How to update T710 BIOS?

Question

How do you update a T710 BIOS?

My OS is VMware ESXi 4, so that rules out the Windows and Linux options.

I planned on using the DOS executable, but it's too big to fit on a floppy - and finding CD-ROM drivers for a DOS bootdisk is almost impossible.

Does anyone have any ideas?

Am I missing something obvious?

Many thanks,

theflash1932 · Accepted Answer

Easiest way? Download the following utilities, boot to SBUU, select Update Firmware, and when prompted, put in SUU as the repository for the updates. They are large downloads, so a good Internet connection, a little time, and some patience will be required :)

SBUU (Systems Build and Update Utility):

SUU (Server Update Utility - download all three images and merge into a single image using the copy /b om* om621_suu_a00.iso command in the instructions):

This will work on any other Dell server you have 8th generation (2850, 1850, 2800, etc.) and newer.

brooky99 · Answer

Hi,

Thanks for your reply.

Whilst I agree this is the easiest route, it was also a bit of a nightmare. As one of the ISOs is nearly 5Gb - a double-layer or double-sided DVD was needed... not the sort of thing you have lying around.

Also - a 6Gb+ download to update a 1.5Mb BIOS is a bit overkill. I find it hard to believe Dell haven't got easier options for entities managing a handful of servers. A full OpenManage setup is a bit much for small companies. Maybe they could provide a USB boot key tool for updates to big to fit on a floppy drive.

But regardless, thank you for your input.

reybeast1 · Answer

a bootable USB key is the best method. You should be able to find a utility to make a usb key bootable to dos.

theflash1932 · Answer

We have lots of DL DVD's here, but that depends on what your previous needs led you to purchase, I suppose.

Overkill? Absolutely. What is nice is that fact that it will work on dozens of different server models, so in one utility, you can update practically all of your servers. It is a bit heavy if you are only targeting one system though.

I believe Dell has addressed this though with Repository Manager. I have never used it, but as I understand it, it was designed for the purpose of paring down the size of the SUU to specific systems.

reybeast1 · Answer

flash is correct. The Repository Manager can even be used to create a BOOTABLE custom DVD.

From Users Guide:

Deployment Media to update systems irrespective of the operating system installed on them. It can be used to update systems that do not have an operating system installed.

Yon2004 · Answer

I know it probably is not recommended but you can use WINPE to update the bios just fine. Boot it off the network of off a CD and mount a network share with it and your laughing.

PowerEdge Hardware General

How to update T710 BIOS?

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