IBM 8311, 8309, 8308, 8312, 8313, 8310, 8315 Vital product data, Management Information Format MIF

Note:

Type 6029 computers have Enhanced Security Mode. If Enhanced Security mode is enabled and there is no password given, the computer will act as if Enhanced Security is disabled.

If Enhanced Security is Enabled and an administrator password is given, the administrator password must be entered to use the computer. If the administrator password is lost or forgotten, the system board in the computer must be replaced in order to regain access to the Configuration/Setup Utility program.

Administrator password control

The Administrator password is set in the Setup Configuration. Refer to “Setup Utility program” on page 24.

Operating system password

An operating system password is very similar to a power-on password and denies access to the computer by an unauthorized user when the password is activated. The computer is unusable until the password is entered and recognized by the computer.

Vital product data

Each computer has a unique Vital Product Data (VPD) code stored in the nonvolatile memory on the system board. After you replace the system board, the VPD must be updated. To update the VPD, see “Flash update procedures” on page 265.

Management Information Format (MIF)

Management Information Format (MIF) is a file used to maintain a list of the system unit serial number along with all serialized components (for example, system board, riser card, memory, and processor).

At the time of computer manufacture, the EPROM will be loaded with the serial numbers of the system and all major components.

A company called Retain-a-Group is a central data warehouse offering serial number data management. Retain-a-Group acts as a focal point to law enforcement. The customer has the option to purchase serial number information and services from Retain-a-Group. It is the customer’s responsibility to maintain the MIF file and to inform Retain-a-Group of any changes to the file.

Some customers may request their servicers to assist them in maintaining the MIF file when serialized components are replaced during hardware service. This assistance is between the customer and the servicer. The servicer can use the DMI MIF Browser to update the MIF information in the EPROM. It is anticipated that some servicers might charge for this service.

To update the EPROM using the DMI MIF Browser, use the following procedure.

1.Click Start from the desktop, then Programs.

2.Select IBM SystemView Agent

3.Select the Serial Number Information icon

4.Click the plus sign to expand.

5.Select the component you want to view or edit.

6.Double click on the component you want to change.

264Hardware Maintenance Manual