Re: HMC and Firmware Upgrades

You definitely need to upgrade your HMC first, as you've said. Your
current HMC version will not support any AL730 versions. Good news there
is that you are not so far behind that you have to do multiple stage
upgrades (at least for your firmware) like I had to when upgrading v5 to
v7 of hmc and some really old firmware quite some time ago.
<snip>
The Minimum HMC Code level for this firmware (AL730_142) is: HMC V7
R7.3.0 (PTF MH01255 or MH01256) with PTF MH01257 (Mandatory efix).
</snip>

Both your firmware and HMC code have been out of service for over two
years.

You will have to stage your HMC upgrades!!!
HMC Version 7 Release 7.9.0 supports upgrading from the following
releases, with or without Service Packs or efixes: HMC V7R7.6.0, HMC
V7R7.7.0, and HMC V7R7.8.0.
http://delivery04.dhe.ibm.com/sar/CMA/HMA/04gm2/2/MH01405.readme.html
It also says: This package represents the Recovery image that can be used
to upgrade your HMC from HMC V7R7.6.0 or higher to HMC V7R7.9.0.
While all previous releases say something like: This package represents
the Recovery image that can be used to upgrade your HMC from HMC V6R1.3.0
or higher to HMC V7R7.8.0.
Other tidbits from that include:
HMC Version 7 Release 7.9.0 requires model CR3 or later model rack-mount
HMC or C05 or later deskside HMC. Models CR2, C03, and C04 are not
supported.
HMC Version 7 Release 7.9.0 will be the last version to support HMC models
CR3 and CR4.
HMC Version 7 will be the last version to support HMCs with 1 GB of RAM;
4Gig is recommended.
DVD-RAM is no longer supported for backup and restore of console data.
Basically it looks like your CR6 will work, if it has the right memory.

Make sure you install the 'optional' fixes for your new version of HMC
code. Some firmware upgrades have statements in them like:
"This requires the management console be at a minimum level that has a
POODLE fix such as HMC V7 R7.9.0 SP1 with POODLE PTF MH01484."

Since you are going from AL720 to AL730 it will definitely be a system
down disruptive upgrade. This will be an upgrade, not an update. As you
are going through the install process this distinction will be felt. Once
you've upgraded your HMC you should be able to upgrade your firmware in
one step.

Note: While HMC 7.7.9 is the 'Maximum Stability Release Level' release,
the 'Latest Release Level' release of V8R8.1.0 is an option.
https://www14.software.ibm.com/webapp/set2/sas/f/power5cm3/eltablep7.html
Carefully read the upgrade notes at:
http://delivery04.dhe.ibm.com/sar/CMA/HMA/04ko5/12/MH01419.readme.html


Rob Berendt
--
IBM Certified System Administrator - IBM i 6.1
Group Dekko
Dept 1600
Mail to: 2505 Dekko Drive
Garrett, IN 46738
Ship to: Dock 108
6928N 400E
Kendallville, IN 46755
http://www.dekko.com





From: Joe Wood <wood3875@xxxxxxxxx>
To: Midrange Systems Technical Discussion <midrange-l@xxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: 01/15/2015 12:38 AM
Subject: HMC and Firmware Upgrades
Sent by: "MIDRANGE-L" <midrange-l-bounces@xxxxxxxxxxxx>



All,

Goal: Upgrade our HMC 7042-CR6 to V7R7.9.0 and Power7 8202-E4B firmware
to
AL730_142.

Current levels: HMC is V7 R7.2.0 SP1 and Power7 firmware is AL720_082
(Cumulative is C4143710). Firmware update policy set to *HMC.

I've reviewed two different code Matrix's.


https://www-933.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/main/transform?xml=http://download.boulder.ibm.com/ibmdl/pub/software/server/firmware/sfw_fixSupportedCombos.xml&title=HMC+/+Firmware+Supported+Combinations



http://www-912.ibm.com/s_dir/SLKBase.nsf/DocNumber/390479644?OpenDocument&TableRow=1.2#1

.

I've used IBM's FLRT (Fix Level Recommendation Tool) - it recommends
V7R7.9.0 SP1 and AL730_142 - I agree, this is where we want to be.

This will undoubtedly be an intrusive upgrade, partitions shut down, and
Power7 will powered down.
I plan an HMC reboot, backup, save upgrade data, then upgrade HMC, apply
mandatory/recommended fixes, then update firmware. Restart Server &
partitions.

What I cannot find is a definitive answer that says we can or gives
instructions on taking the HMC from V7.7.2.0 to V7.7.9.0 in one upgrade ?
Many previous threads have talked about possible multi-step upgrades when
dealing with dated HMC/Firmware combinations. Any advice or recommends
from the trenches ?



--
----------------
Joe Wood
----------------

E: wood3875@xxxxxxxxx
M: 801-891-5223
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