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  1. Home
  2. NetBackup™ Upgrade Guide
  3. Media server upgrade
  4. Upgrading NetBackup media servers to NetBackup 11.2
NetBackup™ Upgrade Guide

Upgrading NetBackup media servers to NetBackup 11.2

There are three media server upgrade methods available for customers: the NetBackup upgrade script, the native Linux installers, and VxUpdate. The NetBackup upgrade script is the standard upgrade method and is recommended for new users. The native Linux installers are potentially more difficult and require additional steps. VxUpdate provides remote installation capabilities as well as the ability to upgrade on a user-defined schedule.

Upgrades of media servers with MSDP include a rolling data conversion. The rolling conversion is performed when the system is not busy. In other words, the conversion runs when backups, restores, CRQP, CRC checks, compaction, etc. are not active. This conversion is not expected to affect normal system operations. After the rolling conversion is finished, there is no difference between the converted system and a new installation.

NetBackup also requires that media servers have a security certificate so that they function correctly. More information about this topic is available.

See About security certificates for NetBackup hosts.

Additional steps are required if the NetBackup 8.1.2 upgrade includes an upgrade to RHEL 7.5 and you use Fibre Transport Media Server (FTMS). More information is available.

See About NetBackup 11.2 support for Fibre Transport Media Server with RHEL 7.5 and later.

Note:

Before you begin an upgrade, disable antivirus software.

If the antivirus software cannot be disabled, you should exclude NetBackup files and folders from virus scan events. More information about excluding NetBackup files and folders is available. https://support.cohesity.com/s/article/article-100004864

Table: Media server migration procedure

Step

Task

Completed

1

If your media server upgrade is part of the primary server upgrade, you can proceed to the next step.

If not, deactivate the media server.

 

2

Stop all NetBackup services.

  • On Linux systems: /usr/openv/netbackup/bin/bp.kill_all

  • On Windows systems: install_path\NetBackup\bin\bpdown -f

 

3

Upgrade the NetBackup binaries. More information is available about this topic.

  • See Performing local, remote, or clustered server upgrades on Windows systems.

  • See Performing silent upgrades on Windows systems.

  • See Upgrading Linux server software to NetBackup 11.2.

  • See Silently upgrading NetBackup media server software on Linux.

  • See About VxUpdate.

 

4

If you did not get a security certificate, generate the certificate. More information about this topic is available.

See About security certificates for NetBackup hosts.

 
 

Check for an available NetBackup 11.2 maintenance release. Maintenance releases include very important fixes that are released after NetBackup 11.2. It is recommended that you install the latest available maintenance release during upgrade activities.

To access the latest NetBackup 11.2 maintenance release:

  1. Go to the Cohesity SORT website.

    https://sort.veritas.com/netbackup

  2. In the Installation and Upgrade Checklist section:

    • Under Product, select the correct product (NetBackup Enterprise Server or NetBackup Server)

    • Under Product version you are installing or upgrading to specify the latest version of NetBackup

    • Under Platform select the platform of the server you want to upgrade.

    • Under Processor specify the processor of your server.

    • Under Product version you are upgrading from (Optional) select the current version of NetBackup on the server you want to upgrade.

    • Click Generate Checklist.

  3. Under Upgrade Information, there is a version_number Download Links hyperlink. Click that hyperlink for the latest maintenance release.

  4. If no maintenance release is available, proceed to step 6.

  5. If you find a maintenance release is available, download it now.

  6. Prepare for the install by stopping all NetBackup processes and services. Use the command shown:

    Linux: /usr/openv/netbackup/bin/bp.kill_all

    Windows: install_path\NetBackup\bin\bpdown -f

  7. Install the maintenance release.

  8. Restart NetBackup with the commands shown:

    Linux systems: /usr/openv/netbackup/bin/bp.start_all

    Windows systems: install_path\NetBackup\bin\bpup -f

 

6

(Conditional) If the media server upgrade is part of a primary server upgrade, skip this step.

Reactivate the media server.

 

7

(Conditional) If the media server upgrade is part of a primary server upgrade, resume the primary server upgrade procedure.

 

8

If your environment includes computers with NetBackup Snapshot Manager, upgrade these computers after the successful upgrade of your media servers.

 

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