The standard, officially sanctioned procedure for bringing a new FlashArray to a desired PurityOS version is to first perform the initial configuration using the factory-installed software. This process establishes the array's identity, networking, and, most importantly, the remote support connection (Phone Home). Once the array is configured and connected, the Implementation Engineer should open a case with Pure Storage Support to perform the software upgrade. Pure Storage upgrades are a managed service performed by Support to ensure all prerequisites are met and the process is executed non-disruptively and successfully, which is critical for a major version jump (e.g., from 5.x to 6.x).

A. Create a bootable USB stick from the 6.1.21 ISO file and reimage both controllers with it.

Reimaging controllers is a destructive, low-level procedure. It is not the standard method for installation or upgrade and is typically reserved for specific break-fix scenarios under the direct guidance of Pure Storage Support.

B. Copy the PPKG and SHA1 files to a USB stick and upgrade the controllers.

This describes a manual upgrade process using a Purity Package (.ppkg) file. This type of non-disruptive upgrade (NDU) can only be initiated on an array that is already configured and operational, not on a new, unconfigured system.

1. Pure Storage FlashArray Best Practices Guide (TR-190304-01): "Purity upgrades are simple, non-disruptive, and are performed by Pure Storage Support at no additional charge to the customer... Once an upgrade is scheduled, Pure Storage Support will connect to the array remotely and perform the upgrade." This document establishes that the standard operational model is for Pure Support to handle upgrades.

2. Purity//FA Upgrade and Planning Guide: This official guide explicitly states, "Purity//FA upgrades are performed by Pure Storage Support and are designed to be non-disruptive." The guide details the process which involves customer request, scheduling, and remote execution by the Support team, reinforcing that self-upgrading, especially via reimaging, is not the standard procedure.

3. FlashArray //X Installation and Setup Guide: This guide details the initial setup process for a new array. The workflow involves racking, cabling, and running the initial configuration wizard on the pre-installed PurityOS version. It does not include instructions for performing a software upgrade or reimage before this initial configuration, indicating that configuration is the first step.