topic Re: How to pull BIOS setting on a running server. in Operating System - Linux

How to pull BIOS setting on a running server.

CJMS — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 20:23:27 GMT

Hi there,

Is there a way I can obtain the BIOS setting from the running server. I am looking for a script or a tool that I can use to modify/view the BIOS setting without powering down the server.

Thanks,
CJ

Re: How to pull BIOS setting on a running server.

Jimmy Vance — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:06:29 GMT

depending on what information your looking for "dmidecode" might be all you need to display BIOS setings. To modify settings you will need to load the hpasmcli utility which is part of the HP System Health Application and Command Line Utilities package in the Prolaint Support Pack (PSP)

http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/psp/index.html

Re: How to pull BIOS setting on a running server.

Mike Stroyan — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:09:24 GMT

If you are dealing with HP proliant servers then you may be able to read and set the values that interest you with the "HP SmartStart Scripting Toolkit"; See
http://h18006.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/toolkit/index.html for more information. (I don't see how you could effectively change any BIOS settings without a reboot.)

Re: How to pull BIOS setting on a running server.

Jimmy Vance — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 02:14:20 GMT

While utilities in the SSSTK like "conrep" will allow you to change system ROM settings, and I do create many enhanced scripts for use with the SSSTK.

The "hpasmcli" tool from the PSP allows you to change the settings on a running system. Granted you will need to reboot for most changes to take effect.

Re: How to pull BIOS setting on a running server.

Steven E. Protter — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 08:58:33 GMT

Shalom,

PSP will give you the information on an HP branded server.

Otherwise you are going to have to get Linux utilities made by the server builder.

BIOS is unique to each machine and there is no real standard OS utility that can get the information.

hwbrowser in RHEL 4 and below can provide limited information but not affect changes.

SEP