BIOS upgrade problem

[Michael E Brown]

On Wed, Feb 27, 2008 at 03:10:18PM -0600, Jared wrote:
> Alright, I tried the manual upgrade method using libsmbios, but the end 
> result is the same.  I'm told that the upgrade would be performed on the 
> next reboot, but once I reboot it's still reporting the same version.
> 
> For reference, here's exactly what I did.  Does any of this look 
> incorrect?  Also, at the end it says, "Activate CMOS bit".  Is this 
> something that needs to be specifically configured/enabled?  Maybe this 
> part of it is not properly enabeled for some reason?

I've seen a kernel problem in some circumstances that causes this
problem (which I just remembered)...

Try adding "reboot=b" to your kernel command line, reboot, then try the
BIOS update.
--
Michael


> 
> # getSystemId
> Libsmbios:    0.12.1
> System ID:    0x01B2
> Service Tag:  GRTT3F1
> Express Service Code: 36511170445
> Product Name: PowerEdge 2950
> BIOS Version: 2.0.1
> Vendor:       Dell Inc.
> Is Dell:      1
> 
> # modprobe dell_rbu
> 
> # dellBiosUpdate -t -f ./bios-2.2.4.hdr
> 
> WARNING: packet updates are not fully tested yet for packet modes v0/v2.
>           We recommend that only monlithic updates be used at this point.
>           You should only use packet mode on v0/v2 systems if you know
>           what you are doing (for example, testing.)
> 
> Forcing MONOLITHIC mode...
> 
> BIOS file matches this system and is newer.
> 
> # dellBiosUpdate -u -f ./bios-2.2.6.hdr
> 
> WARNING: packet updates are not fully tested yet for packet modes v0/v2.
>           We recommend that only monlithic updates be used at this point.
>           You should only use packet mode on v0/v2 systems if you know
>           what you are doing (for example, testing.)
> 
> Forcing MONOLITHIC mode...
> 
> Supported RBU type for this system: (MONOLITHIC, PACKET)
> Using RBU v2 driver. Initializing Driver.
> Setting RBU type in v2 driver to: MONOLITHIC (FORCED)
> Prep driver for data load.
> Writing RBU data (4096bytes/dot): 
> .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................
> Notify driver data is finished.
> Activate CMOS bit to notify BIOS that update is ready on next boot.
> Update staged sucessfully. BIOS update will occur on next reboot.
> 
> --
> Jared
> 
> On 02/27/2008 09:26 AM, Jared wrote:
> > Ok, I can try this approach.  Being able to do it live/remotely is the 
> > important thing, as this server is located at a colo facility and 
> > anything that requires physical access (such as traditional PC BIOS 
> > updates) is not an option.
> > 
> > Another list member responded as well earlier this morning, asking about 
> > my distro.  I'm running Debian (as I explained in my response).  Do you 
> > think that could cause this issue?  If so, do you know if there are any 
> > plans to make this work on Debian?
> > 
> > --
> > Jared
> > 
> > On 02/27/2008 08:46 AM, Michael_E_Brown at Dell.com wrote:
> >> sorry. that was my only idea. "reboot" should work just fine.
> >>
> >> You might try libsmbios. The process outline is here: http://linux.dell.com/wiki/index.php/Tech/libsmbios_dellBiosUpdate
> >> --
> >> Michael
> > 
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> 
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