HMC Update/Upgrade

Introduction:

IBM HMC is the central management interface for IBM Power Systems. Upgrading or updating the HMC ensures:

• Compatibility with new server firmware
• Access to new features and bug fixes
• Secure and stable system administration

This guide provides step-by-step instructions for safely backing up, updating, and upgrading HMC using GUI, CLI, or NFS-based methods, including best practices and verification checks.

Step 1 — Pre-Upgrade Preparation

Read Documentation

Download Release Notes, Readme, Upgrade Path, Known Issues from IBM Fix Central

Review "Recommended Fixes – HMC Code Upgrades"

Verify Compatibility

Check managed servers’ firmware

Confirm HMC hardware meets disk/RAM requirements

Confirm network services: DNS, NTP, FTP/NFS availability

Check any custom scripts or external dependencies

Plan Downtime

Notify stakeholders

Schedule maintenance window

Ensure rollback plan is ready

Ensure Recovery Access

Physical or remote console (KVM) access

Media access for USB/DVD

SSH access to HMC

Step 2 — Backup HMC Data

Backups are mandatory before any update or upgrade.

2.1 Backup Methods

Option A — GUI

Login:

https://<hmc_server>

User: hscroot

Navigate:

HMC Management → HMC Action → Backup HMC Data

Choose Network File System (NFS)

Enter:

Server: <nfs_server_ip>

Directory: /export/hmc_backup

Click Save Backup

Option B — CLI

# Backup Critical Console Data (CCD)

:~> bkupccs -r nfs -h <nfs_server_ip> -l /export/hmc_backup

# Save Upgrade Data (for major upgrades)

:~> saveupgdata -r nfs -h <nfs_server_ip> -l /export/hmc_backup

# Backup Profile Data (LPAR/system profiles)

:~> bkprofdata -r nfs -h <nfs_server_ip> -l /export/hmc_backup

Step 3 — Prepare HMC Update/Upgrade Files

Download HMC update or upgrade package from IBM Fix Central.

Copy files to NFS server:

/export/hmc_update

Test NFS mount on HMC:

:~> mount -o vers=3 <nfs_server_ip>:/export/hmc_update /mnt

:~> ls /mnt   # verify files are visible

:~> umount /mnt

Step 4 — HMC Update / Corrective Service (Same Version)

GUI Method

Login to HMC GUI

Navigate:

HMC Management → HMC Action → Update HMC

Select:

• SFTP Server hostname or IP address User Credential & ISO file Name:
• FTP Server hostname or IP address User Credential & ISO file Name:
• CD/DVD location & ISO file Name:
• VIrtual Media & location:
• USB:
• IBM Website:

NFS Server hostname or IP address:

Mount Location:

ISO file Name:

Source: NFS, enter server & directory

Select update package → Install → Confirm

Reboot HMC:

:~> hmcshutdown -r -t now

CLI Method

Use same NFS mount, then apply updates via HMC commands (advanced users).

Step 5 — Full Version Upgrade (Major Release)

5.1 Download & Stage Upgrade

:~> getupgfiles -r nfs -h <nfs_server_ip> -d /export/hmc_update

5.2 Enable Alternate Disk Boot

:~> chhmc -c altdiskboot -s enable --mode upgrade

5.3 Reboot HMC

:~> hmcshutdown -r -t now

HMC boots into upgrade mode

Upgrade wizard starts

Saved upgrade data is restored automatically

Step 6 — Post-Upgrade Verification

Login to HMC GUI https://<hmc_server>

HMC version: HMC Management --> HMC Setting

Verify:

HMC version (lshmc -V)

Managed systems are visible

LPARs and profiles are intact

Users and network configuration correct

NTP and time/date correct

Optional: Run CLI checks:

:~> lssyscfg -r sys          # List managed systems

:~> lssyscfg -r lpar -m <system>   # List LPARs

Step 7 — Restore Procedure:

Login to HMC GUI https://<hmc_server>

Navigate:

HMC Management → Restore Management Console Data

Source: NFS, enter server & directory

Select backup file:

backupccs_YYYY-MM-DD_HHMMSS.tar.gz

Click Restore → Wait for completion → Reboot if prompted