Search IML

Original IML BIOS
Search IML
   Search IML and Twin Tailing
Search IML Example
   Search IML BIOS Search Order
   Install System Programs on Search IML System


Original IML BIOS

IML BIOS, which was introduced with the PS/2 Models 90 and 95, provides a method of updating BIOS without requiring a chip replacement. This provides the benefit of getting the latest BIOS without the hassles of de-assembling hardware. Processor types 1, 2 and 3 store much of the microcode (the IML BIOS) in a special partition on the fixed disk of the PS/2. Upon IPL of the system, the (smaller) ROM BIOS is loaded, and then the (larger) IML BIOS is read from the disk. The IML BIOS can be upgraded by doing IPL of the PS/2 from the reference diskette and copying across the new IML BIOS to the reference partition on the disk. Original processor types 1 and 2 read the IML BIOS from the disk at SCSI ID 6 on the adapter in the Micro Channel with the lowest number.

The drawback of this approach is that if the disk on SCSI ID 6 is corrupted, the PS/2 Model 95 or 90 will no longer boot, since it cannot read in the IML BIOS.

Search IML (Enhanced BIOS)

Search IML which is implemented in the Type 3 and 4 complexes and available as an upgrade for Types 1 and 2 complexes solves this problem. It enables the IML BIOS to be held on more than one disk in the PS/2, and providing a search routine at IPL that searches all the disks attached to the PS/2 for a valid IML BIOS and then loads it. This improves the availability of the PS/2, since it can IPL from another disk in the system even if the main disk has failed.

Search IML and Twin Tailing

The Search IML BIOS can be located in a reference partition on any SCSI disk attached to a PS/2 that supports Search IML. This includes disks housed in external enclosures, such as the 3511 and 3510. Find out a little more about Twin Tailing and Search IML.

Search IML - Example Configuration

Search IML Search Order

When you IPL a configured system, the Search IML searches all drives on all adapters in the system for an IML image for the processor complex installed. The search order is from SCSI ID 6 to 1, and from the adapter in the lowest slot to the adapter in the highest slot in the Micro Channel. If it finds more than one IML BIOS image for the installed processor complex, then it will use the one with the latest date. If there is a configuration error, only the drives on the first adapter will be searched.

Installing IML BIOS on Search IML System

When a new IML BIOS image is being installed from a reference diskette, it will overwrite the first image for the installed processor complex. If no image exists, it will write the image to the disk with the highest SCSI ID attached to the first adapter card. In order to write IML BIOS images on a new system (to disks other than SCSI ID 6), it is necessary to temporarily remove the disk with the system partition. The system partition on the disk (in which the IML BIOS image is stored) is protected on every disk.

There are four possible IML BIOS images, for Type 1, Type 2, Type 3 and Flash Type 4 processor cards. The type of IML BIOS image associated with a processor complex is indicated on the label of the reference diskette packaged with the system. Type 4 processors go a step further by storing BIOS in Flash memory. This allows software upgrades, faster POST and is not dependent on a SCSI adapter.

Content created and/or collected by:
Louis F. Ohland, Peter H. Wendt, David L. Beem, William R. Walsh, Tatsuo Sunagawa, Tomáš Slavotínek, Jim Shorney, Tim N. Clarke, Kevin Bowling, and many others.

Ardent Tool of Capitalism is maintained by Tomáš Slavotínek.
Last update: 24 Mar 2024 - Changelog | About | Legal & Contact