es40 v72 fw relnote

This document, "hp AlphaServer ES40, ES40cv, ES40lp & TS40 V7.2 Firmware Release Notes and Update Procedures" (June 2006), provides crucial information for system administrators and technicians regarding the firmware for these AlphaServer models.

Key aspects covered include:

• Scope and Audience: It outlines significant changes in Firmware Release V7.2 and describes methods for updating console firmware. It's intended for those responsible for OS installation/upgrades and firmware updates.
• Golden Rules: Emphasizes updating all console firmware (SRM, RMC, SROM, AlphaBIOS, TIG, and I/O options) to the latest revision for compatibility and warns against loading older firmware.
• Revisions and Compatibility: Details the Operating System, CPU PALcode, and Console Firmware (SRM V7.2-1, AlphaBIOS V5.71, RMC V2.8, SROM V2.22-G, TIG 10) revisions supported by this release, along with specific PCI I/O Adapter firmware revisions.
• Firmware Update Procedure: Provides step-by-step instructions for updating firmware from a CD or floppy disk, including both default and manual update modes using the Loadable Firmware Utility (LFU). It also covers firmware recovery using a fail-safe loader.
• Model-Specific Updates: Offers tailored update procedures for ES40cv, ES40lp, TS40/TS20 systems, distinguishing between SRM Release V6.5 and newer versus V6.4 and earlier.
• Helpful Hints: Contains practical advice on KVM console switch limitations, SRM console environment variables (user_def1/2, memory_test), KGPSA (Fibre Channel adapter) notes, RMC V2.8 PCI temperature sensing, clearing error flags in the FRU table, info commands, power supply removal, distinguishing Ethernet cards, and show bios/run bios commands.
• Known Anomalies and Restrictions: A comprehensive section details various issues, such as Power Supply Zero, set cpu_enabled command behavior, Ctrl^P sequences, attaching storage devices to KZPEA, specific PBXDA-AC and PBXGB-AA module problems, network MOP timeouts, CPU-Speed/PALCode mismatches, PCI bus slot restrictions, and Fibre Channel behavior.
• Fibre Channel Notes: Further elaborates on WWIDMGR commands for Fabric and LOOP support, lists bug fixes related to WWIDMGR and KGPSA drivers, and notes unresolved KGPSA bugs.
• Booting "Not Connected" Devices: Explains how to use the FFAUTO and FFNEXT environment variables to force the console to boot from Fibre Channel devices that are in a "not connected" state.
• Memory Identification: Provides guidance on determining "Stacked or Monolithic" DIMM types for MS610-DA/EA memory options.
• Firmware Change History: Includes a detailed chronological log of console enhancements, I/O option firmware changes, and bug fixes from V5.5 (August 1999) up to V7.1 (January 2006).