Upgrading 4.0 to 6.0 MICS BUT with PRI Keycode enabled 1

[viper222]

I have read the post refering to upgrading from 4.0 to 6.0. Seems pretty straight forward, Backup-Replace NVRAM R1 with NVRAM R2(keeping 4.0 Software in)-Restore-Replace 4.0 software with 6.0. My problem is I have PRI Enabled on this KSU. I have heard that if you are just replacing the software and not the NVRAM then it will not lose the KeyCode BUT I also heard that you must have R2 NVRAM with 6.0 software. If that is the case will the backups/restore keep the keycode or will I lose them?

 

[superiortel]

I wouldn't trust anything other than having the keycode on hand before getting started. I've seen even new NVRAMs get wiped out during upgrades, and loose everything. The keycode is matched to the serial on the motherboard, so, any Nortel reseller can pull a "Keycode retrieval" with the serial number, for a fee, of course. My 2 cents worth. Also, the restore DOES NOT restore the keycodes, beware.

 

[viper222]

I have my 3 keycodes but I was told that if you removed the NVRAM you would have to get the codes again. This system was bought by the customer kinda grey market 'ish but they do have the 3 keycodes that we used to enable the system. Is that what I will need? This will be after hours so I guess if all else fails I can put the original NVRAM back in.

 

[superiortel]

You can still upgrade with the old NVRAM. We have done 4.0 to 6.0 with the same...., what is more, never heard of a different "R2 NVRAM", but , then again, I may be behind on this one. I checked with my distributor, and the answer came "leave the old NVRAM and there will be no problems".

 

[viper222]

The old one was/is a Release 1, I was under the impression that 6.0 needed Release 2.

 

[Goodbytes]

To avoid buggy, PRI related problems (and possibly other issues), you should upgrade the NVRAM to release 2.

The problem is, so many people have had issues losing all of their programming when performing NVRAM upgrades. See threads 799-806418 and 799-772357 (among others) for the story. Unfortunately, it looks to be a highly risky procedure. Norstar doesn't seem to be aware of how much pain is caused when people have to scramble for new keycodes and/or spend countless hours reprogramming systems while spinning damage control with the customer.

Does anybody have a proven procedure to follow when upgrading the NVRAM on a Norstar??

 

[MarvO1]

Yes, Take your time. Do a backup just in case and slow down.
If the system acts like it is sleeping, go outside and take a smoke break. If you are a non-smoker, have one anyway.
DO NOT get impatient. Just wait for it to finish.
I have never had one fail if I gave it at least 30 minutes to fully update. Make sure there is no call activity going on while updating.
Sit on your hands if you have to, but do not touch it for at least 30 minutes. 0 Failures so far, and I have done quite a few.
Knock on Wood.

MarvO said it

 

[phones1]

the keycodes are generated from the system id which is made from the s/ware ID & the motherboard ID, during the upgrade process from going through the s/ware versions 4.x to 5.x then 6.x it keeps the same sys id, if the sys id changes your key codes become invalid & you normally endup paying to get them back.