Updating the Dell FX2 Backplane and Non-Backplane firmware based on VMWare KB 2109665

Posted on July 15, 2016 Updated on July 15, 2016

The Fun:

Recently I was working with a Dell FX2 + VSAN environment and came across this VMware KB (2109665) around updating the Backplane and Non-Backplane Expander firmware. I’m not going to get into the details of this KB as others have rehashed it in multiple blogs. Here is a good example: http://anthonyspiteri.net/vsan-dell-perc-important-driver-and-firmware-updates/

However, what I find is the KB, blogs, and Dell just merely tell you to update the firmware but they don’t tell you how or where to. If you have worked with the FX2 you’d know there are the many ways you can update the firmware but finding the right on one, of the 6 different ways, can be a bit frustrating.

A Simple Solution:

To update the Backplane Expander and Non-Backplane Expander you will need to boot the server into the Lifecycle Controller at boot time. Then I choose to use a USB key to update the firmware.

Glorious Screenshots:

Launch the Lifecycle Controller during boot time then choose Firmware Update >> Launch Firmware Update

I choose to use USB. Tip: Make sure your USB ports are enabled in the BIOS

Choose your file to be updated. Tip: I renamed the firmware file to something easier to type.

Click on next and let it finish the process…

If you like my ‘no-nonsense’ blog articles that get straight to the point… then post a comment or let me know…

Else, I’ll start writing boring rehashed blog content.