Obtaining machine code updates for the HMC with an Internet connection

Learn how to obtain machine code updates for the HMC when the HMC has an Internet connection.

To obtain machine code updates for the HMC, perform Steps 1 through 5.

Step 1. Ensure that you have an Internet connection

To download updates from the service and support system or Web site to your HMC or server, you must have a connection to service and support either through a modem, direct or indirect Internet, or pass-through system.

  1. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 2.
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 3.
  2. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the navigation area, open Service Applications.
    2. Select Remote Support.
    3. Select Customize Outbound Connectivity.
    4. Continue with step 4.
  3. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the Navigation area, click Service Management.
    2. Select Manage Outbound Connectivity.
  4. Select the tab for the type of outbound connectivity that you chose for your HMC (Local Modem, Internet VPN, or Pass-Through Systems). For more information about these settings, see Specifying the connection type from the HMC.
    Note: If a connection to service and support does not exist, set up the service connection before proceeding with this procedure. For instructions on how to set up a connection to service and support, see Setting up your server to connect to service and support.
  5. Click Test.
  6. Verify that the test completes successfully. If the test is not successful, troubleshoot your connectivity and correct the problem before proceeding with this procedure. Alternatively, you can obtain the update on CD.
  7. Continue with Step 2. View the existing HMC machine code level.

Step 2. View the existing HMC machine code level

  1. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 2.
    • If you are using a an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 3.
  2. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the navigation area, open Licensed Internal Code Maintenance.
    2. Select HMC Code Update.
    3. In the contents area, view and record the version and release of your HMC machine code in the Status area.
    4. Continue with step 4.
  3. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the Navigation area, click Updates.
    2. In the Work area, view and record the information that appears under the HMC Code Level heading, including: the HMC version, release, maintenance level, build level, and base versions.
  4. Continue with Step 3. View the available HMC machine code levels.

Step 3. View the available HMC machine code levels

  1. From a computer or server with an Internet connection, go to the Fix Central Web site at http://www.ibm.com/eserver/support/fixes/Link outside information center.
  2. Select the appropriate family in the Product family list.
  3. Select Hardware Management Console in the Product or fix type list.
  4. Click Continue. The Hardware Management Console site is displayed.
  5. Scroll down to your HMC Version level to view available HMC levels.
    Note: If you prefer, you can contact service and support.
  6. Continue with Step 4. Apply the HMC machine code update.

Step 4. Apply the HMC machine code update

  1. Before you install updates to the HMC machine code, back up critical console information on your HMC. For instructions, see Backing up critical HMC data. Then continue with the next step.
  2. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier , continue with step 3.
    • If you are using a HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 4.
  3. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the navigation area, expand the Licensed Internal Code Maintenance folder.
    2. Select HMC Code Update.
    3. Continue with step 5.
  4. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the Navigation area, click Updates.
    2. Click Update HMC. The Install Corrective Service window opens.
  5. Select Install Corrective Service. Corrective service refers to the HMC machine code update.
  6. On the Install Corrective Service window, select Download the corrective service file from a remote system, and then apply downloaded service file, and enter the following information:
    • Remote site: ftp.software.ibm.com
    • Patch file: Enter the following FTP directory and ZIP file name: /software/server/hmc/fixes/filename.zip
      Note:
    • User ID: anonymous
    • Password: Your e-mail address
  7. Click OK.
  8. Follow the instructions to install the update.
  9. Shut down and restart the HMC for the update to take effect.

Step 5. Verify that the HMC machine code update installed successfully

  1. Choose from the following options:
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 6 or earlier, continue with step 2.
    • If you are using an HMC with Version 7 or later, continue with step 3.
  2. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the navigation area, open Licensed Internal Code Maintenance.
    2. Select HMC Code Update.
    3. In the contents area, look for the version and release of your HMC machine code in the Status area.
    4. Verify that the version and release match the fix that you installed.
    5. Continue with step 4.
  3. Perform the following steps:
    1. In the Navigation area, click Updates.
    2. In the Work area, the HMC version, release, maintenance level, build level, and base versions are displayed under the HMC Code Level heading.
    3. Verify that the version and release match the update that you installed.
  4. If the level of code displayed is not the level that you installed, perform the following steps:
    1. Check the network connection on the HMC.
    2. Retry the firmware update using a different repository.
    3. If the problem persists, contact your next level of support.