this section provides information and instructions for updating the system firmware. you may need to perform these steps if you are installing an option or if your support representative has instructed you to update your firmware.

    downloading the firmware update image and update instructions from the web is preferred.

    always check the pseries and rs/6000 support web site for the latest firmware images and update instructions. the web address is: http://techsupport.services.ibm.com/server/mdownload

    if you cannot download from the web, do the following:

    1 if the system is running, but access to the web is not available, see “system firmware update in aix using a locally available image” on page 56.

    2 if the system cannot be powered on, but the service processor menus are available, see “updating system firmware from the service processor menus” on page 57.

    3 if the service processor programming has been corrupted, the service processor will automatically enter recovery mode when power is applied to the system. for more information on recovery mode, go to “recovery mode” on page 58.

    to check the level of firmware that is currently on the system, see “determining the level of firmware on the system” on page 56.