Safely upgrading to 5.1

[rsebasti]

I have network of 5.0 servers across Australia running under one Tree. I have found the Novell official path in doing so but it does not necessarily state issues regarding multiple servers under one tree.

Is there an issue with uprading multiple servers under one Novell tree? Can we do this sequentially? Is there a preferred or official order by which they can be upgraded?

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I learnt the most
when I stopped talking...

 

[iolair]

The only thing I can think that might be important is to update the server with the master replica first.

Iolair MacWalter

 

[TheLad]

Always ensure your SYS volume has enough diskspace (and then some) to accomodate the upgrade. Also, it is always worth health-checking DS on each server to ensure there are no hidden problems there as well.

As far as order is concerned, I don't think it is necessary to do the [Root] Master first but it may be advisable. It also may be advisable to perform the upgrades in small batches so that if you do encounter issues, you're only looking at one or two servers rather than more (which may cost your business some functionality).

Most important thing is to ensure your backups are working correctly and that you have a good few successful days before the upgrade (just in case!).

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"It's true, its damn true!"
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[marvhuffaker]

rsebasti, generally speaking, Novell assumes that you're going to have several Novell servers in your tree. There really shouldn't be any issues, as that is a very common thing.

A couple critical items though...

- Make sure Time is synchronized on all servers
- probably should make sure you have latest DS versions on all servers before you start.
- Make sure you have supervisor rights to the [root] object so you are allowed to modify schema extensions during the upgrade.
- Since your servers are 5.0 right now, you probably don't have a security container. Find the one server in your tree that you want to be your ORG CA, and will never change IP address or go away. Upgrade that one first. This will make your life much easier down the road when you start working with certificates and such.

Marvin Huffaker MCNE, CNE
Marvin Huffaker Consulting

http://www.redjuju.com

 

[rsebasti]

Thanks you Gents - cross your fingers we will acting on this within the quarter - Novell should commend your generosity in keeping the faith.

========================================
I learnt the most
when I stopped talking...