IBM 436854u Service Guide - Page 234

Updating (flash-update) the BIOS code on the server Periodically, IBM makes new levels of BIOS code available on the Web. Always check http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/ for the latest level of BIOS code, device drivers, documentation, and hints and tips. You can use one of the following methods to update (flash-update) the BIOS code on the server: v Download the BIOS code update file directly to the hard disk drive. v Download the BIOS code update file to a diskette (you must attach an optional external USB portable diskette drive to the server); then, update the BIOS code on the server. v Download the BIOS code update file to a CD or DVD, using a writable optional device; then, start the server with the CD or DVD in the CD or DVD drive to update the BIOS code on the server. One file type is available for each of these methods. The description next to each file indicates the type of medium to which you can download the file. A readme file is also available with instructions for installing the BIOS code update. To download the BIOS (flash) update files, complete the following steps. Note: Changes are made periodically to the IBM Web site. The actual procedure might vary slightly from what is described in this document. 1. Go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/. 2. Under Product support, click System x. 3. Under Popular links, click Software and device drivers. 4. Click IBM System x3200 M2 to display the matrix of downloadable files for the server. 5. Select the applicable file for your operating system and the file type for the medium you want to use; then, download the flash BIOS update. 6. Update the BIOS code. Follow the readme instructions that come with the update file that you downloaded. Note: Always reset the Configuration/Setup Utility program to the default values after you update the BIOS code. 7. Restart the server. For additional information about tools for updating, managing, and deploying firmware, see the System x and xSeries Tools Center at http:// publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/toolsctr/v1r0/index.jsp Recovering from a BIOS update failure If power to the server is interrupted while BIOS code is being updated, the server might not restart correctly or might not display video. If this happens, use the procedure in this section to recover the BIOS code. To complete the procedures in this section, you must make the following preparations: v Download the BIOS code image to create the POST/BIOS recovery diskette, CD, or DVD from http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/. v To create and use a diskette, you must attach an optional external USB diskette drive to the server. To enable the USB diskette drive, complete the following steps: 216 System x3200 M2 Types 4367 and 4368: Problem Determination and Service Guide