Does VCRM in SIM 4.2 support firmware/bios upgrade ?

[Fab_3]

I remember that in IM 7.x. both software and bios update was managed by VCRM.
Now in SIM4.2 i see that can update software/driver but in bios/firmware are listed only versions without check last version.
Is it a SIM4.2 "bug" or i configured bad SIM 4.2 ?

[Rob Buxton · Accepted solution]

If you pull the relevant BIOS down into your repository then you can upgrade it from the VCRM/VCA.
BIOS Upgrades are not part of the Softpaq.

I set my VCRM Repository to point to a top level VCRM Directory, below that I create sub-directories for the various Support Paqs. I also create a non-softpaq directory into which I download the BIOS upgrades I need.
I don't use the automatic download feature. I control things manually.

[Fab_3]

Rob,
thanks for your suggestions. But i need more info.
In my repository i have 7 PSP version (6.31a for NT4 7.10,7.20, 7,30 for W2K and W2K3). I see that each PSP has a xml file with informations. All file (xml,exe,mnf..) are
located at the same directory level (D:\Repository)

You say that i have to put in repository directory files with FW upgrade (es. Smart Array 6400 - CP005131.exe ). I have done this but VCRM/VCA is not changed (no fw checked).
What i have to configure ?
Could you provide me more informations ?
My target is only to have in VCA a list with firmware checked with a baseline.
Many thanks in advanced for your patience :)

[Mike Strako]

Fab, If you grab an on-line driver pack, in your case you will need to extract the file and place it into your default dir, IE c:\repository\, this should also include the setup file. After that, goto your CMS and rediscover your inventory. Good luck.

[Fab_3]

Mike,
thanks for your help.
I try to explain better my target.
As you known when VCA is launched in Wintel system, we can see a list of HP software installed with three columns: installed version, support pack version, latest Version.
In last lines we can find hardware.
Example: Compaq System ROM, HP Smart Array 5300 Controller, Compaq Remote Insight ROM.... with only fw version.
With IM7.x i'm sure that also fw was checked to a "last version" present in repository (VCRM). So my question is: how can i put in repository "online ROM flash component" ?
Also, what are exactly "on-line driver pack" that you have mentioned ?
Many thanks in advanced for your patience :)

[Mike Strako]

The on-line driver packs are the drivers that allow you to install while the server is up, not needing to cold boot a server and boot with floppy. Back to your first question, you can place the firmware in "any dir" but if you want VCRM to see it correctly, it needs to be in the root of your repository. Hope this helps some.

[Fab_3]

I have extract "Online ROM Flash Components for Windows Smart Array 6400 version:2.34"
In executable files CP005131 there are 8 objects. Do i have to copy all objects in repository root ? I think no because in each ROM there are many files with same names....(ie cpqsetup.exe).

Moreover, i've serious doubt.... "Online ROM Flash components...." is that you have named as "Online driver packs" ?

Sorry but i'm not able to understand clearly your suggestion... I'm a beginner about IM. :)

Many thanks :)

[Fab_3]

Mike,
finalli i understand!
I have only to copy "Online ROM" (ie cp005141.exe) in repository, automatically VCRM create a .mnf file.
Many thanks!