Upgrading Firmware on Intel® Ethernet Converged Network Adapter X710-T4

[KenM]

Hello,

So I have a few questions as we have some customers running Windows 10 and we need to do some upgrades for them in the field soon,

1. I see there are two Windows tools on your support site. Windows 11 and a normal Windows Drivers pack. Which tools should be used?

2. I noticed if you use Windows Device Manager (clicking the Update Driver button) and use the Windows search for the best suitable driver and point it at the root folder of your latest Windows Driver pack v28.1, it installs driver v1.17.88.0. When I run the Intel Windows Driver pack v28.1 tool, it installs v.1.16.202.10. Which is correct as I would think Windows might be better suited to pick the correct driver for our Windows 10 customers.

Thanks

[B_Y]

Hello @KenM,

Thank you for posting in Intel Ethernet Communities. 

1) For Intel® Ethernet Network Adapter 700 Series, it is best to use the Non-Volatile Memory (NVM) Update Utility, such as:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/download/18190/non-volatile-memory-nvm-update-utility-for-intel-ethernet-network-adapter-700-series.html

Meanwhile for an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) system/ NICs, they should have their own NVM or firmware image.

Very Important Note: Updating the firmware could cause damage to the card if the wrong firmware is applied. Hence, ensure your card is an Intel® version.

Intel Customer Support representative would normally request information below before giving further advise, such as:

Please share the PBA of the adapter. You may refer to the link below on where to find the PBA number. Providing photos of the adapter focusing on the markings (white sticker) found on the physical card will be highly appreciated for us to double check on it. The PBA consists 6-3 digit number located at the last part of the serial number. This would help us identify if you are using an Original Equipment Manufacturer(OEM) or retail version of Intel Ethernet Adapter.

Identify Your Intel® Network Adapter Model Using PBA Number:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000007022/ethernet-products/500-series-network-adapters-up-to-10gbe.html

2) It’s recommended to manually install/update driver through the device manager instead of using exe file such as article below:

https://www.intel.com/content/www/us/en/support/articles/000022174/ethernet-products.html

May I know if there is anything else I can help with?

Thank you.

Best regards,

BY_Intel

Intel Customer Support

[KenM]

Many thanks! OK that was what I thought as well, thanks for confirming.

So one problem I have is when I sometimes try to run nvmupdatew64e.exe, I get back the following error:

"OS layer Initialization failed."

It seems to be intermittent and I don't know what gets it to start working again. I tried it over and over for 10 minutes and all of the sudden, it started working again. This is with NVMUpdate version 1.39.32.6

[KenM]

So I think I may have figure out what is causing this issue. It's when I run your other utility SSU.exe beforehand. The problem seems to go away if you want a few minutes....

[B_Y]

Hello @KenM,

That may be the case as both utilities interfering OS/Windows registry.

May I know if there is anything else I can help with?

Best regards,

BY_Intel

Intel Customer Support

[KenM]

No that is all, BY. I bet there is a connection of some sort being left open in SSU.exe and it is timing out in 10 minutes.

Thank you for all your help!

[B_Y]

Hello @KenM,

The Intel® System Support Utility/SSU.exe scans for system and device information.

We confirm receipt of your request to close this ticket because there is no further inquiry..

Just feel free to post a new question if you may have any other inquiry in the future as this thread will no longer be monitored. Thank you.

Best regards,

BY_Intel

Intel Customer Support