Upgrading Veeam BR from old version and old OS

[importantchicken562]

Hi,

I need to upgrade our Veeam BR from 11(11.0.1.1261) to the latest version 12.3. The server is running Windows 2012 and it looks like its configuration database is running SQL Express 2012 and was wondering the best way to go about this.

I already have a new Windows 2022 server stood up with a Veeam BR 12.3 ISO ready, and initially my thought was to install Veeam and take a backup of my configuration database from the old server and import it into the new one, however I read either the new version plans on dropping support or already has dropped support for SQL Express, or if the configuration backup/restore is only meant to be used in scenarios where the old server and new server versions are matching and wouldn't work for upgrades.

If the configuration backup/restore method won't work, what would the workflow look like for the existing backup server to prepare it for migration to the new server?

What would be the best way to get up to the latest version?

Thanks!

[veremin]

The method you described for backing up and restoring configuration works between different databases, so you can stick to your initial plan: save the configurations of the old server, set up a new server running on a supported operating system, and restore the configuration onto it.

I would recommend that after restoring the configuration, you check that everything works as it should on the new server, and only then decommission the old one.

You can also read a detailed description of this procedure here.

Thanks!

[importantchicken562]

Thank you!

That would save me a bunch of time. I will take a look at the links. Thanks.

[importantchicken562]

Well I tried it, got the following error:

'Configuration Restore is not supported because the selected backup was created from an older product version'

Any ideas?

[veremin]

In general, the backup and restore configuration should work between the specified versions of the product (11a and 12.3), so I recommend contacting support for further assistance.

[importantchicken562]

Thanks.

I ended up upgrading SQL Express to 2016 which allowed me to upgrade to from 11 to 12.3, then backed up/restored the config database on the new server.