TBU: How to update the firmware of an LTO tape drive using the ITDT (IBM Tape Diagnostic Tool)

In order to ensure system reliability and overall performance, keep the firmware on your Dell EMC system up to date. Firmware is developed to improve performance and stability or to increase the number of features. Sometimes, firmware may fix critical issues before it causes downtime. See below for instructions to update the firmware of an LTO tape drive using the ITDT (IBM Tape Diagnostic Tool).

1. Log in to the server as an administrator, stop all background backup processes and run the itdt.exe (or ./itdt in Linux).
    
2. Download the latest firmware for the drive from Dell Drivers & Downloads or downloads.dell.com.
    
3. Rename the itdt.exe to itdt.zip and unpack the file. Only the *.ro or the *.fmrz file is needed. Paste this file in the "Input"-folder directly within the ITDT installed folder.
   
    
4. Select "L" to go to the last page of the license agreements, then confirm with "i."
   
    

5. Select "S" to search for available drives.

   
    

6. Select the number of the drive requiring update. (in this example 4)

   
    

7. The X in column # shows the selected drive. Press "F" to access the Firmware Update function.

   
    

8. All firmware versions installed are visible here. This information was previously imported into the "Input" folder.
   In the example below, we need the LTO6 firmware. Select the number of the firmware which you want to update. (in this example "1")

   
    

9. The X in column # shows the selected firmware version. Press "C" to continue. An overview of all current settings is displayed.

   
    

10. Check everything and confirm with "S." The firmware update now begins.

    
     

11. After the firmware update has finished the drive reboots.

    

    
    
     

12. Select "R" to return to drive selection and the new firmware version is now visible.