Updating (flash-update) the BIOS code on the serverPeriodically, IBM makes new levels of BIOS code available on the Web. Alwayscheck http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/ for the latest level of BIOS code, devicedrivers, documentation, and hints and tips. You can use one of the followingmethods to update (flash-update) the BIOS code on the server:v Download the BIOS code update file directly to the hard disk drive.v Download the BIOS code update file to a diskette (you must attach an optionalexternal USB portable diskette drive to the server); then, update the BIOS codeon the server.v Download the BIOS code update file to a CD or DVD, using a writable optionaldevice; then, start the server with the CD or DVD in the CD or DVD drive toupdate the BIOS code on the server.One file type is available for each of these methods. The description next to eachfile indicates the type of medium to which you can download the file. A readme fileis also available with instructions for installing the BIOS code update.To download the BIOS (flash) update files, complete the following steps.Note: Changes are made periodically to the IBM Web site. The actual proceduremight vary slightly from what is described in this document.1. Go to http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/.2. Under Product support, click System x.3. Under Popular links, click Software and device drivers.4. Click IBM System x3200 M2 to display the matrix of downloadable files for theserver.5. Select the applicable file for your operating system and the file type for themedium you want to use; then, download the flash BIOS update.6. Update the BIOS code. Follow the readme instructions that come with theupdate file that you downloaded.Note: Always reset the Configuration/Setup Utility program to the default valuesafter you update the BIOS code.7. Restart the server.For additional information about tools for updating, managing, and deployingfirmware, see the System x and xSeries Tools Center at http://publib.boulder.ibm.com/infocenter/toolsctr/v1r0/index.jspRecovering from a BIOS update failureIf power to the server is interrupted while BIOS code is being updated, the servermight not restart correctly or might not display video. If this happens, use theprocedure in this section to recover the BIOS code.To complete the procedures in this section, you must make the followingpreparations:v Download the BIOS code image to create the POST/BIOS recovery diskette, CD,or DVD from http://www.ibm.com/systems/support/.v To create and use a diskette, you must attach an optional external USB diskettedrive to the server. To enable the USB diskette drive, complete the followingsteps:216 System x3200 M2 Types 4367 and 4368: Problem Determination and Service Guide
