Updating Library and Tape Drive Firmware
file:///T|/htdocs/stor-sys/ML6000/en/html/ch07.htm[9/17/2012 1:49:59 PM]
Note: The library automatically restarts after the firmware upgrade is complete. Before logging into the library, clear
the web browser cache. See your Web browser's documentation for instructions on how to clear the cache.
You can find instructions on updating library firmware in the library firmware upgrade package you download from the Dell
Support website. You can also find step-by-step instructions in your library's online Help. To access the online Help system,
click the Help icon at the top right of the Web client or operator panel user interface.
You cannot upgrade library firmware from the operator panel. The path to open the appropriate screen is as follows:
• From the Web client, select Tools > Update Library Firmware.
Updating Tape Drive Firmware
Dell provides tape drive firmware upgrades that allow you to upgrade your tape drive firmware over the SCSI, FC, FC I/O
blade, or SAS connection from the host application. This is the Dell-recommended method for updating tape drive firmware.
You can download the firmware upgrade package from the Dell Support website. For more information, see
Downloading Tape
Drive Firmware From the Dell Support Website.
If necessary, you can use the Web client to upgrade one or more tape drives in your library with an image file downloaded
from the Dell Support website.
You can also create a Firmware Upgrade (FUP) tape of a tape drive firmware version already installed in your library. A FUP
tape contains a specific version of tape drive firmware. You can then use the tape to transfer firmware to one or more tape
drives installed in the library.
The following topics provide information on these procedures.
Using an Image File to Upgrade Tape Drive Firmware
The Web client allows you to upgrade tape drive firmware using a firmware image file. Note that updating tape drive firmware
using an image file is a lengthy process, taking up to 90 minutes for each tape drive.
Tape drive firmware and updating instructions are available at the Dell Support website: http://support.dell.com. You can
navigate to your product's firmware from the home page. Select the appropriate firmware version and download the file to
your computer hard drive. The Dell Support website provides information that can help you to verify that the library is
running the appropriate level of tape drive firmware, compatible with the tape drive type.
Details on using an image file to upgrade tape drive firmware include:
• The library allows you to upgrade firmware on multiple tape drives at one time. Upgrade firmware on all tape drives of
the same interface type at the same time to make sure that all drives are at the same firmware level. Having different
levels of drive firmware in the library is not recommended.
• Each tape drive interface type requires unique firmware. The image file must contain the appropriate SCSI, FC, or
Serial Attached SCSI (SAS) firmware image for the corresponding SCSI, FC or SAS drive type.
• The tape drive and associated partition are automatically taken offline during the operation and brought back online
when the operation completes. You will be asked to confirm that you want to take the tape drive and partition offline.
You can find detailed instructions on updating library firmware on the Dell Support website. You can also find step-by-step
instructions in your library's online Help. To access the online Help system, click the Help icon at the top right of the web
client or operator panel user interface.
Caution: Before you upgrade tape drive firmware, make sure that cartridges are not loaded in any tape drives. If
cartridges are loaded in tape drives during the upgrade process, the library loses knowledge of the cartridges' storage
slot location, resulting in library and host application inventory issues.
Caution: Do not turn off power to the library during the upgrade process. Turning off power to the library during the
upgrade can cause problems with the library.
Note: This operation should not be performed concurrently by multiple administrators. You can access the appropriate
screens, but you cannot apply changes while another administrator is performing the same operation.
You cannot upgrade tape drive firmware with an image file from the operator panel. The path to the appropriate screen is as
follows:
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