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      Preserving Configuration Files During Zmanda Enterprise Upgrades on Debian Servers

      Problem:

      Two crucial configuration files could be unintentionally deleted when Amanda Enterprise (AE) backup servers are upgraded from version 3.6, 4.x, 5.0 up to 5.1

      • ESXPass: This file holds vital information for managing your VMware configurations. Without it, you may lose important settings and Zmanda may not recognize your VMware sources for backup.

      • db.sqlite3: This database file contains vital data for Zmanda operations. Losing it can cause issues during upgrades and may require reconfiguration. It is located at /var/lib/amanda/ae_service

      Cause:

      The deletion of these files is an unintended side effect of the upgrade process. This issue is currently limited to Debian servers and does not affect other operating systems.

      Solution:

      To tackle this problem and safeguard your data, preventing any potential loss of configuration files, we recommend utilizing the following script. This script is specifically designed to ensure the protection of these files and their associated configurations during the upgrade process.

      Utilize this script - Retain_configs_Debian

      Note: Before proceeding with the upgrade process, it is essential to have the upgrade script downloaded and available. Here are the key points to consider:

      1. Download location: The upgrade script should be present where the Zmanda backup server is located and running.

      2. Script execution permission: To execute the upgrade script, ensure that you have sudo permissions or elevated user privileges.

      3. Uninstallation of binary files: As part of the upgrade process, uninstall the existing binary files for the backup server that is present. This step ensures a clean upgrade environment and avoids conflicts with the newer version.

      4. Installation of newer version: Following the uninstallation of the older binary files, proceed with the installation of the newer version.

      For a clearer understanding of the functionalities, use the -h or --help option with the provided script.

      This script performs the following tasks:

      1. Backs up the ESXPass and db.sqlite3 files to a temporary location before the upgrade.

      2. Upgrades Zmanda EBR as per the usual procedure.

      3. Restores the backed-up configuration files to their original locations.

      4. Restarts Zmanda services to ensure proper operation.

      By following these steps, you can ensure a smooth upgrade process for your Debian server, preserving your vital configuration files and preventing data loss.