Posted on by harlan

How to Update EqualLogic Disk Drive Firmware (No Downtime)

Updating controller firmware on a Dell EqualLogic PS Series array is easy: open Group Manager, upload a file, click a few buttons, and you’re done. But what about when SAN HQ starts emailing you about outdated disk drive firmware? That takes a different process, and the good news is that it can be done hot, with no outage.

Firmware Downloads

Controller firmware kits:

Disk drive firmware kits:

SAN HQ: SANHQSetup32And64_v3.2.1

Steps to Update Disk Firmware

  1. Open your FTP client (I use WinSCP) and connect to the array’s group IP or management IP.
  2. Upload the drive firmware .tgz package. I used kit_V8.0_DriveFw_2285700222.tgz. Don’t unzip it; it needs no further prep.
  3. SSH (PuTTY) to the same group or management IP and run one command: update. That’s it.

Example Output

Here’s what the update looked like on my array (repetitive drive lines trimmed):

Welcome to Group Manager
Copyright 2001-2014 Dell Inc.

EQLSAN> update
13:24:23 Updating from kit file "kit_V8.0_DriveFw_2285700222.tgz"

This command will install the update kit file that was
copied to the array.

If you choose to proceed, you will be shown the current firmware version
and the version to which you will update. You will then be given the
choice to proceed again.

Do you want to proceed (y/n) [y]: y

13:24:39 Verifying kit integrity.
Starting Disk Firmware update... V8.0
...Initializing support libraries...

Identifying drives that qualify for firmware upgrades... Please wait.
22 drive(s) in this array qualify for a firmware upgrade.
The process will now update the 22 drives that qualify for a firmware upgrade.

If you proceed, please do not power off or restart the array, or remove
any drives until the update process completes.
Do you want to continue at this time (Y/N)? y
SKIPPING DriveID 0 No firmware is available for Model: HUS723030ALS640
SKIPPING DriveID 1 No firmware is available for Model: HUS723030ALS640
SKIPPING DriveID 2 No firmware is available for Model: HUS723030ALS640
Checking health status of Array
UPGRADING DriveID 3 firmware from RN08 to RE12 using ./fwbin/RE12.lod
Drive firmware successfully updated : on drive 3
...
Checking health status of Array
UPGRADING DriveID 46 firmware from RN08 to RE12 using ./fwbin/RE12.lod
Drive firmware successfully updated : on drive 46
SKIPPING DriveID 47 No firmware is available for Model: HUS723030ALS640

Logging post run disk information
Entering cleanup phase... Please Wait...
The update was successful.
Would you like to email the results to Dell (Y/N)? n
Done cleanup ... quitting with an exit status of 0

EQLSAN>

The array checks its health before each drive, updates only the drives that qualify, and stays online the whole time.

30 Replies to “How to Update EqualLogic Disk Drive Firmware (No Downtime)”

    1. I’m sorry I didn’t see this until now.. I’ll post the firmware versions I have later this evening. 5/24/2019

  3. Hi,
    I have a PS4110 running on version 8.1.1
    do you have 64 bit upgrade files to 9.X and then to 10.X ?

      1. Yeesh, that’s a tough one. if you have access to a good card you could clone the card as I detailed in the comment prior..

  6. Hi harlan,
    are you able to post a download link for PS Firmware V10.0.3 ?
    Thank you very much.

    Best,
    Claudio

    1. Hi Claudio, I’ve been out of the Equallogic gear for some time now and I don’t have anything newer than what is posted.

    1. I’m sorry, what’s on there is all I have. I haven’t used Equallogic gear in quite some time now. Loved the equipment, but Dell killed the line.

  8. Is there a required upgrade path from version 6 to 10? I assume you can’t just go to 10.
    Would you be able to post the latest final of each major build up to 10? When I looked at my array GUI today and chose the update option it only wants the latest supported build for each major version.
    Thanks!

  9. hmm, I’m not quite sure on that. You could always try and see what the system allows you to update using what I’ve posted here on my site. Unfortunately I don’t support Equallogic gear any more and I don’t have access to a repository other than what I’ve curated on my own. Equallogic is getting rather long in the tooth as they say and I’m impressed that it is still working for you!

  10. You wouldn’t happen to have the last released v7.x firmware for PS4100 by any chance…?

  11. Hello Harlan
    I have PS4100. My first controller’s firm. 8.1.12 and second controller’s firm. 9.1.1
    What can i do for this situtaion.

    Thanks bye

    1. I would open the controller, take the sd card out of the higher version and disk duplicate it to a new card put the new card into the lower versioned controller and return the original card to its same controller.

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