AlphaServer 4100/4000 Firmware Release Notes for DIGITAL UNIX and OpenVMS Customers

Summary This document provides firmware release information and update instructions for the AlphaServer 4100 and 4000 series systems (also supporting DIGITAL Server 7000 models). The primary focus is on the V5.3-1 SRM console firmware and the V5.67 AlphaBIOS.

Key Information:

• Update Requirements: A major change in the V5.3-1 release is the relocation of the AlphaBIOS image to a different sector in the flash ROM to support Windows NT serviceability. Because of this, users are required to run the Loadable Firmware Update (LFU) procedure twice: first to update the SRM console, and second to update the AlphaBIOS.
• Compatibility: The manual outlines firmware and software revision matrices, noting that both the SRM and AlphaBIOS consoles should be updated at the same time to ensure they remain qualified against each other.
• Procedures: Detailed instructions are provided for performing updates via various media, including CD-ROM, FAT-formatted or ODS2-formatted floppy diskettes, and network (MOP) servers.
• Configuration: The document covers setting up the system for ARC-based utilities, configuring system environment variables (such as CONSOLE and OS_TYPE), and managing auto-negotiation settings for network adapters.
• Windows NT Support: New features include fatal error logging support, requiring the initialization of an EEPROM error logging area using new build -eeprom commands.
• Maintenance: Appendices provide commands for backing up and restoring non-volatile RAM (NVRAM) data.