fwupgrade(8) System Manager's Manual fwupgrade(8)
NAME
fwupgrade - Updates the system firmware from a loadable firmware image (*.exe or *.sys)
SYNOPSIS
/sbin/fwupgrade [-a] [-e] [-ignore] [-q] [-r] [-s] [-v] [-t CD-ROM_path] [-i path]
/sbin/fwupgrade [-v] -f firmware_filename
OPTIONS
Forces a firmware update without comparing the current firmware with the source firmware. Updates only if the current firmware is not
equivalent to the source firmware. Specifies the path of the (*.exe or *.sys) firmware image. This is only used when you use a firmware
image that is not on the distribution CD-ROM. For example, an image obtained from a web site download. You must ensure that the firmware
image is the correct one for the target system, and verify that the image has the necessary support. This is indicated by bit1 and bit2 in
the Flags column of the smmtable.txt file. Specifies the mount point of the target disk during an installation. This switch is to be used
exclusively by the Tru64 UNIX install program. This switch suppresses error messages that are displayed if no firmware files are found on
the distribution media, and causes the fwupgrade program to exit successfully. Does not upgrade the firmware, but displays information
about the success of the desired operation. This enables you to to query fwupgrade to verify planned actions, such as ensuring whether the
firmware really needs to be upgraded, or finding out if the target system supports a soft-reset. Resets the machine by software and
reboots after the upgrade. The utility will exit with an error status if the system hardware does not support this feature. Sets silent
mode, in which the firmware is upgraded without prompting you. If there is an error, the program also exits silently without prompting you.
When this switch is used, you are not prompted for confirmation for the upgrade to proceed. Specifies the path of the mounted Firmware CD.
If the -s option is not specified, you will be prompted to enter this path. Sets verbose mode, in which additional information is dis-
played.
DESCRIPTION
The fwupgrade command provides a means of updating the system firmware when a (*.exe or *.sys) loadable firmware update image is available.
A firmware upgrade will shut down the system and require a full hardware reset. If the source firmware image does not support the loadable
firmware update functionality, fwupgrade will exit with error status. The system must provide a SAVE_ENV callback that complies with the
Alpha SRM.
You can tell if the SAVE_ENV callback exists by executing the command: # consvar -a
The SAVE_ENV is supported on the target system if the following message is displayed: Console environment variables saved
If the SAVE_ENV is not supported on the target system, the following message is displayed: Failed to save environment variables
Your programs can either check the return status of consvar -a or the return status of:
setsysinfo(SSI_PROM_SAVE_ENV,...).
See the setsysinfo(2) reference page for more information.
EXIT STATUS
If you confirm that the firmware is to be upgraded, and no errors occur setting up the upgrade process, then fwupgrade will reboot the sys-
tem rather than exit. An exception is that there is no reboot performed when the -i option is used. Instead, a status of 0 is returned.
If you query whether the process would be successful, or if an upgrade request fails, the exit values are: Success. Firmware is adequate
and supported. Failure. Firmware is not supported. Firmware needs to updated (when queried).
EXAMPLES
To find out all information about your current firmware, platform, and the source firmware: # /sbin/fwupgrade -v -q Current Firmware:
4.10-0 Platform: 17-2-1091 Unable to open smmtable.txt at '/'. What is the mount point for the firmware CD? /mnt Firmware CD Version: 4.0
Distribution Firmware: 4.10-0 LFU File: /dev/rz2a at alpha1000/as1000_e4_v4_8.exe LFU Support: Y Soft Reset: Y System Firmware does not
need to be upgraded To upgrade the firmware: # ./fwupgrade -t /mnt Current Firmware: 4.7-0 Are you sure that you wish to update the system
firmware from 4.7-0 to 4.10-0?(yes/no)yes
fwupgrade:Rebooting to update the system firmware...
Terminated # syncing disks... done rebooting.... (transferring to monitor)
FILES
The loadable firmware update images provided by Compaq. Typically, these are distributed on a firmware CD-ROM. If you obtain firmware
images from a source other than the firmware CD-ROM (such as a www server) you should verify that they are the correct images for the tar-
get system. A file provided with the firmware CD-ROM, used to determine the presence of the firmware CD-ROM and information about source
firmware.
SEE ALSO
Commands: consvar(8)
Functions: setsysinfo(2)
fwupgrade(8)