> There was one problem in following the instructions, though: MAPPER
> complained that it needed PDC version 1.3 or later. You guessed it: My
> machine has 1.2 installed.

You can download the firmware for the 918 (and other 9x8 boxes) from:

ftp://ftp.itrc.hp.com/firmware_patches/hp/cpu

You want:

   ftp://ftp.itrc.hp.com/firmware_patches/hp/cpu/PF_CWBR0013.txt
and
   ftp://ftp.itrc.hp.com/firmware_patches/hp/cpu/PF_CWBR0013

The text file starts:

   Patch Name:  PF_CWBR0013

   Patch Description: HP9000 Model E25/E35/E45 PDC revision 1.3.

       This patch is a PDC firmware update for the HP9000
       Models E25/E35/E45, and the HP3000 918/928/968 systems.
       The latest versions of the offline diagnostic "MAPPER"
       will not execute properly if the systems described
       above do not contain PDC revision 1.3 or greater.

> Can the firmware be updated without resorting to a technician?

Yep...requires creating a tape, but the instructions are in the
patch.  I've done it with no problems.  Note that the instructions
assume you've got access to an HP 9000.  I've never tried them
from a 3000, but there's a chance it will work from there.


--
Stan Sieler
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www.allegro.com/sieler/wanted/index.html

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