dec4000 v40 fw relnote

Order Number: XX-BDAF9-43

This document, "DEC 4000 AXP Systems Firmware Update Procedures," provides instructions for updating the system firmware for DEC 4000 AXP Model 6x0/7x0 systems, primarily intended for system managers.

The guide details two main update methods: from a CD-ROM and from an InfoServer. The CD-ROM update procedure involves five key steps:

  1. Shutting down the operating system and resetting the system.
  2. Identifying the current firmware version, processor revision, and boot device.
  3. Booting the Loadable Firmware Update Utility (UPD) from a compact disc.
  4. Performing the firmware update.
  5. Running the newly installed firmware.

The document provides a comprehensive overview of the Update Utility (UPD) commands such as display, list, update (for console or all adapters), verify, and exit, along with how to override to an earlier firmware version.

It also extensively covers DEC 4000 AXP Console Security Features, including commands like set password, set secure, login, and clear password. It describes secure mode, which restricts certain console commands and disables Ctrl/x during power-up, and provides a physical procedure for resetting a lost password by adjusting a baud rate switch on the operator control panel.

Finally, the document outlines new features in Firmware Version 4.0, such as Year 2000 readiness, and important changes like NVRAM reformatting from Version 3.3 onward, which may clear environment variables (advising users to note settings). Known bugs and restrictions, including display issues for DEFAA Futurebus+ Adapter firmware and specific test command failures, are also noted.

The document repeatedly warns against interrupting the update process, as it could render the system inoperable.

XX-BDAF9-43
February 1999
26 pages
Quality

Original
66.4kB

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