The process of updating system or option firmware is referred to as a flash process or flashing the ROM. A firmware or ROM flash removes the existing version of firmware from the ROM and replaces it with a more recent version.
Update the firmware to do the following:
•Support new hardware, such as a processor revision
•Support new features
•Correct problems in a previous firmware version
Without the correct firmware version, the server and hardware options may not function properly.
Types of ROM
Types of ROMs include:
•System ROM (on page 92)
•Option ROMs (on page 92)
System ROM
All ProLiant servers have a system ROM.
A system reboot is required for a ROM upgrade to take effect. For disaster recovery or ROM downgrade purposes, backups of the most current ROM image are available in either redundant ROM or a ROM backup.
Automatic backup
A backup copy of the ROM image existing on the target server is made in the ROM image backup subdirectory:
\CPQSYSTEM\FWBACKUP\SYSTEM
For additional information, see the HP Online ROM Flash User Guide on the HP website (http://www.hp.com/support/smartstart/documentation).
Option ROMs
Types of option ROMs include:
•Array controller ROMs
•Integrated
•Hard drive ROMs
ROMPaq utility diskette or USB drive key
The bootable ROMPaq diskette or USB drive key contains all the necessary system files, option ROM image files, and the configuration files required to upgrade the ROM firmware.
This procedure is most effective when flashing the ROM on a small number of servers located in close proximity.