IBM ThinkCentre 8127 Hardware Maintenance Manual

Contents

Management Information Format (MIF)Management Information Format (MIF) is a file used to maintain a list of thesystem 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 serialnumbers of the system and all major components.A company called Retain-a-Group is a central data warehouse offering serialnumber data management. Retain-a-Group acts as a focal point to lawenforcement. The customer has the option to purchase serial number informationand services from Retain-a-Group. It is the customer’s responsibility to maintainthe 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 MIFfile when serialized components are replaced during hardware service. Thisassistance is between the customer and the servicer. The servicer can use the DMIMIF Browser to update the MIF information in the EPROM. It is anticipated thatsome 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 Agent3. Select the Serial Number Information icon4. 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.7. Enter new data in the Value field, then click Apply.BIOS levelsAn incorrect level of BIOS can cause false errors and unnecessary FRUreplacement. Use the following information to determine the current level of BIOSinstalled in the computer, the latest BIOS available for the computer, and where toobtain the latest level of BIOS.v Current Level BIOS information– Run the Configuration Utility to determine the level of BIOS installed.v Sources for determining the latest level BIOS available1. IBM PC support web site: http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/2. IBM Support Center3. Levels 1 and 2 Support4. RETAIN ®v Sources for obtaining the latest level BIOS available1. IBM PC support web site:http://www.ibm.com/pc/support/2. IBM Support Center3. Levels 1 and 2 SupportTo update (flash) the BIOS, see “Flash update procedures” on page 148.Chapter 9. Additional Service Information 147