IBM replacement (FRU) part number | IBM option part number | Drive model |
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Solution
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As part of IBM's ongoing commitment to quality, IBM has made available the latest firmware update for the IBM DeskStar hard drives. This update is designed to enhance the stability of these drives by helping to avoid the excessive dwelling of any head in any particular area of the disk. In addition, this update also incorporates a previous firmware update which improved the SMART off-line data collection process.
There are three means by which you can determine if your system has an IBM DeskStar hard drive:
- the first is to use the IBM DeskStar Identification Utility;
- the second is to use the IBM Enhanced Diagnostics;
- the third is to physically inspect the drive to locate the part number and replacement (FRU) part number.
It should be noted that IBM highly recommends using the IBM DeskStar Identification Utility or IBM Enhanced Diagnostics options to determine the vital information relating to the installed hard drive. The third option of physically removing the hard drive should only be undertaken by technically experienced individuals.
Click here to download the Identification Utility for IBM DeskStar hard drives. This utility will provide model, manufacturer, capacity, serial number and current firmware level related to the installed hard drive. It will point out if the system is configured with one of the drives indicated on the table above and if the drive needs the firmware update. In addition, it will also specify which firmware update should be downloaded for the drive. Detailed instructions for using the Identification Utility for IBM DeskStar hard drives are included in the pz2z24us.txt file that accompanies the utility.
IBM Enhanced Diagnostics (PC Doctor diagnostics) may ship with the system, in either the preloaded IBM software, the F11 Disk-to-Disk Recovery Process, the Product Recovery CD, the IBM Diagnostics/Drivers CD, or is available for download from the IBM support web site. IBM Enhanced Diagnostics will provide manufacturer, model and firmware information relating to the installed hard drive. This information is shown in the table provided in the "Affected configurations" section, under "Drive model". Launch the IBM Enhanced Diagnostics, select Hardware Info, then select IDE Drive Info to locate the "Drive Model" information.
Physically remove the drive from the system according to the instructions provided in the User's Manual and Service Manual, making certain to follow all safety instructions. Locate the IBM part number and FRU part number printed on the drive label, then reference the table provided in the "Affected configurations" section. Both the IBM part number and the IBM replacement (FRU) part number must match those in the table.
If it is determined that the system contains one of the hard drives listed in the table above, then update the firmware to the latest release. The new firmware revision will be xxxxA5AA or xxxxA6AA, depending on which drive is installed in the system. To verify the current firmware revision of the hard drive, launch the IBM Enhanced Diagnostics, select Hardware Info, then select IDE Drive Info to view the "Firmware Revision" information.
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Obtain the proper firmware update
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If the firmware revision of your IBM DeskStar hard drive is of the form xxxOxxxx, then you should update your firmware with the file (pz2z22us.exe). Please note that the distinguishing factor is the fourth digit of the firmware revision. For all other systems listed in the Affected configurations section above, please update the firmware with file pz2z16us.exe. If you have questions about which firmware to use, just download and use the Identification Utility for IBM Deskstar hard drives.
Document Location
Worldwide
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Document Information
Modified date:
29 January 2019
UID
ibm1MIGR-60241