HP ProLiant DL185 Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance a
HP ProLiant DL185 - G5 Server Manual
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- HP ProLiant DL185 | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance a - Page 1
, checking for specific firmware updates in between regular updates helps to keep the server performing optimally. Firmware updates are created for, but are not limited to, the following reasons: • To provide critical problem fixes that ensure system stability, such as upgrades that may prevent - HP ProLiant DL185 | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance a - Page 2
server, it is called the Option ROM. In ProLiant servers, hard drives HP provides regular firmware upgrades HP. Subscriber's Choice Subscriber's Choice is an online service that delivers proactive notifications of driver, patch, security and support alerts. The latest available updates for each server - HP ProLiant DL185 | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance a - Page 3
and allows the user to install it and determine when to reboot the server and deploy the update. See Figure 1 through Figure 4 below for screenshots of each related page. The screenshots below show a driver update (rather than a firmware update) as an example; however, firmware and other updates - HP ProLiant DL185 | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance a - Page 4
Figure 2: The Version Control Agent page displays the currently installed version of each software component and the latest version. A green checkmark indicates that the columns match, a yellow triangle with an exclamation point indicates that an update is available. - HP ProLiant DL185 | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance a - Page 5
Figure 3: Clicking on the latest version number allows the user to view detailed information about the update before installing it. - HP ProLiant DL185 | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance a - Page 6
notification of out of date devices, and ease of mass deployment vs. deploying a single CD-ROM to individual servers. To obtain all the latest versions of firmware, refer to the HP support and drivers page at the following URL: http://h18023.www1.hp.com/support/files/server/us/romflash.html - HP ProLiant DL185 | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance a - Page 7
is deployed more than three months after purchase, upgrade the firmware on the system and on any options that are installed using the HP Support and Drivers page on HP.COM, rather than the Firmware Maintenance CD that shipped with the server. In addition, it is beneficial to check for firmware - HP ProLiant DL185 | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance a - Page 8
based method of upgrade. The firmware is downloaded onto a floppy diskette and then the system is booted to the floppy drive. The ROM Update Utility is located on the Firmware Maintenance CD, or can be downloaded to a USB Drive Key using the HP Drive Key Boot Utility. Note: Hard Drive components can - HP ProLiant DL185 | Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance a - Page 9
http://h18004.www1.hp.com/products/servers/platforms/warranty/index.html HP may, at its sole discretion, determine that onsite warranty service is not necessary on a case-by-case basis. HP will provide telephone support for any required BIOS and Firmware upgrades; such upgrades will not be covered
Regular Firmware Updates Essential for Optimal Performance
and Functionality of HP ProLiant Servers
Avoiding downtime and potential security risks is a high priority for ProLiant server customers. Ensuring that
each server is running the latest drivers, patches, and operating system updates helps to establish this.
However, many customers are unaware that updating the server’s System ROM and the firmware of other
hardware components in the configuration is also essential for optimal system performance and system
stability. Top
This white paper covers the following topics:
Why Should I Update My Firmware?
What is Firmware?
How Can I Tell If A New Firmware Update Is Available?
How Do I Update My Firmware?
Updating Firmware Using the Online ROM Flash Method
Updating Firmware Using the Offline ROM Flash Method
Why Should I Update My Firmware?
It is important to update the firmware (also called “flashing the ROM”) as part of regular server maintenance.
In addition, checking for specific firmware updates in between regular updates helps to keep the server
performing optimally. Firmware updates are created for, but are not limited to, the following reasons:
• To provide critical problem fixes that ensure system stability, such as upgrades that may prevent server
unresponsiveness and other issues that could put the system at risk.
• To correct product issues, such as ROM or processor functionality.
• To improve system performance or make the system more serviceable.
Best Practice
: Many product issues that result in hardware replacement are preventable or correctable with a
firmware update. HP recommends checking for a firmware update before sending a part back to HP for
replacement. Based on the HP ProLiant product return rates, approximately 30 to 35 percent of all returned
hardware products were functioning properly and only needed a firmware update. Although not all products
fall into this category, server downtime and time spent removing, returning, and ultimately replacing hardware
may have been avoided if an attempt had been made to flash the firmware during the troubleshooting
process.