Solved Preforming Test upgrade and restoring of the 3cx backup

[HSM IT]

Good Morning,

I am about to upgrade our 3cx PBX to version 18. Before I do this I am planning to do a test update.

I am doing this to make sure the restoration of the backup goes according to the plan.

What I will be doing

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I will be restoring the existing 3cx backup on a different server,

Step 1: Backup existing 3cx with fqdn and liicense.

Step 2: On a new/different device/server I will install 3cx version 18,

Step 3: Disconnect the device from the network/internet and then restore the 3cx backup.

Step 4: Once it is restored and everything went accounting to plan. I will uninstall the 3cx from the test server.

Step 5: I will perform the upgrade on the current/actual 3cx server.

(our current/existing 3cx server will be operating as normal when will be performing steps 1 to step 4)

The big question is

Will this conflict with our existing/actual 3cx server which will be operating as normal (when I will be performing steps 1 to step 4), even if the test server is disconnected from the network (where I am doing the test upgrade/restore).

Will there be any conflict with the 3cx licensing?

 

[SweetAction]

I could be mistaken but I don't think you will be able to complete the restore on a test system if it has no networking. During the restore process the PBX reaches out to 3CX and I think it will not proceed if it doesn't get the needed replies.

 

[HSM IT]

I could be mistaken but I don't think you will be able to complete the restore on a test system if it has no networking. During the restore process the PBX reaches out to 3CX and I think it will not proceed if it doesn't get the needed replies.

Thank for the relpy @SweetAction

 

[Saqqara]

Installation of 3CX requires internet access

If you have a spare server , go for the upgrade if the spare server supports the supported operating system - https://www.3cx.com/docs/manual/phone-system-installation-windows/

1. Backup of 3CX with fqdn and license key. Move this file locally
2. Switch off the old server
3. Setup new server with the same IP address as the old server
4. Install 3CX using the option to restore from backup.

During the installation process your license is upgraded to version 18.

If you have any issues with the v18, you have 30 days grace period where you can switch on ver 16 server and you will not have any issues with the license.

 

[ChrisC_3CX]

What is the exact host OS and the PBX version you are currently running? I think it might actually be easier to perform the upgrade on the running system and just revert back to v16 should if for any reason it fail.

 

[HSM IT]

Installation of 3CX requires internet access

If you have a spare server , go for the upgrade if the spare server supports the supported operating system - https://www.3cx.com/docs/manual/phone-system-installation-windows/

1. Backup of 3CX with fqdn and license key. Move this file locally
2. Switch off the old server
3. Setup new server with the same IP address as the old server
4. Install 3CX using the option to restore from backup.

During the installation process your license is upgraded to version 18.

If you have any issues with the v18, you have 30 days grace period where you can switch on ver 16 server and you will not have any issues with the license.

Thank you so much for the information @Saqqara, this is going to help me out a lot.

 

[HSM IT]

What is the exact host OS and the PBX version you are currently running? I think it might actually be easier to perform the upgrade on the running system and just revert back to v16 should if for any reason it fails.

Hi @ChrisC_3CX

Windows 10 Pro
OS Build: 19044.1586

3cx Version 16.0.8.9

Are we able to revert back to v16 on the same server?

 

[ChrisC_3CX]

First thing you must absolutely do now is upgrade to v16.0.8.16 via the Management Console as v16.0.8.9 cannot activate anymore. That said, you might not even be able to upgrade to v16.0.8.16 but I do recommend doing it if you can.

Are we able to revert back to v16 on the same server?

You have a 30 day grace period to revert the key back to v16 from the day you upgrade so yes. You could, upgrade, then change your mind, uninstall v18, reinstall v16 and use the same key. That said, I do recommend keeping the v16 backup somewhere safe as you would need it to restore the config on v16.

 

[HSM IT]

First thing you must absolutely do now is upgrade to v16.0.8.16 via the Management Console as v16.0.8.9 cannot activate anymore. That said, you might not even be able to upgrade to v16.0.8.16 but I do recommend doing it if you can.

Hi @ChrisC_3CX I am unable to upgrade to V16.0.8.16 via the Management Console.
It is okay to upgrade to V18? if I'm not on V16.0.8.16?

 

[ChrisC_3CX]

Yes, since you are currently running v16.0.8.9 you should be fine to use a backup to restore to v18.

 

[HSM IT]

Yes, since you are currently running v16.0.8.9 you should be fine to use a backup to restore to v18.

Thanks @ChrisC_3CX, I think you can go ahead and close this thread. See you later.

 

[ChrisC_3CX]

You're very welcome!

Do let us know if you need anything else!