This issue only affects ME5 systems currently running controller firmware ME5.1.0.1.0 when applying any future controller firmware updates beginning with version ME5.1.1.0.5
The ME5 release notes have been updated and outline a method to work-around the issue and successfully complete the update.
For dual controller configurations firmware updates are non disruptive, however, connected host servers must have multi-pathing correctly configured and it is recommended to activate firmware at a time of day when IO load is reduced.
In some instances the PowerVault manager graphical interface may appear unresponsive after an attempt to activate the firmware update when partner firmware update was enabled. If this happens, login to the partner controller and restart the management controller on the affected controller. Restarting the management controller does not affect production. In PowerVault Manager go to Maintenance > Hardware, From the Actions drop down menu, Select Restart/Shutdown System, Restart MC, check controller A or B and Apply.
- Download the Dell PowerVault ME5 Series Storage Controller Firmware from dell.com/support.
- Determine the current active controller firmware version.
If the firmware is a version other than ME5.1.0.1.0, skip step 3 and proceed with the update as normal.
- Login to controller A management IP address as a manage level user and disable partner firmware update.
- Upload the unzipped firmware update file (.sfw) to controller A.
- Once the upload is complete activate the later firmware version on controller A.
- Activating the firmware will take several minutes and the controller will reboot to complete the update. Allow 2 or 3 minutes for the reboot to complete.
- Login to controller A when the reboot has completed and re-enable partner firmware update.
- The firmware update will automatically apply to the partner controller. To view progress login to controller B and navigate to Maintenance > Firmware or open an SSH session to controller B management IP address, login as manage level user and run the command: show firmware-update-status
- The partner controller will reboot to complete the update.
When Partner Firmware Update (PFU) is enabled firmware on the partner controller is automatically updated when firmware on the primary controller is updated. To disable partner firmware update in PowerVault Manager navigate to Settings > System > Properties > Firmware Properties). Uncheck Partner Firmware Update and choose Set Properties to apply the setting. To enable Partner firmware update ensure the box is checked.
- Download the firmware from Dell.com.
- Go to Maintenance > Firmware > System.
- Click, Browse For File and browse to the downloaded firmware bundle.
- Follow the on-screen directions to install the firmware.
- Go to Maintenance > Firmware > System and click its Activate this Version link to display the Activate Firmware dialog.
- Follow the on-screen directions to start the activation.
As part of the activation process the system performs these steps: check bundle integrity, check system health, update firmware on the local controller module, and restart the local controller module.
After the local controller module has restarted, the PowerVault Manager login screen is displayed. Log back in and go to the Maintenance > Firmware panel and verify that the new firmware is active on the system. An alert is also generated to inform you that the firmware has been upgraded.