dec2000 v22 fw relnote

This document, revised March 1999 by Digital Equipment Corporation, provides Firmware Update Procedures for DEC 2000 AXP (Models 300/500) and DECpc AXP 150 Systems.

The primary purpose of the guide is to instruct system managers on how to update their system's firmware using a loadable Firmware Update Utility.

The update process can be performed via two main methods:

1. Direct Update (from CD-ROM): This detailed 11-step procedure involves:

   • Powering on the system.
   • Setting the os_type environment variable to flash.
   • Power cycling the system.
   • Identifying the CD-ROM drive's device ID.
   • Loading and booting the Firmware Update Utility compact disc.
   • Executing update and verify commands within the utility.
   • Exiting the utility and setting keyboard configurations.
   • Performing a final power cycle.

2. Network and InfoServer Upgrades: These methods involve preparing a host system (VMS, ULTRIX, or DIGITAL UNIX) to serve the firmware update file. This includes copying the update file, configuring network services like MOP, BOOTP (requiring bootpd and tftpd daemons and client database modification), or InfoServer, and then booting the target DEC AXP system from the network before following the core update and verification steps.

Important Considerations:

• After a firmware update, EISA configuration information and Windows NT boot information are cleared and must be re-established.
• The document includes a compatibility table detailing supported firmware revisions with various operating systems (OpenVMS, DIGITAL UNIX, Windows NT).
• A critical note advises against loading older firmware than what is currently installed.