Official Path to replace expired license for NFR key - Self Hosted Instance

[nell]

Hi, we have an expired Enterprise license key (internal use) that we would like to replace with our Enterprise NFR key. Our instance is self hosted with Digital Ocean. We are currently running V20.0 Update 1 (Build 731).

What is the path to utilise the NFR key for our instance? Looks to be a case of installing a new instance, deleting current instance and restoring from a backup? This correct and any pitfalls to look out for? I notice that our NFR subscription product states "3CX Enterprise V18" so not sure if that will have an impact? Also can we retain the existing FQDN we have?

Thanks in advance,

 

[DimitrisL_3CX]

Hello @nell

To be able to use the same FQDN you will need to disconnect from the current License key.
In V20 there is no option to take a backup without FQDN and License information.
As you cannot replace a commercial key with NFR, the only option is to disconnect the FQDN from the previous key, reinstall your NFR key and use the same FQDN, reconfigure the new system from the start.
However, you can export Users, Sip Trunks and Phonebook and import them once you have installed the NFR key.

 

[nell]

Thanks for the reply @Dimitris_3CX,

So if I understand this correctly, if we wish to keep the same FQDN and utilise our NFR we will need to:
- Disconnect FQDN from previous Key (how do we do that? I see no option in the portal)
- Install new instance using NFR key
- restore settings using the "export" feature of existing settings where available

Couple of queries:
- If we didn't need to keep the FQDN, could we then just install a new instance using the NFR key and restore from a backup?
- Why has the option to take a backup without FQDN and license been removed?
- Why is it not possible to replace a commercial key with an NFR key?

If any of the above info is available online from official docs then please feel free to post links rather than repeat info. I did have a look prior to posting but could not find anything official!

Thanks again!