PowerVault: ML3 Tape Library - How to Upgrade the Firmware for the Tape Library and Tape Drives

Steps to update firmware for the Tape Library and Tape Drives for the PowerVault ML3 Tape Library.

Before starting upgrade

• The Host will be taken offline and rebooted.
• All Backup Services must be set to "Disabled," once set the Host must be reboot. This releases any reservations on the Tape Library or Tape Drives.
• Download the latest Firmware Update File for the ML3 from Dell's Support Site.
• Run the Firmware Update File, make a note of where the contents are extracted.

 Tape Library Firmware Update

• Tape Library Firmware Update using the RMU (Remote Management Unit)
• Tape Library Firmware Update using the Operator Panel (Front or Rear USB port)  

Tape Drive Firmware Update

     1.  Tape Drive Firmware Update using ITDT-SE
     2.  Tape Drive Firmware Update using the RMU (Remote Management Unit)
     3.  Tape Drive Firmware Update using the Operator Panel (Front or Rear USB port) 

Tape Library Firmware Update using the RMU (Remote Management Unit)

1. The RMU must be configured. Access to RMU can be using the Primary or Secondary Ethernet port.
   1. Dell EMC ML3 Tape Library User's Guide
2. Open a web browse to the RMU using the IP address assigned to the RMU.
3.  Navigate to Library > Dashboard > Actions (Dropdown) > Update Library Firmware
4. Select "Choose File," navigate to the Library Firmware update file.
   1. Example firmware file: MR3U_1.2.1.0-A00_DELL.fbi
5. Select "Upload…" to start the Firmware Update.
   
    
    
6. Once the Firmware Update is complete the Host must be rebooted.

Tape Library Firmware Update using the Operator Panel (Front or Rear USB port)
 

1. Copy the Tape Library Firmware to a USB drive formatted with FAT32.
   1. Example firmware file: MR3U_1.2.1.0-A00_DELL.fb
2. Insert the USB drive in the Front or Rear USB port on the ML3.
3. Log in to the Front Operator Panel and Navigate: Maintenance > Library Firmware
   
    

4. Once Firmware Update is completed, the Host must be rebooted.

Tape Drive Firmware Update using the RMU (Remote Management Unit)

1. The RMU must be configured. Access to RMU can be using the Primary or Secondary Ethernet port.
   1. Dell EMC ML3 Tape Library User's Guide 
2. Open a web browse to the RMU using the IP address assigned to the RMU.
3. Navigate to Drives > Drives and Ports > Actions (Dropdown) > Update Drive Firmware
4. Select the Drive to be updated.
5. Select "Choose File," navigate to the Tape Drive Firmware update file.
   1. Example firmware file: LTO7_JAYF.sas_hh_OEMD.fmrz
   Note: Verify that the correct firmware is being used. SAS vs FC and Full Height vs Half Height
6. Select "Update" to start the updated.
   
    
    
7. Once Firmware Update is completed, the Host must be rebooted.

Tape Drive Firmware Update using the Operator Panel (Front or Rear USB port) 

1. Copy the Tape Library Firmware to a USB drive formatted with FAT32.
   1. Example firmware file:LTO7_JAYF.sas_hh_OEMD.fmrz
2. Insert the USB drive in the Front or Rear USB port on the ML3.
3. Log in to the Front Operator Panel and Navigate: Maintenance > Drive Firmware
4. Select the drive to be updated.
5. Select the firmware file.
   
    
    
    
    
6. Once Firmware Update is completed, the Host must be rebooted.

Tape Drive Firmware Update using ITDT-SE

1. Run ITDT-SE. Right-click the .exe and run as admin. Note the location of the file once extracted. Right-click the file ITDT.exe and run as admin.
2. Copy the firmware file .frm or frmz to the input folder that is created when running ITDT.
   1. Example firmware file: LTO8_J4D0.fcp_fh_OEMD.fmrz, LTO6_J450.sas_fh_OEMD.fmrz
      
               
   Note: Make sure you have the correct file for the drive. SAS vs FC and Full Height vs Half Height drives may have different firmware files.

    

3. When ITDT-SE is run for the first time, we accept the license agreement.
   
    
   
    
    
4. Press "S" to scan for devices.
   
    
   
    
    
5. Select the drive that must be updated by choosing the number on the far left to the device. Once selected you see an "X" on the far right side of the drive.
   1. When the drive is selected ITDT-SE will check the cleaning status. Clean drive if prompted.
   
    
    
6. Select "F" for firmware update.
   
    
    
7. Select the firmware file to use.
   1. In this instance we have LTO3 and LTO4 in the same library so we have two different firmware files listed.
8. Select "C" to continue.
   
    
    
9. Select "S" to start update.
   
    
    
10. Once complete the Status: PASSED is what we are looking for.
    1. In this instance the firmware was at the same level as the update file so the FW level did not change.
11. Press "R" for return to select next drive if need.
12. Once the firmware update is completed on all drives, reboot the host.