AlphaServer 2100 and 2100 RM Upgrade to AlphaServer 2100A

This document is a comprehensive guide for upgrading AlphaServer 2100 and AlphaServer 2100 RM systems to AlphaServer 2100A systems. It is intended for service personnel and self-maintenance customers responsible for managing these systems.

The upgrade process is detailed in a specific, sequential order:

1. Operating System Update: Update OpenVMS or Windows NT to a minimum required revision before hardware changes. Digital UNIX users defer this step until later.
2. Configuration Backup: Record all customized system configuration information stored in NVRAM, as it will be lost during the upgrade.
3. Hardware Upgrade: Perform the physical disassembly and reassembly of the system hardware, with separate instructions for pedestal (BA740) and rackmount (BA741) enclosures. Key hardware changes include a shift in slot configurations (e.g., AlphaServer 2100A has 3 EISA/8 PCI slots compared to 8 EISA/3 PCI on the 2100, requiring consideration for existing EISA options), and the need for new Ethernet and external SCSI option cards.
4. Firmware Update: Update the SRM (System Reference Manual) and ARC (Advanced RISC Computing) console firmware, as well as the fail-safe loader (FSL). This involves enabling a specific FSL update switch on the new backplane.
5. Configuration Data Update: Rebuild the EISA and PCI configuration data using the EISA Configuration Utility (ECU). If a StorageWorks RAID controller is present, its firmware must also be updated to the required version (V2.16 for EISA, V2.36 for PCI) using a specific standalone utility (V3.11), with a warning against using older utility versions.
6. Digital UNIX Installation: If the system will run Digital UNIX, it should be installed at this stage.
7. Configuration Restoration: Restore any custom configuration information recorded in step 2.

The guide provides detailed steps for each phase, including lists of required parts for the upgrade kits, tools, and important cautions regarding static sensitivity, high-temperature components, and proper cable/module installation.