ME5: Information Alert - Controller updates are available

Summary: As part of routine system maintenance, Dell recommends that administrators keep PowerVault ME5 controller firmware up to date. Firmware updates may introduce new features, improve stability, enhance security, and resolve known issues. Administrators may also receive proactive SupportAssist notifications indicating that "A controller firmware update is available for your system." ...

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Instructions


 Note:  Where current controller system firmware is version ME5.1.0.1.0 follow the instructions outlined in PowerVault ME5: How to Upgrade Controller Firmware Version ME5.1.0.1.0 to Later Versions.  For all other firmware version, s proceed with this article or the Administrator guide to update firmware.

 

 

Overview of the Controller Firmware Update Process

For dual‑controller ME5 configurations, controller firmware updates are non‑disruptive when multipathing and host redundancy are correctly configured.
For single‑controller systems, host I/O must be stopped, and a maintenance window is required.

 

Updating controller firmware on a PowerVault ME5 array involves:

  1. Checking the system health and verifying host redundancy.
  2. Uploading the controller firmware package using PowerVault Manager or SFTP client command-line interface.
  3. Allowing each controller to reboot in sequence (dual‑controller systems).
  4. Validating system health after the upgrade.

The firmware update process is non‑disruptive if:

  • Hosts have multipathing enabled and configured correctly.
  • Volumes are mapped to both controllers.
  • Redundant data paths exist and are stable.

 

Controller Firmware Update Workflow

Preparing to Apply the Controller Update.

Before updating:

  • Plan a maintenance window (mandatory for single‑controller arrays).
  • Ensure that hosts have redundant paths and multipathing software (such as, MPIO) correctly configured. Bet practice guides for common host operating system can be found on Dell Infohub
  • Download the latest ME5 Controller Firmware package from Dell Support > Drivers & Downloads for your model.

Recommended:

  • Review the release notes for new features and fixes.
  • Ensure SupportAssist connectivity is functional (if enabled).

 

Using PowerVault Manager to Apply the Update

Steps in PowerVault Manager

  1. Log in to PowerVault Manager using an account with Administrator privileges.
  2. Go to Maintenance in the left navigation pane.
  3. Select Firmware.
  4. Under System, click Browse and upload the .SFW firmware package.
  5. Click Apply Update to begin the upgrade.

 

What Happens During the Update (Dual‑Controller Systems)
  • The update is transferred to the first controller.
  • That controller reboots, and I/O fails over to the surviving controller.
  • After reboot, the process repeats for the second controller.
  • Once both controllers have been updated successfully, normal I/O paths resume automatically using ALUA.
What Happens During the Update (Single‑Controller Systems)
  • All I/O must be stopped.
  • Hosts must be shut down or disconnected.
  • The controller reboots once the update is applied.


 

Using Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) to Apply the Update (Alternate Method)

Firmware may be applied using an SFTP command-line client.


    Performing the firmware update by FTP/SFTP takes longer to complete than using PowerVault Manager.

    Open an SFTP connection to a PowerVault ME5 controller management IP address on port 1022.

    Login as manage level user.

    Use the put command to transfer the controller firmware binary image.

    Note: The P in -P 1022 is case-sensitive and is used to specify the ME5 default secure SFTP port number 1022.

     

    sftp -P 1022 manage@<ip address>

put <filename> flash

bye

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Is the update disruptive?

    • Non‑disruptive for dual‑controller systems with multipathing correctly configured
    • Disruptive for single‑controller systems (requires downtime).

    How long does the update take?

    • Typically 10–20 minutes per controller
    • Overall time may vary depending on the model and the number of expansion enclosures attached.

    Will my expansion enclosures update automatically?

    Yes. Controller firmware includes firmware for compatible connected components, which update automatically as needed.

    Do I need to update disk firmware separately?

    Yes. Disk firmware is a separate process and can be updated using PowerVault Manager → Maintenance → Firmware → Disks tab.

    For more information, see ME5: Information Alert - Disk Updates are Available

    Additional Information

    • Always verify that the system returns to Optimal health in PowerVault Manager after the update.
    • Check for post‑update alerts or warnings in the event log.
    • Ensure that hosts re‑establish normal multipath routes after failback.
    • Retain the downloaded firmware package and release notes for documentation.

    Affected Products

    PowerVault ME5012, PowerVault ME5024, PowerVault ME5084
    Article Properties
    Article Number: 000421133
    Article Type: How To
    Last Modified: 11 Feb 2026
    Version:  2
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