Topic: Question about Upgrading from 6.x to 7.x

[pssl]

Hi,

I'm finally getting around to replacing my old server which is currently running 6.5...I know, I know...I should have done it long before now.  I'm not knowledgeable about servers etc. (though I am learning) so I tend toward "if it ain't broke don't fix it"; also, the last time an upgrade to 7.x was tried it would not install on the hardware (a old VIA itx system).  But the hardware is getting old and I just had a desktop go down which was the same age or older.  I can't afford to have the server down for days while I do an emergency procurement and set up if it blows up.  Who needs the pressure?

The old server is a single disk non-raid system.  My plan is is to set up the new system as a two disk raid system.  From a previous post, I was told that the simplest way to migrate my old system to the new is via the restore from disk method (http://wiki.contribs.org/UpgradeDisk).  I don't see any specific mention of raid in the instructions at the above link.  The process says to perform a new install on the new system then use the disk from the old system to restore from.  When I do the clean install should I install with raid, letting the installer auto-detect the two disks and install raid 1?  Will this cause a problem when restoring from the old disk which contains a non-raid installation?  Or should I install without raid and set this up later?

[cactus]

Perhaps this might help you a bit: http://wiki.contribs.org/UpgradeDisk#Moving_from_6.x_to_7.x

[Stefano]

hi

I suggest you to use http://wiki.contribs.org/Affa

setup your new server, install Affa and follow the howto

HTH

[janet]

pssl

"if it ain't broke don't fix it"

This attitude can lead to a hacked server for Internet connected machines where important security updates are not done and your server ends up having security vulnerabilities.
To use your expression "Who needs the pressure?", ie wondering when you will get hacked !

When I do the clean install should I install with raid, letting the installer auto-detect the two disks and install raid 1?

Yes

Will this cause a problem when restoring from the old disk which contains a non-raid installation?

No, as you are restoring data not drive configuration information.

Or should I install without raid and set this up later?

No

There are different ways you can achieve the upgrade. The UpgradeDisk method was developed by one of the main sme developers and works OK. Follow the instructions carefully and heed all warnings given.

[pssl]

Mary,

Thanks very much for the clear concise answers.  I was slogging through the various links from the How to and couldn't find a clear answer.  There was some mention of raid issues but not seem to match my situation and I'm not familiar enough with raid and SME to take an educated guess.

i'm looking forward to having a fresh new more secure server  Hopefully all will sail through without a hitch.  It seems that many have had good success with straight forward restores.

Thanks again.

[byte]

It seems that many have had good success with straight forward restores.

We have and the link cactus provides was developed by our core developers. As always if you think you have a  potential bug please use our bug tracker. Thanks.

[Jáder]

The UpgradeDisk method was developed by one of the main sme developers and works OK. Follow the instructions carefully and heed all warnings given.

I have used UpgradeDisk method with great success
Have done an upgrade from 6.x   to 7.x without any problems.

I got this same tip from Mary and did upgrade  with no problems at all!
Just do have a verified backup to be on safe side!

Good luck

Jáder

PS: Thanks Mary by this tip!

[pssl]

Thanks all for the tips and encouragement.  I'll let you know how it went.

[pssl]

Hi.

Actually, I do have a couple of additional questions. 

When doing the install of SME, do I have to use the same domain name as with the old system?  I currently run as gateway only and don't use internal email, so I'm thinking that the domain name change won't affect the UpgradeDisk process, but I'm not sure.

Are there other setup parameters on the new system that should be set to the same values as with the old system in order for the UpgradeDisk process to work?

[Stefano]

no, you can use another one
once you upgrade/restore your system you have a clone of the original one, i.e the same hostname, domain, users, ip etc..

[pssl]

Stefano,

Thanks very much.