The BMC boots with either a Primary Flash or Recovery Flash. The firmware image is stored in both the flashes. The primary flash is used for normal booting. If the bootup is not be successful for any reason, the BMC resets and begins booting from 'Recovery Flash.' During upgrade or run-time, only the primary flash is updated with the new image. The recovery flash is left at default factory settings except for saving the IP configuration changes. This ensures that recovery flash is always boot-able.

When the BMC boots from Recovery Flash (aka Recovery Mode) it is not fully operational. This mode is provided such that the user can update the primary flash with a new image and reboot into normal mode. Here is the list of differences between the normal mode and recovery mode:

  • The BMC does not boot the host; it remains in reset mode.
  • After logging to BMC GUI, only the Firmware Update tab is enabled. On the Dashboard (home screen) the JViewer launcher is disabled.
  • You are allowed to upgrade only BMC firmware in the "Recovery Mode" upgrade.
Note

The BMC should never boot into Recovery Mode. If this occurs, log an Event Report with the Ribbon Technical Assistance Center detailing the circumstances and capturing BMC logs. The BMC upgrade is the only means to come out of Recovery Mode. 

The following procedure explains how to upgrade the BMC primary flash in 'Recovery Mode.'


Note

Windows and/or dialog boxes depicted in this section are intended as examples only and may not reflect the actual software/firmware versions applicable to you. Refer to your hardware/software requirements relevant release note for software/firmware version details. 

Procedure

  1. Log on to BMC GUI in Recovery Mode.

  2. Click Firmware Update tab.

  3. Click Browse to select the firmware image, and then click Upload.

  4. Click Confirm to upgrade the firmware. The BMC primary flash is updated.

    Once the process is successful, the BMC GUI is accessed in the normal mode.