Installation of Firmware Updates via SPP on ESXi Server

[eisback]

Hi,

how are your experiences regarding the offline installation of firmware updates via SPP?

For example, we purchased two DL-Gen10 servers at the end of 2019 and have only installed ILO updates since then ... can I immediately update to the latest SPP version 2021-05.0 or should I update to 2020.09.1 ​​or 2019.12.2 first? Which update paths are officially supported by HP? Thanks!

[Ihaqueit]

The best way to update a server's firmware is through the Service Pack for ProLiant (SPP). 

https://support.hpe.com/hpsc/swd/public/detail?swItemId=MTX_a6fe854af60d4b86a8905f0e27

Boot the server with the SPP image >> Select Automatic Update >> This will update the firmware versions of all the device installed in the server. This is called an Offline update method, this method will not update any driver versions.

Please Note: Please make sure the Drivers are up to date as per the recommendations from VMware.

[eisback]

Thanks, but what do you mean with:

"Please make sure the Drivers are up to date as per the recommendations from VMware"

What about the SPP version? Can I always install the most current version (even if the servers firmware was not updated for 2 years or longer)?

Thanks!

[Ihaqueit]

Its very strange even if the servers firmware was not updated for 2 years or longer, in this situation first update your server with latest, be careful before do any update you must be have full backup.