One way to guarantee the optimum and stable operation of a server involves keeping the firmware for the different components updated.
The easiest way to update all firmwares at once in an HP server is through the Service Pack for ProLiant ISO. This CD/ISO can only be downloaded through a paid HPE account with an active subscription, but some older versions can be found at non-official locations.
Navigate to you server’s HP official product page, and search for “service pack”.
Expand the link available in the “More details” tab of the newest version, click on the link in the “Download page” section. A new tab will open, in the bottom of that new page there will be an “Installation Instructions” tab, click on it. Within it are the name of the ISO and the SHA-256 checksum. Copy the name and use it to perform a quick online search to find a few possible download locations, double check if they are trustworthy. After downloading the ISO perform a SHA-256 checksum and compare the result to the one in HP’s site. If they are equal very likely the ISO file is original.
If the Service Pack has some outdated drivers its possible to download them from HP website and add them to the ISO, with applications like AnyBurn.
After creating a bootable USB pendrive or inserting the ISO through iLO, booting your server from it, the service pack can be used to update firmware, survey the hardware components and BIOS.
The BIOS update will happen during the next reboot.
The whole boot sequence is very easy to follow and intuitive. The tool is simple to use and an ideal way to ensure that your new refurbished server is stable and in optimal working condition.
