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

Summary: This article explains how to upgrade the firmware for the Tape Library and Tape Drives for the PowerVault ML3 Tape Library.

This article applies to This article does not apply to This article is not tied to any specific product. Not all product versions are identified in this article.

Check out other resources

Symptoms

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

Cause

Firmware for the Tape Library and Tape Drives for the PowerVault ML3 Tape Library

Resolution

Before starting upgrade

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

Tape Library Firmware Update

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

USB drive will need to be formatted using FAT32

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)

USB drive will need to be formatted using FAT32

Tape Library Firmware Update using the RMU (Remote Management Unit)
1. The RMU will need to be configured. Access to RMU can be using the Primary or Secondary ethernet port.
           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.
          Example firmware file: MR3U_1.2.1.0-A00_DELL.fbi
     5. Select "Upload ..." to start the Firmware Update.

SLN316267_en_US__3image(8875)
     6. Once Firmware Update is complete the Host will need to be rebooted.

The Library Firmware Update could take up to 45 minutes depending on the configuration of the ML3/ML3e.

Do not interrupt the Firmware Update process. The library will go offline and reboot. Do not manually reboot the Tape Library.

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

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

SLN316267_en_US__6image(8877)

4. Once Firmware Update is completed, the Host will need to be rebooted.

The Library Firmware Update could take up to 45 minutes depending on the configuration of the ML3/ML3e.

Do not interrupt the Firmware Update process. The library will go offline and reboot. Do not manually reboot the Tape Library.

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

    1. The RMU will need to be configured. Access to RMU can be using the Primary or Secondary ethernet port.
           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 Drive to be updated.
     4. Select "Choose File", navigate to the Tape Drive Firmware update file.
          Example firmware file: LTO7_JAYF.sas_hh_OEMD.fmrz

Verify the correct firmware is being used. SAS vs FC and Full Height vs Half Height

       5. Select "Update" to start the updated.

SLN316267_en_US__10image(8879)
     6. Once Firmware Update is completed, the Host will need to be rebooted.

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

     1. Copy the Tape Library Firmware to a USB key formatted with FAT32.
          Example firmware file:LTO7_JAYF.sas_hh_OEMD.fmrz
     2. Insert USB key 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.

SLN316267_en_US__11image(8882)

SLN316267_en_US__12image(8883)

SLN316267_en_US__13image(8884)

     6. Once Firmware Update is completed, the Host will need to 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(s) .frm or frmz to the input folder that is created when running ITDT.
a. Example firmware file: LTO8_J4D0.fcp_fh_OEMD.fmrz, LTO6_J450.sas_fh_OEMD.fmrz

SLN316267_en_US__14image(8894)

Make sure you have the correct file for the drive. SAS vs FC as well as Full Height vs Half Height drives may have different firmware files.

3.  When ITDT-SE is run for first time we accept the license agreement.

SLN316267_en_US__15image(8895)

SLN316267_en_US__16image(8896)

4.  Press "S" to scan for devices.

SLN316267_en_US__17image(8897)

SLN316267_en_US__18image(8898)

5.  Select the drive that needs to be update by choosing the number on the far left to the device. Once selected you will see an "X" on the far right side of the drive.
a.  When drive is selected ITDT-SE will check the cleaning status. Clean drive if prompted.

SLN316267_en_US__19image(8899)

6.  Select "F" for firmware update.

SLN316267_en_US__20image(8900)

7.  Select the firmware file to use.
a.  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.

SLN316267_en_US__21image(8901)

9.  Select "S" to start update.

SLN316267_en_US__22image(8902)

10.  Once complete the Status: PASSED is what we are looking for.
a.  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 firmware update is completed on all drives, reboot the host.