Update HP-UX

[Mason Liu]

I have a unused HP-UX sitting in the corner for several years. I like to bring it up to date. What command should I use to find its current HP-UX release as well as hardware model inforamtion. Where to find the list of patch bundles for this box. The goal is to make it a Oracle10g test server. It is currently running a old database in Oracle8i. Thanks.

[Bill Hassell]

Before you go to a lot of trouble, you need to post the model number and OS. The commands are:

uname -r
model

I think I remember that Oracle 10g requires a 64bit OS and computer. Then you'll have to purchase a license to run the latest version of HP-UX (unless it is currently under a software support contract in which case you can load the latest OS). Note that a 'sitting in the corner for several years' machine cannot be upgraded. You will have to cold install the new OS, probably add a lot of RAM and then load Oracle. But all of this depends on whether your old box will run the current OS and is large enough to run Oracle 10G.

[Mason Liu]

uname -r -> B.11.11

model -> 9000/800/A500-5X

[Mason Liu]

getconf KERNEL_BITS -> 64

[Mason Liu]

Physical memory: 4 GB

[Bill Hassell · Accepted solution]

11.11 is the last version of HP-UX for that server but it is a 64bit model so you're OK there. The best solution for patching is to download the Support Plus bundles, HWE (for hardware support), Bundle11i and GOLDQPK for software patches:

http://www1.itrc.hp.com/service/patch/releasePage.do?BC=main|releaseIndexPage|&releaseId=5013-6539

It's always advisable to load the latest online diagnostics too:

http://h20293.www2.hp.com/portal/swdepot/displayProductInfo.do?productNumber=B6191AAE

This will bring the box to the latest level, ready to load Oracle 10g.

[Mason Liu]

Thanks. I'll get it started tomorrow.

[Torsten.]

"sitting in the corner for several years"

I would think about a fresh install instead of an update. Doing this you can be sure to have a clean status - you probably don't know about the current status.

[Mason Liu]

What is "status"? At this point, it doesn't seem necessary to reinstall the OS.

[Torsten.]

You probably don't know who was doing what on this system in the past. Maybe there are some important files deleted or anything like this.
If you are sure the system is healthy, proceed with the update. If not, re-install.

[Mason Liu]

Thanks. I have the total ownership of this system. It's clean.