Dell PowerEdge T300 Server how to update the Bios and current version.

Question

The current Bios in my T300 is the version 1.3.0

I am using Window 7 Ultimate 64 bit and wondered what the latest version was I think it is 1.5.1?

How easy is it to update?

I have found this link

http://support.euro.dell.com/support/downloads/index.aspx?c=uk&cs=ukdhs1&l=en&s=dhs&~ck=mn

and can navigate to my system but it doesn't list my OS which is understandable as Win 7 is not normally used on a server like this.

Would it be safe to just download as I thought that there was a utility to use when one flashes the bios, as I have done with my Optiplex 755?

Any help or advice here would be great

Thanks

Simon :emotion-1:

theflash1932 · Accepted Answer

Let me say, with playful candor :emotion-5:, that it is just as easy to update the BIOS on a T300 as a 755 when you are running a supported OS :)

BIOS updates on servers can be important, in that they often address known issues that can prevent them from becoming problems. If you are running Windows 7, then it may not be a mission critical box, meaning that if one of those issues popped up, then its downtime/consequences would not be catastrophic. Looking at the release notes, the BIOS updates add code to better support 2008 R2 (since R2 and W7 are built on the same kernel, this may apply to W7 too) and an update to the embedded NIC firmware. The ESM firmware updates add better DRAC5 logging and fixes issues with Power Management features. So, ask yourself ... do I need any of these? If not, then skip it. If so - or to be on the safe side - then take a little bit of time to make it happen.

This file says "not applicable" under supported OS's, so they either didn't update the compatability, or it will not do a check of the current OS. My experience is that it will probably check the OS to make sure it is supported, and a Server OS is probably what it is looking for ... but you might try it any way.

BIOS - ftp://ftp.dell.com/bios/PET300_BIOS_WIN_1.5.1.EXE

ESM - ftp://ftp.dell.com/esm/PET300_BMC_FRMW_WIN_R232788.EXE

The other methods are not really very complicated, but let me suggest another, possibly more familiar method - updates from a bootable DOS disk:

BIOS - ftp://ftp.dell.com/bios/PET300-010501C.exe

ESM - ftp://ftp.dell.com/esm/PET300BmcA02.exe

Alternatively, if the files at the top do not run on Windows 7, you could use Disk Management to shrink an existing partition by 20GB (10GB for 2003) or so, and install 2008 on it. You would then be able to boot to Windows 7 AND Server 2008 - booting to 2008, you could easily run the files at the top and update your T300 just like you did your 755.

theflash1932 · Answer

IF an update package for Windows is going to work, make sure you download it selecting 2008 R2 as your OS. Chances are, the package will not run. The best way to do this is probably this either (don't forget to update the ESM/BMC anytime you update the BIOS):

Try the Repository Manager to build a bootable disk from which you can update the system's firmware:

OR ...

Download and burn to DVD the Systems Build and Update Utility. Boot to it and select Update Firmware:

When prompted for the disk/location of the updates/repository, then put in this DVD. Make sure you download all four ISO images (I know, its out of control) and merge them using the copy /b command at the command prompt, as listed in the instructions for the download:

<ADMIN NOTE: Broken link has been removed / replaced from this post by Dell>

darkmatter111 · Answer

Much appreciated and thanks for taking the time to help, :emotion-21:   I can now consider this in light of what you say :emotion-2:

darkmatter111 · Answer

IF an update package for Windows is going to work, make sure you download it selecting 2008 R2 as your OS. Chances are, the package will not run. The best way to do this is probably this either (don't forget to update the ESM/BMC anytime you update the BIOS):

Try the Repository Manager to build a bootable disk from which you can update the system's firmware:

OR ...

Download and burn to DVD the Systems Build and Update Utility. Boot to it and select Update Firmware:

When prompted for the disk/location of the updates/repository, then put in this DVD. Make sure you download all four ISO images (I know, its out of control) and merge them using the copy /b command at the command prompt, as listed in the instructions for the download:

Thanks for your answer "theflash1932"

Must say that looks complex and beyond my abilities, how important is it to keep the bios up to date?

If it is, I may get a professional to carry this out for me, must say my 755 was simple compared to this!!

Thanks :emotion-1:

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Dell PowerEdge T300 Server how to update the Bios and current version.

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