2.7
Updating Firmware
Typically, you update system firmware whenever the operating system is updated.
You might also need to update firmware if you add I/O device controllers and
adapters, if enhancements are made to the firmware, or if the serial ROM or RMC
firmware become corrupted.
Sources of Firmware Updates
The system firmware resides in the flash ROM located on the system board. The Alpha
Systems Firmware Update Kit comes on a CD-ROM, which is updated quarterly. You can
also obtain Alpha firmware updates from the Internet.
Quarterly Update Service
The Alpha Systems Firmware Update Kit CD-ROM is available by subscription from HP.
Alpha Firmware Internet Access
You can also obtain Alpha firmware update files from the Internet:
http://ftp.digital.com/pub/DEC/Alpha/firmware/
2.7.1
Using the Loadable Firmware Update Utility
The system firmware is updated from a Loadable Firmware Update Utility (LFU).
When you boot the medium containing the update image, the LFU banner and
command descriptions are displayed. Enter commands at the UPD> prompt.
Before updating the firmware, enter the
list
command to list the current revision of the
firmware. Enter the
update
command to update the firmware automatically. See the
following example.
Example 2–12 Updating the Firmware
Checking dqa0.0.0.16.0 for the option firmware files. . .
Checking dva0.0.0.1000.0 for the option firmware files. . .
Option firmware files were not found on CD or floppy.
If you want to load the options firmware,
please enter the device on which the files are located(ewa0),
or just hit <return> to proceed with a standard console update:
Operating the System
2-23