Install an HMC update from a remote system

The HMC is a closed system. All tasks are accomplished using the graphical user interface known as the HMC interface.

Use the Install Corrective Service task and HMC Update ZIP files to update the HMC. In addition, a required maintenance package may need to be installed. Check the Download tab or Readme for the Update release that you want to install to see if there is a required maintenance package or mandatory fix for the Update.

The Readme for your HMC version lists information you need for verifying the successful download and installation of a corrective service package (Update or individual fix). There is a section for each PTF at the beginning of the Readme, with the latest package listed first.

In addition, the "View" link for a PTF, on the Downloads tab, provides a quick link to PTF-specific information in the Readme.

Follow these steps to install an Update package (and any required maintenance) from a remote system.

Step 1. Decide where to store the ZIP files

An HMC update package can consist of multiple ZIP files. All ZIP files that comprise the package must be installed.

Because the HMC is a closed system, you cannot download the ZIP files onto the HMC. There are no utilities available to get the file onto the HMC and the interface does not support it. The interface is designed to install corrective service from CDs or from a remote server via FTP.

The ZIP files must be stored on a system that accepts FTP requests.

Step 2. Download ZIP files from the Internet

Download the ZIP file images from the appropriate "Downloads" page.

NOTE:

The combined size of ZIP files in HMC update packages can exceed two Gigabytes. If you are downloading these files to a server, please make sure that the operating system can handle files of this size. For UNIX systems, use the ulimit to check, and then change the file size limit, if necessary. Do not use the browser on the HMC to download the file onto the HMC. The download and save functions on the HMC's browser are disabled. If you order the equivalent update CDs for this corrective service, you must install all the update CDs with the Install Corrective Service task. Using the Install Corrective Service task ensures that all fixes and enhancements in this corrective service update are installed.

If the system you are using to download this file cannot accept FTP requests from the HMC, move the file to a system that accepts FTP requests.

Step 3. Install the update

As a safety precaution, IBM recommends that you back up critical console data. See your operations guide for more information on backing up the HMC.

This update consists of two volumes, delivered as two individual ZIP files. You must perform the following procedure twice, once for each ZIP file. Please read and follow these installation instructions carefully, as they differ from a one-volume update.

  1. Select Licensed Internal Code Maintenance
  2. Select HMC Code Update
  3. Select Install Corrective Service
  4. Select Download corrective service from remote system
  5. Enter the specified information in the following fields:
    Remote Site
    Enter the fully qualified name of the host where the ZIP files are stored.
    Patch File
    Enter the FTP directory and Volume 1 file name for the first ZIP file.
    User ID
    Enter the FTP userid.
    Password
    Enter the FTP password for the userid.
    The HMC interface retrieves the file from the remote FTP server and begins the installation process.
  6. When prompted, repeat the above step for the second ZIP file (Volume 2), and then again for the third ZIP file (Volume 3), to complete the installation.
  7. Reboot the HMC after the installation completes.
  8. If the HMC update requires installation of a required maintenance package, go to Step 4 below. Otherwise, go to Step 6 below.

Step 4. Install the required maintenance level fix

  1. Select Licensed Internal Code Maintenance
  2. Select HMC Code Update
  3. Select Install Corrective Service
  4. Select Download corrective service from remote system
  5. Enter the specified information in the following fields:
    Remote Site
    Enter the fully qualified name of the host where the ZIP files are stored.
    Patch File
    Enter the FTP directory and file name for the ZIP file.
    User ID
    Enter the FTP userid.
    Password
    Enter the FTP password for the userid.

The HMC interface retrieves the update package from the remote FTP server and begins the installation process.

Step 5. Reboot

Reboot the HMC after the installation of the update has completed. Rebooting ensures that all changes are available immediately.

Step 6. Verify a successful update

After the HMC is rebooted, follow these steps to verify that the corrective service update was successful:

  1. Select Help in the top menu bar.
  2. Select About the Hardware Management Console.
  3. On the "About" splash panel, look for updated information about the update and any fix you installed.
  4. Open the Readme for the Update you installed.
  5. Compare the "Splash panel information" listed in the Readme to the information displayed on the HMC for the Update (and any required fix).

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