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Downgrading Firmware on PS6500
We recently got rid of an old PS6500 that was updated to the latest firmware (9.1.4) prior to disposal. The group that bought it off us wanted to add it to their other PS6000s, but they're all on older firmwares (6.something).
I've been approached about finding out how to downgrade the firmware on our unit to the one closer to what they have, as there apparently was a change in firmwares that only allows certain drives.
Anonymous
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February 21st, 2018 07:00
Hello,
To do so would require the use of low level support commands. These cannot be provided to forums.
I would suggest that they create a new group using the 6500 instead of downgrading and joining the existing group.
Regards,
Don
QueBall
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March 4th, 2018 19:00
The procedure to downgrade is out there on forums that are not owned by Dell
The warnings for the process are:
Number 1. If you have support coverage you should request help with the process so they can double check everything with you. Just call in, you are paying a premium for support so you should be using it for this kind of thing.
Downgrading to a previous release will completely erase the drives and return the controller to factory default state. You will require the use of the serial console because the network cards will also be in an unconfigured state after the reset so the process cannot be done remotely. And the big reason they like to keep this information restricted is that the downgrade will not check to make sure the version you are attempting to downgrade with is compatible with the hardware of the controller and enclosure. So if you downgrade to a version below the minimum required for the controller you can end up with a situation that is hard or impossible to repair.
But if all that makes sense you can find the instructions easily.
Again. downgrade erases EVERYTHING including network and group settings and you must know for sure the version you are downgrading to supports the hardware in your controller and enclosure or your array will be bricked.
Anonymous
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March 5th, 2018 00:00
Hello,
A couple of small clarifications.
1.) Downgrading a MAJOR version number requires a complete reset of an array. Make sure it is NOT part of a group with other members. It must first be removed from the group before it can be reset. This is very important. Failing to do so could result in data loss and data unavailability. If you downgrade a POINT release you can typically return to the previous version of other version of that firmware release. I.e. 9.1.5 to 9.1.4 downgrade does not require a reset or special instructions. It must be done at the CLI. Preferably via the serial port vs. SSH.
2.) The instructions for a major downgrade are NOT the same for all versions of firmware. So you may find that someone has posted them, but they may not work with the version you are running.
3) QueBall mentioned it but it's worth repeating. Make sure that the version you want to downgrade to is supported by the controller. Otherwise you end up with and offline array.
Best advice is to open a support case. If you don't have a service contact, you can purchase a one-time support call.
Regards,
Don