AlphaServer GS80/160/320 V7.3 Firmware

Document Summary

This document provides V7.3 firmware release notes and update procedures for Hewlett-Packard AlphaServer GS80, GS160, and GS320 systems. It contains essential technical information regarding system firmware, compatibility, and maintenance for administrators.

Key sections include:

• Firmware Updates & Compatibility: Details the latest firmware revisions (SRM Console V7.3-1) and identifies supported operating system versions (OpenVMS and Tru64 UNIX).
• Workarounds & Restrictions: Addresses critical operational constraints, such as the lack of support for bootable DVDs, memory DIMM handling for Samsung components, and specific procedures for safely powering down partitions and servicing PCI drawers.
• Troubleshooting & Configuration: Provides guidance on Fibre Channel behavior, UART communications settings to prevent data corruption, and error resolution for console messages (e.g., "Bootstrap address collision" or "Nvram read failed").
• Procedures: Offers step-by-step instructions for updating firmware using the Loadable Firmware Update (LFU) utility via CD, as well as instructions for manual recovery of failed firmware updates using serial terminal connections.