Re: HMC and Firmware Upgrades

[Joe Wood <wood3875@xxxxxxxxx>]

Rob,

Thank you.

On Thu, Jan 15, 2015 at 7:11 AM, <rob@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:

> You definitely need to upgrade your HMC first, as you've said.  Your
> current HMC version will not support any AL730 versions.  Good news there
> is that you are not so far behind that you have to do multiple stage
> upgrades (at least for your firmware) like I had to when upgrading v5 to
> v7 of hmc and some really old firmware quite some time ago.
> <snip>
> The Minimum HMC Code level for this firmware (AL730_142) is:  HMC V7
> R7.3.0 (PTF MH01255 or MH01256) with PTF MH01257 (Mandatory efix).
> </snip>
>
> Both your firmware and HMC code have been out of service for over two
> years.
>
> You will have to stage your HMC upgrades!!!
> HMC Version 7 Release 7.9.0 supports upgrading from the following
> releases, with or without Service Packs or efixes: HMC V7R7.6.0, HMC
> V7R7.7.0, and HMC V7R7.8.0.
> http://delivery04.dhe.ibm.com/sar/CMA/HMA/04gm2/2/MH01405.readme.html
> It also says:  This package represents the Recovery image that can be used
> to upgrade your HMC from HMC V7R7.6.0 or higher to HMC V7R7.9.0.
> While all previous releases say something like:  This package represents
> the Recovery image that can be used to upgrade your HMC from HMC V6R1.3.0
> or higher to HMC V7R7.8.0.
> Other tidbits from that include:
> HMC Version 7 Release 7.9.0 requires model CR3 or later model rack-mount
> HMC or C05 or later deskside HMC. Models CR2, C03, and C04 are not
> supported.
> HMC Version 7 Release 7.9.0 will be the last version to support HMC models
> CR3 and CR4.
> HMC Version 7 will be the last version to support HMCs with 1 GB of RAM;
> 4Gig is recommended.
> DVD-RAM is no longer supported for backup and restore of console data.
> Basically it looks like your CR6 will work, if it has the right memory.
>
> Make sure you install the 'optional' fixes for your new version of HMC
> code.  Some firmware upgrades have statements in them like:
> "This requires the management console be at a minimum level that has a
> POODLE fix such as  HMC V7 R7.9.0 SP1 with POODLE PTF MH01484."
>
> Since you are going from AL720 to AL730 it will definitely be a system
> down disruptive upgrade.  This will be an upgrade, not an update.  As you
> are going through the install process this distinction will be felt.  Once
> you've upgraded your HMC you should be able to upgrade your firmware in
> one step.
>
> Note:  While HMC 7.7.9 is the 'Maximum Stability Release Level' release,
> the 'Latest Release Level' release of V8R8.1.0 is an option.
> https://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/sas/f/power5cm3/eltablep7.html
> Carefully read the upgrade notes at:
> http://delivery04.dhe.ibm.com/sar/CMA/HMA/04ko5/12/MH01419.readme.html
>
>
> Rob Berendt
> --
> IBM Certified System Administrator - IBM i 6.1
> Group Dekko
> Dept 1600
> Mail to:  2505 Dekko Drive
>           Garrett, IN 46738
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> http://www.dekko.com
>
>
>
>
>
> From:   Joe Wood <wood3875@xxxxxxxxx>
> To:     Midrange Systems Technical Discussion <midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
> Date:   01/15/2015 12:38 AM
> Subject:        HMC and Firmware Upgrades
> Sent by:        "MIDRANGE-L" <midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
>
>
>
> All,
>
> Goal:  Upgrade our HMC 7042-CR6 to V7R7.9.0 and Power7 8202-E4B firmware
> to
> AL730_142.
>
> Current levels:  HMC is V7 R7.2.0 SP1 and Power7 firmware is AL720_082
> (Cumulative is C4143710).  Firmware update policy set to *HMC.
>
> I've reviewed two different code Matrix's.
>
>
> https://www-933.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/main/transform?xml=http://download.boulder.ibm.com/ibmdl/pub/software/server/firmware/sfw_fixSupportedCombos.xml&title=HMC+/+Firmware+Supported+Combinations
>
>
>
> http://www-912.ibm.com/s_dir/SLKBase.nsf/DocNumber/390479644?OpenDocument&TableRow=1.2#1
>
> .
>
> I've used IBM's FLRT (Fix Level Recommendation Tool) - it recommends
> V7R7.9.0 SP1 and AL730_142 - I agree, this is where we want to be.
>
> This will undoubtedly be an intrusive upgrade, partitions shut down, and
> Power7 will powered down.
> I plan an HMC reboot, backup, save upgrade data, then upgrade HMC, apply
> mandatory/recommended fixes, then update firmware.  Restart Server &
> partitions.
>
> What I cannot find is a definitive answer that says we can or gives
> instructions on taking the HMC from V7.7.2.0 to V7.7.9.0 in one upgrade ?
> Many previous threads have talked about possible multi-step upgrades when
> dealing with dated HMC/Firmware combinations.  Any advice or recommends
> from the trenches ?
>
>
>
> --
> ----------------
> Joe Wood
> ----------------
>
> E:  wood3875@xxxxxxxxx
> M: 801-891-5223
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