IBM System x3550 POST/BIOS Flash Disk
               Installation README File


CONTENTS
________

       1.0   Overview
       2.0   Installation and Setup Instructions
       3.0   Configuration Information
       4.0   Unattended Mode
       5.0   Web Sites and Support Phone Number
       6.0   Trademarks and Notices
       7.0   Disclaimer

       1.0   Overview

              1.1  This README file contains the latest information about
                   installing the IBM System x3550 POST/BIOS.

              1.2  Limitations: N/A

              1.3  Enhancements: N/A
              
              1.4  Recommendations and Prerequisites for the Update: N/A
              
              1.5  Dependencies N/A
              


        2.0   Installation and Setup Instructions

              The procedure to update the POST/BIOS is as follows:

              2.1  Insert the "IBM System x3550 POST/BIOS Flash Disk"
                   into drive A.

              2.2  Start up or restart your IBM System x3550 server.

              2.3  The system will boot from the disk and present a
                   menu which allows you to choose from various update
                   options.  Choose "1 - Update POST/BIOS".

              2.4  You will be asked if you would like to move the current
                   POST/BIOS image to the backup ROM location.  If you
                   select 'Y', the current code will be flashed in to the
                   backup bank immediately.

              2.5  If the current system POST/BIOS supports the Asset Tag
                   feature, you will be asked if you would like to change it.
                   If you select 'Y', you will be able to enter a new number.

              2.6  You will then be asked if you would like to save the current
                   code to a disk.  If you select 'Y', you need to have
                   a formatted disk already available, or specify a fully
                   qualified path and file name.

              2.7  You will then have a final opportunity to proceed with the
                   Flash update or exit the utility.  If you proceed, the
                   utility will update the Flash ROM with the new code.  When 
                   this is complete you will be prompted to remove the diskette
                   and press Enter to reboot the system.


       3.0  Configuration Information

       4.0  Unattended Mode

             4.1   Steps for unattended mode.

                   4.1.1  Clear the read-only attribute of CONFIG.SYS on the Flash
                          Diskette.

                   4.1.2  Modify CONFIG.SYS on the Flash Diskette to read:
                          "SHELL=FLASH2.EXE /u /r *"

                   4.1.3  Reboot the system with the Flash Diskette in Drive A:

                        *  Note: An optional parameter of "/a:<string>"
                           can be added to allow for storing a system
                           Asset Tag number where "<string>" is replaced
                           with up to a 32-character string.

       5.0  Web Sites and Support Phone Number

              5.1  IBM Support Web Site:
                   http://www.pc.ibm.com/support

              5.2  IBM Marketing Web Site:
                   http://www.pc.ibm.com/ww/eserver/xseries/

              5.3  If you have any questions about this update, or problems
                   applying the update go to the following Help Center World
                   Telephone Numbers URL:
                   http://www.pc.ibm.com/qtechinfo/YAST-3P2QYL.html.


       6.0  Trademarks and Notices

              6.1  IBM and the e(logo) are registered trademarks of 
                   International Business Machines Corporation.
                   
              6.2  U.S. Government Users Restricted Rights - Use, duplication
                   or disclosure restricted by GSA ADP Contract with IBM
                   Corporation.  IBM web site pages may contain other 
                   proprietary notices and copyright information which should
                   be observed.

       7.0  Disclaimer
       
                  THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY
                  KIND.  IBM DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESS OR 
                  IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT LIMITATION, THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES
                  OF FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND MERCHANTABILITY WITH
                  RESPECT TO THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT.  BY FURNISHING
                  THIS DOCUMENT, IBM GRANTS NO LICENSES TO ANY PANTENTS OR
                  COPYRIGHTS.