Preparing to change the hardware feature for a partitioned server

 

Before you add or replace a hardware feature for a partitioned server, follow these preparation procedures.

Before you begin this procedure, be sure you have completed these prerequisite tasks:

• Obtain and review the preventive service planning (PSP) information.

  The PSP document for V5R4 upgrades is SF98168. Review this document for the most current information about conditions that can affect your upgrade.

• Review the Memo to Users.

  This document provides information about software and hardware changes that can potentially affect your system operations.

• View the Migration Web site.

  This Web site includes information about the current migration and upgrade paths, a link to relevant Redbooks™, and information about converting from SPD to PCI-attached I/O.

• Review the Performance Capabilities Reference available on the Performance Management Web site.

  This reference provides information about server performance that is useful for customers who plan to upgrade their servers and software.

• Plan the upgrade.

To prepare for adding or replacing a hardware feature, perform the following tasks:

 

Parent topic:

Adding or replacing a hardware feature

Related concepts
Performing the hardware feature change Upgrade planning

Related tasks
Adding or replacing a hardware feature Printing disk configuration status Printing parity set configuration and status Displaying, verifying, and printing hardware resource information

Related reference
STRASPBAL (Start ASP Balance) command

Related information
Preventive service planning (PSP) information Memo to Users Migration Web site Performance Management for IBM System i Installing fixes Save each partition of the server using GO SAVE option 21 Storage Solutions Printing system configuration for logical partitions

 

Preparing the server

1. Install fixes (program temporary fixes or PTFs) on all partitions of the server.

   Use the information in this topic to put the fixes on the server before adding or replacing the hardware feature.

2. If you are replacing disk units, you can use the Disk migration while active option of the STRASPBAL (Start ASP Balance) command to reduce the downtime associated with removing a disk unit. This option allows you to move data from specified disk units while your server is running.

   For more information, see the STRASPBAL (Start ASP Balance) command.

3. Save each partition of the server using GO SAVE option 21 on a tape drive that is compatible with the tape drive on the target server.

   This is vital for recovery should you experience errors when upgrading the server. To determine if your tape drives are compatible, see the Storage Solutions.

 

Documenting the server

To ensure that the server is fully documented before you add or replace a hardware feature, perform these tasks:

1. If you are changing the disk configuration, follow these steps:
   1. Print the disk configuration status from each partition of the server. Be sure to record the serial number of the load-source disk unit for each partition.
   2. Print the parity set configuration and status of the server from each partition of the server. Be sure to mark each printout for the partition it represents.

      You can use this information to analyze and plan for disk unit configuration and protection. It can also be used to correct any problems that occur during the upgrade.

2. If you are changing a workstation, communications, or LAN, display, verify, and print the hardware resource information for each partition.

   Use this information to record the hardware resource information so that you can perform the necessary resource management after the hardware feature change is complete.

3. Print the system configuration for logical partitions.

   This gives you specific partition information such as system resources, processors, main memory, and any unique system values associated with partitions.

Now that you have finished preparing for the hardware feature change, your next procedure is to perform the hardware feature change.