Lotus Notes/Domino R4.6 to R6 Upgrade 2

[Burninator]

We have a client who wants to upgrade their current R4.6 server to R6. And in addition replace the current server with a much more capable server.

So basically we are going from a Domino 4.6 server on an old Proliant 3000with NT 4, to Lotus Domino/Notes R6.5 on a new HP proliant ML530 with either windows 2000 or 2003.

Can anyone help me in finding a resource that will help me accomplish the upgrade or at least put me on the right track, or instruct me on what is needed. This will be my first delve into the Notes world.

Thank you so much for your help, I appreciate it immensly!!

Jason

 

[Packet7]

Hello,
Some may disagree with what I have to recommend, but this is what I would do:

1. Build the new Server (Windows 2000). Keep the same Drive config (c:\OS d:\Notes Program e:\data - if that is how your existing box is configured?)
2. Make sure the new server is fully patched and running smooth.
3. Install Domino R5.0.12 using the same Domino paths (see existing notes.ini)
4. Down the R4 box. Rename the NEW Domino Data folder to Data_old
5. Copy the R4 Domino Data folder over to the new box (retain folder name and location)
6. Rename notes.ini on new server to notes.old
7. Copy the R4 (c:\winnt) notes.ini over to the NEW box (Domino Program Directory)
8. Power Down old box and retain for roll-back - if needed (see below)
9. Change the Server name and IP to reflect the old box
10. Start the Domino server and correct and errors/issues
11. Test, test, test (mail, client access, applications, virus scanning, backup agent)
12. If step 11 goes South, you can fall back by downing the new box and bringing back up the old server.
13. If step 11 went well, I would make sure your Domino server is stable and Notes client (users can work) have no issues for at least a week.
14. Plan additional downtime, and upgrade from R5.0.11 to R6.5.
15. Address client upgrades and test.

I have yet to upgrade to R6.5, and my company is currently on R6.0.3, but I have been around and working in Domino since R4. This approach has always worked for me, and I have learned that it's best NOT to jump two major releases ahead. So, you may even want to go from R5.0.11 to R6.0.3 first.

I think the biggest and most important step, is the R4 to R5 upgrade with the move to a new server. This can be tough, but it's good you have te old box to fall back on. If you have more then one Domino server, you might want to Temporarily Disable replication on names.nsf and admin4.nsf BEFORE downing the R4 server.

Hope this helps.

Rgds,

John

 

[pmonett]

I am not an admin, but I agree with John. It is best to go from 4 to 5, then from 5 to 6.
This is important if only for mail, which has dedicated upgrade paths for each major release, but no upgrade path that I know of for jumping up two major releases in one go.
In other words, I would avoid tempting fate with a mailbox upgrade from R4.x to R6.x.
On the other hand, if your server is not a mail server, then I see no issue with going directly from R4.x to R6.x.

Pascal.

 

[Burninator]

Thanks guys,

Sorry haven't replied yet. I'll keep this in mind and reccomend we step up slowly as you both suggest!!

Thank you very much!!

Jason