Updating firmware and device drivers
Lenovo periodically makes UEFI code, IMM2 firmware, diagnostic firmware updates, and device-driver updates available for the compute node. Provisioning is the set of actions that you take to update the firmware and device drivers and install the operating system. Several tools are available to help you update the firmware and device drivers in the provisioning process.
Flex System Manager Update Manager
Flex System Manager Update Manager (if installed) acquires, installs, and manages firmware and device driver updates and monitors your compute nodes to ensure that they remain current. For more information about Flex System Manager Update Manager, see Updating firmware and software for the Flex System Manager.
UpdateXpress System Packs
UpdateXpress System Packs (UXSP) contain an integration-tested bundle of online, updateable firmware and device drivers for your compute node. The Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator uses UpdateXpress System Packs to update the firmware and device drivers.
Typically, use UpdateXpress System Packs to update firmware and devices drivers for a compute node that has previously been provisioned. For more information about UpdateXpress System Packs, see the UpdateXpress website.
Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator
You can use Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator to create bootable media that is suitable for applying firmware updates and running preboot diagnostics. Using Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator, you can create a single bootable image on supported media (such as CD, DVD, ISO image, USB flash drive, or set of PXE files) that bundles multiple Flex System tools and updates from UpdateXpress System Packs, which contain Windows and Linux® firmware updates.
Typically, use Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator for the initial setup of a compute node. For more information about the Lenovo Bootable Media Creator, see the Bootable Media Creator (BoMC) for Lenovo x86 servers website.
To provision a compute node with updated firmware and device drivers by using Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator, complete the following steps:
- Download Lenovo ToolsCenter Bootable Media Creator to a computer that is connected over the management network to the Flex System Manager management software (if installed) that is managing the compute node.
- Create the bootable media of firmware and device-driver updates.
- Connect to the Flex System Manager management software that is managing the Flex System chassis in which the compute node is installed.
- From Flex System Manager Chassis Manager, select the compute node. In the Actions column, select Remote Control.NoteThe user ID that you use to log in to
Flex System Manager management software must have sufficient user permissions to manage the compute node. - From the Remote Control session, mount the bootable media (using Remote Media).
- Start the compute node to boot the media and install the updates.
For additional information about updating firmware and device drivers, see UEFI Compliant Firmware on System x® and BladeCenter® Servers and the Flex System Quick start guides, andthe Flex System Firmware Update Guides (you might need to register to access this content).