alphaxl v566 fw relnote

This document, revised March 1999, provides procedures for updating the firmware on DIGITAL Alpha XL series systems. It is intended for system managers and details how to use the loadable Firmware Update Utility, typically from a CD-ROM or diskette.

The guide outlines two primary update procedures:

1. Updating NT/ARC Firmware: Specific steps for Models 233/266, involving shutting down Windows NT, loading the update CD, navigating to the supplementary menu, selecting "Install New Firmware," performing the update, and power-cycling the system.
2. Updating AlphaBIOS: Procedures for Models 300/366, which involves inserting the update media, running the AlphaBIOS Setup program (by pressing F2 during boot), selecting "Upgrade AlphaBIOS," confirming the upgrade, and resetting the system.

The document also includes extensive lists of bug fixes and new features for various versions of both ARC firmware (e.g., V4.49, V4.53, V4.56, V4.57) and AlphaBIOS firmware (e.g., 5.22, 5.24, V5.30, V5.64, V5.65, V5.66). Key improvements range from support for larger configurations, SCSI enhancements, and DMA window adjustments to Y2K compliance updates, reduced boot times, and support for new hardware types. A compatibility table for firmware revisions and Windows NT versions is also provided, along with a caution against loading older firmware versions.