Updating the system manually

During an automatic update procedure, the system updates each of the nodes systematically. The automatic method is the preferred procedure for updating the code on the nodes; however, to provide more flexibility in the update process, you can also update each node manually.

During this manual procedure, you prepare the update, remove a node from the system, update the code on the node, and return the node to the system. You repeat this process for the remaining nodes until the last node is removed from the system. Every node must be updated to the same code level. You cannot interrupt the update and switch to installing a different level. After all the nodes are updated, you must confirm the update to complete the process. The confirmation restarts each node in order and takes about 30 minutes to complete.

Prerequisites

Start here to update to version 7.5 or later from version 7.4 or later.

If you are updating from a release previous to version 7.4.0, follow the instructions in that previous release. You are required, however, to confirm the update, which is not included in the instructions for your current release. When you reach the instructions for completing the upgrade, return to the corresponding final instructions in version 7.4.0 and follow those steps to confirm the update.

Before you begin to update nodes manually, ensure that the following requirements are met:
  • The system must be at version 6.4 or higher. To find out more about releases and compatibility, see the information about concurrent compatibility and code cross-reference at this website:

    www.ibm.com/support

  • The latest update test utility was downloaded to your management workstation.
  • The latest system update package was downloaded to your management workstation.
  • Each I/O group has two nodes.
  • Errors in the system event log are addressed and marked as fixed.
  • There are no volumes, MDisks, or storage systems with Degraded or Offline status.
  • The service assistant IP is configured on every node in the system.
  • The system superuser password is known.
  • The current system configuration was backed up and saved.
  • You have physical access to the hardware.
The following actions are not required; they are suggestions.
  • Stop all Metro Mirror, Global Mirror, or HyperSwap® operations during the update procedure.
  • Avoid running any FlashCopy® operations during this procedure.
  • Avoid migrating or formatting volumes during this procedure.
  • Stop collecting IBM® Spectrum Control performance data for the system.
  • Stop any automated jobs that access the system before you update.
  • Ensure that no other processes are running on the system before you update.
  • If you want to update without host I/O, shut down all hosts before you start the update.
Parent topic: Updating the system