Hello Jorge

I would suggest that you install Openmanage Server Administrator:

OMSA 7

OMSA will allow you to view the components within your system. You can also view the current version of installed firmware on all items, and drivers for most. You can also use the Server Update Utility to perform updates:

ftp://ftp.dell.com/FOLDER00212974M/1/OM_SUU_653_A00_FILE1.iso
ftp://ftp.dell.com/FOLDER00212974M/1/OM_SUU_653_A00_FILE2.iso
ftp://ftp.dell.com/FOLDER00212974M/1/OM_SUU_653_A00_FILE3.iso
ftp://ftp.dell.com/FOLDER00212974M/1/OM_SUU_653_A00_FILE4.iso

copy /b om*  om653_suu_a00.iso

The SUU contains the drivers and firmware updates for several servers. You will need to use the above command to combine the 4 image files into a single image. Just browse to the folder you downloaded the 4 files to via command line. Then type in the copy command. It will merge them into 1 file. Once the new file is created you can burn it to a dual layer DVD and run it, or use some type of ISO mounting software to mount and run the file. If you burn it to a DVD or mount it then it should autorun and pull up a display for easy updating.

The SUU is only updated a few times a year, so It may not contain the latest available updates. Downloading the files from support.dell.com will get you the latest updates.

DAS - Direct Attached Storage
ESM - Embedded Server Management=Baseboard Management Controller
Fibre Channel - Type of HBA/Controller

Thanks

I appreciate your response. According to your recommendation, I guess that downloading drivers from dell support is the most accurate choice. Anyway my question is, how do I precisely now which ones to download? Unfortunately, I am not a hardware expert in any way, I am a software architect and developer.

If I install Openmanage Server Administrator, will I find out which ones to install? I suppose OMSA is installed after Windows Server 2008. Am I correct?

Is there any risk updating the BIOS? I have heard I may get into trouble.

With respect,
Jorge Maldonado 

Yes, OMSA lists the devices in your system and the current firmware/BIOS revision. Yes, it requires an OS to be installed on.

Yes, there is risk in updating BIOS/Firmware. I suggest that the server be on a battery backup during the update. Firmware and BIOS updates rarely brick the system, but if there is a power outage during the update or if the eeprom is corrupt the item being updated will usually need to be replaced. Catastrophic update failures are rare.

Thanks

A) eeprom is a type of memory. It can become corrupted by several methods. When the eeprom becomes corrupt it will not write the new update correctly, much like bad memory corrupting process threads and causing blue screens.

B) You cannot update what does not exist. It will simply give an error that the device is not found. When an update is attempted it will first request information from the device or driver to verify.

C) I would perform all updates, even optional. Client equipment has updates for video games and items that do not affect many users, but server updates are not usually released unless they address common issues or provide functionality. Servers should stay up to date. Client equipment should only be updated if there is an issue or the update affects you. If you are running a configuration that requires certain patches and updates for software/hardware to function then the updates should be tested in a lab environment. In that situation the updates would only need to be applied if they affect your configuration.

Enterprise systems that receive regularly scheduled software updates should keep their firmware, BIOS, and drivers up to date.

D) yes

I really appreciate your support, I am getting a big idea of what I have to do and how. I guess these are my final questions.

A) How could an EEPROM get corrupted? By power failure? Is there any other cause?

B) What happens if I try to update a driver for a device that does not exist? For example, I do not have any idea of what Fibre Channel is, so I decide to install such a driver just in case. Although I suppose that OMSA will tell me what drivers to consider without any doubt.

C) Drives marked as URGENT must be installed. What about recommended, should I undoubtedly consider them in your opinion?

D) So, the way to go is:

1. Install OS.

2. Install OMSA.

3. Update drivers

Am I correct?

Regards.

Your support and patience was highly valuable to me. Thank you ver much. I will contact you if I need to.

I am ready to install OMSA but I just cannot find it. Where is it located? I see that there is a section in "Drivers and Dowloads" page called "Systems Management" but it seems to me that OMSA is no located here. Please advice.

With respect,

Jorge Maldonado

I found the download page for OMSA. Can I install the latest version even though my server is an old PowerEdge 2950?

I also see that there is an Open Manage Essentials utility, is this a choice for me?