HP-UX update

[Ignite_2]

Hello,

Can you please advise me, what is the best method to update HPUX11i-OE_B.11.23_0606 to HPUX11i-OE_B.11.23_0712 from ignite server? I've read many threads in forum, but I'm still not sure. Is it safe to use update-ux? How this command behave? What changes are necessary after such update?

Thank you in advance for help :)

[Michal Kapalka (mikap)]

hi,

at first you need to have a fresh ignite backup, and them you can update with update-ux,
and if something happend, you will restore it from ignite.

mikap

[Ignite_2]

Hi,
thanks. I just want to know, how this command works. Is it enough to let it run? We have iSCSI LUNs on system. Will it change something? Is this installation interactive?

[Jozef_Novak]

Hello,

using update-ux for updating between releases of 11.23 is supported and it works. Fo detailed procedure and requirements, see the following site:

http://docs.hp.com/en/oshpux11iv2.html#Installing%20and%20Updating

HTH,
J.

[Rita C Workman]

The update-ux has greatly improved over what it used to be.

Since you're already that version you won't have to bother with resizing your O/S mountpoints, it's already done, unless you want to.

I guess I'm wondering why you want to do a full update though. Your OE-11.23 already, have you considered simply patching your system to bring up to date?

Rgrds,
Rita

[Ignite_2]

Hi Rita,

thanks for info. There is some application which requires newer OE version. Do you know some equivalent patches, which could do this job? It's easier to patch, than to update. Do you have any personal experience with update-ux?

[Jozef_Novak]

Hello (again),

patches themselves never update the operating system release. If application requirements are for a certain OS release (e.g. 11.23 December 2007) then your only options are reinstall or update.

J.

[Michal Kapalka (mikap)]

Hi,

the update-ux is mostly used if you like upgrade HP-UX from previous version, for example from HP-UX 11.23 --> 11.31, but you can us it also for your situation.

With the patching, you download the quality packs FEATURE / HW / QPK.

http://www13.itrc.hp.com/service/patch/releaseIndexPage.do?BC=main|

- in my case i always patch, the last time our Veritas Netbackup client on HP-UX wasnt, able to backup, after removing one PHSS patch we was able to fix it, but as i told you in frost response, you need a fresh ignote backup, to be able restore the system.

mikap

[Steven E. Protter]

Shalom,

The best method is to download the December 2007 QPK depot. swcopy it to your Ignite server.

Then swinstall, using the Ignite server as the source.

Always make_tape_recovery or make_net_recovery so you get a clean backup prior to doing this.

SEP

[Rita C Workman]

You can follow the solid advice of Stephen Protter and use the quarterly patches -OR-

if your feeling like trying something more you can run the swa (swainv) utility and download a customized patch depot for yourself. This is our preferred method. But both works well!

Kindest regards,
Rita

[Rita C Workman]

...and I forgot to say follow the solid advice of M Kapala - make a recovery tape or recovery ignite version BEFORE you start.

/rcw

[Jozef_Novak]

Okay maybe I did not make myself clear enough. PATCHES ALONE WILL NEVER bring an operating system to a NEWER RELEASE. They might enable functionality in particular binaries or update programs but the OE as a whole WON'T get updated. This means that your application will not get its requirement satisfied if you just apply a QPK. On the other hand, update-ux installs QPK bundles as a part of the update process.

J.

[Ignite_2]

Hello,

So I just need to make an Ignite backup and run update-ux? The filesystem layout, device files and installed sw will remain on system?

[Jozef_Novak]

Yes this is correct. The advantage of update-ux is that it retains you complete configuration, filesystem layout and installed applications. The purpose of taking Ignite backup is to be on the safe side in case anything goes wrong (one should always have a recent ignite image ready).

J.

[Wim Rombauts · Accepted solution]

I think there is a lot of confusion about "upgrading" from HPUX11i-OE_B.11.23_0606 to HPUX11i-OE_B.11.23_0712.

There is in fact only 1 OS in play here : HP-UX 11i v2 (or 11.23, that's the same).

"Upgrading" from version 0606 to 0712 is nothing more than installing patches and some newer versions of drivers and optional softwares included in the 11.23 OS.

Set a graphical display and do a "swlist -i" on your system. Look for bundle "HPUXBaseOS". It does not have any version except for B.11.23, so you or *NOT* upgrading your OS. You are patching it. But you *CAN* upgrade the drivers and optional softwares.

So, the procedure for going from 0606 to 0712 is exactly the same as when you patch your system : use swinstall.
The difference is that you are not only installing patches, but installing from the HPUX11i-OE_B.11.23_0712 media, and that includes multiple sets of patches, softwares like HP CIFS Server, Ximian Gnome, Java and drivers like GigEther-00, GigEther-01, FibrChanl-00 ...

At least, swinstall is what I allways uised so far in this case.

The tip about taking a good Ignite backup first before upgrading is allways wise.

[Jozef_Novak]

Hello Wim,

from the Installation and update guide:

When a system has HP-UX 11i v2 installed, you can determine which
revision (Release ID) is installed by entering the following command:
/usr/sbin/swlist -l bundle HPUXBaseAux
The HPUXBaseAux bundle indicates the current installed revision level.
The revision level is indicated both in the bundle version number and in
the description text.


So the release is identified according to the BaseAux bundle and not the BaseOS bundle.

My case: both servers were installed using the same media, one of them was later updated to 0712:

the updated server:

root@vl1:(/)#swlist -l bundle HPUXBaseAux
# Initializing...
# Contacting target "vl1"...
#
# Target: vl1:/
#

HPUXBaseAux B.11.23.0712 HP-UX Base OS Auxiliary



The non-updated server:

root@wasp:(/)#swlist -l bundle HPUXBaseAux
# Initializing...
# Contacting target "wasp"...
#
# Target: wasp:/
#

HPUXBaseAux B.11.23.0609 HP-UX Base OS Auxiliary


IMHO, you won't achieve this by pure patching.

J.

[Torsten.]

Patching will only patch what you currently have, not updating anything (in 11.23 and 11.31).

Updating will install new and updated products, drivers, etc.

If you need to met some requirements (e.g. for HPIVM), you NEED to use update-ux!

[Torsten.]

See this example:

http://forums.itrc.hp.com/service/forums/questionanswer.do?threadId=1241964

[Ignite_2]

Hi,

thank you all for help. Running the update-ux command, is interactive? Should I prepare some input, which will be required by system?

[Jozef_Novak]

Hello,

complete guide how to update your system can be found here:

http://docs.hp.com/en/5992-1978/5992-1978.pdf

read the procedures carefully and make sure you follow the instructions. Once again, a good backup image is essential to have before you start.

J.