Tape Library 3600 "Firmware update needed" error message is displayed - IBM System x

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip H176337

Symptom

Orange light will display instead of the green light, and the following message will appear in the display: "Firmware update needed"

The system is configured with one or more of the following:

• IBM 3600 Series 2/4 TB LTO Tape Library (rack), Type 3600, Model R20
• IBM 3600 Series 2/4 TB LTO Tape Library (tower) Type 3600, Model 220

Solution

Apply the latest firmware, "3600-220, 3600-R20 Library, 3600 picker/robot" (3600L_40.frm or later) through the Remote Management Card (RMC) via the web interface. The firmware can be downloaded from IBM Fix Central: http://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/

Follow the instructions to create the CD image.

Note: The file named "3600L_40.FRM", or later, will be in the CD's \drivemic directory.

To update the firmware

1. The RMC must be configured for Web monitoring, as per the "3600 Series LTO Tape libraries (model 220 and R20) User's Guide". See "Configuring the library for Web monitoring" (beginning on page 15).
2. Using a browser, enter the IP address that was setup for the 3600 Tape Library.
3. Select Configuration (from the left-hand menu) and then Firmware Download.
4. Browse the "IBM eServer xSeries Tapetool, version 1.3a", or later, CD in the following directory:
   <cd-rom drive>:\drivemic
5. Click the Start download button.
6. You can view the firmware of the components within Report (on the left-hand menu).

Additional information

The error occurs when a new component other than the tape drive is added to the Library.
 
These replacement components are going to be at a ship level firmware and not match the rest of the components within the library.
 
Note: The only way to resolve this issue is to upgrade the components firmware.
 
Note: The TapeTool CD is not capable of upgrading the individual components, but the Web Interface can upgrade all components (except the tape drive itself).