Note: Using the upgrade Fixlets is the preferred and simplest way to upgrade all of the BigFix components (Installation Generator, Server and Console). The only time not to use the Fixlets would be to upgrade a BigFix Server on a remote database.
You must upgrade the BigFix Server and all the BigFix Consoles at the same time. Other BigFix components (BigFix Clients and BigFix Relays) will work with the upgraded version of the BigFix Server without problems. However, it is recommended that you upgrade the BigFix Clients and BigFix Relays whenever possible to take advantage of the new functionality.
When new versions of BigFix are released, the upgrade Fixlet messages are released in a planned roll-out process so it may take a few days before the upgrade Fixlet messages become relevant immediately after the upgrade. At first you will see a Fixlet message relevant to upgrade your BigFix Server and BigFix Consoles. After the BigFix Server is upgraded, Fixlet messages to upgrade the BigFix Clients and BigFix Relays will become relevant the next time the BigFix Clients register (the default registration period is once every 6 hours).
Important
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Make sure that all BigFix Consoles are closed before you begin the upgrade process.
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It is recommended that you upgrade all of your BigFix Clients of version less than 6.0.
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It is recommended that you backup your BigFix Server and database before upgrading to BigFix 8.0.
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BigFix servers must be upgraded to a 7.x version prior to updating to 8.0.
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BigFix 8.0 servers no longer support SQL 2000 as their database. SQL Databases must be upgraded prior to installing the upgrade.
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Post-upgrade your deployment may temporarily appear slow. The upgrade downtime can create a backlog of client reports, and it can take several hours for the BigFix Server to process this backlog once the upgrade has completed.
Manual Upgrade Instructions
Following are instructions for manually upgrading each BigFix component.
Upgrade the BigFix Installation Generator
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Go to the computer where you originally installed the BigFix Installation Generator.
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Download and run the new BigFix Installation Generator from http://support.bigfix.com/bes/install/downloadbes.html.
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Click 'Yes' when you are prompted to upgrade and follow the installer's instructions.
Upgrade the BigFix Server
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Copy the BigFix Server installation folder (default location is "C:\BESInstallers\Server") to the BigFix Server computer.
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Run the BigFix Server installer (setup.exe) on the BigFix Server computer. If you have a remote database please use the following Knowledge Base article: http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21506063
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Follow the installer's instructions to upgrade.
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To upgrade the Trend Core Protection Module Server for the 8.0 release, please see the following Knowledge Base article: http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21506219.
Note: If you have a remote database, you should review the KB article referenced prior to upgrading.
Upgrade the BigFix Console
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Copy the BigFix Console installation folder (default location is "C:\BESInstallers\Console") to all computers that are running the BigFix Console.
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Run the BigFix Console installer (setup.exe) on all the computers currently running the BigFix Console.
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Follow the installer's instructions to upgrade.
Upgrade BigFix Relays
BigFix Relays can be upgraded individually by downloading and running the BigFix Relay upgrade file that can be found at:
http://support.bigfix.com/bes/install/downloadbes.html
Upgrade BigFix Clients
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BigFix Clients can be upgraded individually by copying the BigFix Client installation folder (default location is "C:\BESInstallers\Client") to each computer that is running the BigFix Client, then running setup.exe.
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BigFix Clients can also be upgraded by using the BigFix Client Deployment Tool, with a log in script, or with another deployment technology. Simply run the new BigFix Client installer on the computer with the old BigFix Client.
Upgrade Web Reports
To upgrade Web Reports, run the BESServerUpgrade.exe or the BES Server install itself. It will detect web reports and offer to upgrade it for you. Click though the installer and you're done.
Note: If you have a remote database, you should run the upgrade as a user with DBO permissions to the database.