HOW TO: Update firmware on Cisco Standalone server through command line

Upgrade firmware from 2.0.(3d) to 4.1 (2h) CIMC standalone

Main challenge console page was not able to login by using GUI because Flash player deprecated. So we have to perform the upgrade by using putty session.

- The upgrade path is as follow:
- 2.0.(3d) >> 2.0(4c) update CIMC(.bat) then Activate then update BIOS(.cap) then Activate using the guide provided.
- 2.0(4c) >> 3.0.(3a) update CIMC(.bat) then Activate then update BIOS(.cap) then Activate using the guide provided
- At this stage 3.0.(3a) the customer will have access to the server GUI (CIMC) >> upgrade to the latest firmware 4.1(2h). 

it is required TFTP server to access putty. Please download any TFTP server on jump server and installed it.
I used SolarWinds TFTP server for this activity.

Login putty session of cimc console and run the below commands.

Server# scope cimc
Server /cimc # scope firmware
Server /cimc/scope firmware # show details

Installing CIMC Firmware from a Remote Server

Server# scope cimc
Server /cimc # scope firmware
Server /cimc/scope firmware # update tftp 10.69.48.56 //test/upd-pkg-c460-m4-cimc.full.2.0.4c.bin
Firmware update has started.
Please check the status using "show detail"

wait for sometime and will complete the status.

Activating Installed CIMC Firmware

Server# scope cimc 
Server /cimc # scope firmware 
Server /cimc/firmware # show detail
Server /cimc/firmware # activate 1 or 2 
This example activates firmware image 1
Server# scope cimc
Server /cimc # scope firmware
Server /cimc/firmware # show detail 
Firmware Image Information:
     Current FW Version: 2.0(4c)
    FW Image 1 Version: 2.0(4c)
    FW Image 1 State: RUNNING ACTIVATED
    FW Image 2 Version: 2.0(3d)
    FW Image 2 State: BACKUP INACTIVATED
    Boot-loader Version: 2.0(4c).36
Server /cimc/firmware # activate 2
and verify the status on console.
Installing BIOS Firmware from a Remote Server
Server# scope bios 
server/bios # update tftp 10.69.48.56 //test/C460M4-BIOS-2-0-4b-0.cap
bios update has started.
Please check the status using "show detail".
server /bios # show detail
BIOS:
    BIOS Version: C460M4.2.0.3.0.080820141119
    Backup BIOS Version: C460M4.1.5.6d.0.040520140752
    Boot Order: (none)
    Boot Override Priority:
    FW Update/Recovery Status: Image Download (5 %), OK
    UEFI Secure Boot: disabled
    Configured Boot Mode: None
    Actual Boot Mode: Legacy
    Last Configured Boot Order Source: CIMC
Make sure complete 100% FW update.
Then activate the BIOS.
server/bios # activate
This operation will activate "C460M4.3.0.3b.0.040420170254" on next host reboot/power-off
Continue?[y|N]y

How to restart the server by using commands.

server# scope chassis
server/chassis # power cycle
This operation will change the server's power state.
Do you want to continue?[y|N]y
server /chassis #


How to upgrade to latest firmware version by using GUI

> Use a browser to connect to the software on the server that you are upgrading.
in the address field of the browser, enter the IP address for that server, and then enter your username and password.

> Click Launch KVM Console on the toolbar. to launch the KVM Console.

Note
Step 1
Boot the server and press F6 when prompted to open the Boot Menu screen.
Step 2
In the Boot Menu screen, choose the prepared ISO:
For a local upgrade, choose the physical or externally connected CD/DVD device and then press Enter.
For a remote upgrade, choose Cisco vKVM-Mapped vDVD1.22, and press Enter.
The server boots from the selected device.
Step 3
After the HUU boots, Cisco End User License Agreement (EULA) appears, read the EULA and click:
I Agree to agree with the license agreement and proceed with the update.
I Disagree to cancel.

step 4

Choose update all components and wait for complete.