IBM Support

How to check and update firmware, resave LIC level, HMC or ACS console and PTF levels for power system i5/OS

Preventive Service Planning


Abstract

This document explains how to check firmware, resave and PTF levels. This information is useful when preparing to update software for the IBM i.

Content

In order to prevent problems and keep your IBM i software environment on a Power system updated, it is important to check these components:
  • Firmware
  • LIC (microcode)
  • Operating System PTFs

    1) FIRMWARE :

To check the firmware level, command DSPFMWSTS can be used. Using this command, the firmware update policy ( HMC or Operating System) and active level used are displayed:
DSPFMWSTS screen shot

To update the firmware level (or check it) follow the instructions of this document N1020513: Server Firmware via Fix Central.
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LIC (Microcode)

Microcode is updated with ptfs BUT it can be ***important to have latest resave level installed on your system ***.

The latest resave level can be found here: https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/668135

The latest LIC resave for your release can be downloaded from the ESS website, where you can find all your licensed software: https://www-304.ibm.com/servers/eserver/ess/ProtectedServlet.wss

N1010570: How to Download an IBM Resave or I_BASE Image from the ESS Web Site, contains instructions to download the resave.

N1021187: Creating an I_base_01 DVD for Use with DM IPL, contains instructions to burn/create a dvd using the downloaded image.
_____________________________________________________________________________________

PTFs :

Commands DSPPTF and/or WRKPTFGRP can be used to check CUMULATIVE and GROUP PTFs level

**important ** : When you order all PTFs it is possible to order cumulative and all groups.
For example for R710, latest cumulative and groups can be ordered using the following keyword : SF99710 (cum) and SF99711 (all groups)

To check for the latest cume and group levels, the PSP can be used.
N1021687: Roadmap to IBM i Preventive Service Planning Documentation.

To download the latest levels of groups or a single ptf, FIXCENTRAL should be used https://www.ibm.com/support/fixcentral/

N1019058: Fix Central Step-by-Step Order Instructions, provides instructions on how to download a PTF from fix central.


******Special Environments and recommended ptfs *******:
--> N1021480: IBM i Support: Recommended fixes

HMC console

https://www-304.ibm.com/support/customercare/sas/f/hmcl/home.html

ACS Console

https://www.ibm.com/support/pages/node/683479 

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Document Information

Modified date:
28 June 2021

UID

nas8N1021968