c700 firmware updates

[David Heiert]

I know we are very far behind and need to update all firmware. Can anyone provide some insight into the best way to do this? It looks like there may be multiple steps involved. See list below:

BladeSystem c7000 Onboard Administrator HP O975MU1263 412142-B21 414055-001 2.25
2 BladeSystem c7000 Onboard Administrator HP O978MU4777 412142-B21 414055-001 2.25
ROM Version iLO Model iLO Firmware Version
4 ProLiant BL460c G5 I23 05/12/2009 iLO2 1.78 Jun 10 2009
5 ProLiant BL460c G1 I15 06/28/2007 iLO2 1.35 Jul 16 2007
6 ProLiant BL460c G1 I15 06/28/2007 iLO2 1.35 Jul 16 2007
7 ProLiant BL460c G1 I15 06/28/2007 iLO2 1.35 Jul 16 2007
8 ProLiant BL460c G1 I15 06/28/2007 iLO2 1.35 Jul 16 2007
13 ProLiant BL460c G1 I15 06/28/2007 iLO2 1.35 Jul 16 2007
14 ProLiant BL460c G1 I15 06/28/2007 iLO2 1.35 Jul 16 2007
15 ProLiant BL460c G1 I15 06/28/2007 iLO2 1.35 Jul 16 2007
16 ProLiant BL460c G1 I15 06/28/2007 iLO2 1.35 Jul 16 2007

[The Brit]

1. Update your iLO's first, (latest is 1.80 I think), using the appropriate procedure (OS specific??)

2. You didnt mention Virtual Connect so I assume you don't have it. So upgrade any Interconnect modules you may have, if appropriate.

3. Update the OA modules. Latest version is 2.60

HTH

Dave.

[WFHC-WI]

Hi David,

Here is HP's BladeSystem Firmware Best Practices guide:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c01857420/c01857420.pdf

I think to go to the latest firmware you will first need to update your blade BIOS, then iLO and Power Management Controller, finally the Onboard Administrator. Find the dependency list here:
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/blades/components/c-class.html
(Click the Compatability tab)


Good luck!

[Smooth]

Hi David

We completed an upgrade last year and with advice from the HP tech, we were told that we should follow the following process.

Upgrade ILO - Can be done online
Upgrade OA - Can be done online
Install firmware update - Downtime required
Install PSP - Downtime required

Thanks

[Ben Roosemalen]

Hi,

According to your list, what tools did you use to upgrade the fimware and PSP ?

Upgrade ILO - Can be done online - currently we use 1.80 so nothing needs to be done.
Upgrade OA - Can be done online - HPSUM ?
Install firmware update - Downtime required - ???
Install PSP - Downtime required - HPSUM ?

thanks.

[Ben Roosemalen]

Firmware upgrade process :

1. Update the blades
2. Onboard administrator and virtual connect
3. Install the latest proliant support pack
-

1. Update the blades using the latest firmware cd :
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/SoftwareIndex.jsp?lang=en&cc=us&prodNameId=1844068&prodTypeId=18964&prodSeriesId=1844067&swLang=13&taskId=135&swEnvOID=181

User Guide :
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c00679482/c00679482.pdf?jumpid=reg_R1002_USEN&pos=1

You can use the ilo advanced utilies to mount your local cd drive to the blade. You can use the 60 day trial if you donâ t have the license :
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/tryinsightcontrol/index.html

2. Install HP system update manager
You will find it on the hp firmware disk you downloaded earlier
Using HP SUM :
First update the standby OA controller
Switch it to active
Update the other controller

First update the standby VC controller
Switch it to active
Update the other controller

Alternatively you can also upload the firmware using the web interface.

Thank you Calvin.
Please note this important consideration:

If the Virtual Connect firmware version is older than version 1.34, update VC firmware before OA firmware to prevent a network outage.

Starting with VC firmware version 1.34 and later, the VC firmware should be updated after the OA firmware.

Also note that the active and standby controllers can automatically be updated in the correct order using the web interface for the OA and VC.

The enclosure does not need to be rebooted as each OA and VC restarts as needed when doing the updates.

3. Install the latest psp. Either using hp sum or perform a local install on each blade.
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/servers/management/psp/questionsanswers.html

Other usefull information on performing maintenance on bladesystems:
http://h18000.www1.hp.com/products/blades/components/vc-compmatrix.html#3

Firmware management best practice guide:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bc/docs/support/SupportManual/c01857420/c01857420.pdf