Obtaining fixes through AIX or Linux when you are unable to start the system

Learn how to apply server firmware fixes through AIX® or Linux when you are unable to start the operating system or server.

The server firmware is the part of the Licensed Internal Code that enables hardware, such as the service processor.

Note: Installing the server firmware fixes through the operating system is a disruptive (nonconcurrent) process.

Before you begin

Do you have a Power KVM system?

Yes:

If you have an IBM® PowerKVM system with PowerKVM 2.1.x, to update the firmware, go to Updating the firmware.
If you have an IBM PowerKVM system with PowerKVM 3.1.x, to update the firmware, go to Updating the firmware.

No: Perform steps 1 - 4.

Use this procedure to determine the existing level of server firmware when you are unable to start the AIX or Linux operating system or server.

Insert the Standalone Diagnostics Version xxxxx CD into the CD drive on the server and boot the CD. If you need more information about how to boot the Standalone Diagnostics Version xxxxx CD, see Running the stand-alone diagnostics from CD.
Initialize the terminal type, if requested.
On the function selection screen, select Tasks and Service Aids.
On the task selection screen, scroll to the bottom of the list of options, and select Update and Manage Flash
Record the information for the current temporary system firmware image.

You need to create a CD that contains the firmware fixes.

From a computer or server with an Internet connection, go to the Fix Central website Fix Central.
From the Product Group list, select Power.
From the Product list, select your Machine Type-Model.
From the Select from Machine Type-Model list, select the required fix and click Continue.
Follow the on-screen prompts to download the RPM file.
On the computer or server, unpack the RPM file.
Follow the instructions for your CD program to place the unpacked fix image on the CD.
After you have the CD, continue with Step 3. Apply the server firmware fix.

Insert the CD into the media device, select Validate and Update System Firmware, and press Enter.
Note: If you receive a message stating: This partition does not have the authority to perform the requested function, see Message regarding a server that was previously managed by an HMC.
Select the appropriate device and press Enter.
Press F4 (Display). A list of firmware image files is displayed.
Select the image file that is like /microcode/EMp6/01EM3xx_yyy_zzz.img.
Press F7 (Store). The server firmware level that you selected is installed on the temporary side.

Use this procedure to verify that the fix installed correctly.

Select from the following options:
- To use the AIX or Linux command prompt (the operating system must be running and the diagnostics must be available), continue with the next step.
- To use the ASMI, view the level of server firmware displayed in the upper-right corner below the copyright statement on the ASMI Welcome pane; for example, EM310_006. If the level of server firmware displayed is not the level that you installed, see step 4.
Enter the following at a command prompt:
```
lsmcode
```
The existing levels of server firmware are displayed. For example, you might see output similar to the following:
```
The current permanent system firmware image is Ax710_025_025.
The current temporary system firmware image is Ax710_025_025.
The system is currently booted from the temporary image.
```
Notes:
- The permanent level is also known as the backup level.
- The temporary level is also known as the installed level.
- The system was booted from the temporary side, so at this time, the temporary level is also the activated level.
Verify that the level of server firmware displayed is the level that you installed.
If the level of server firmware displayed is not the level that you installed, perform the following steps:
1. Retry the fix procedure. If you created a CD or DVD for this procedure, use a new media.
2. If the problem persists, contact your next level of support.

Last updated: Thu, October 15, 2020