Upgrade/Migrate Ranger to a new server and keep the configuration settings

Question

How do I upgrade Ranger to a new server and keep my configuration settings without having to reinstall Ranger on the client?

Symptoms

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Cause

Upgrading your Ranger server to the latest version is generally a very painless experience. We do however get frequently asked questions regarding the upgrade process and problems reported when sites upgrade without prior planning.

For example:

Resolution

Before upgrading the Ranger software we would strongly recommend that you check you have a full backup of the Ranger folder.

The setup package (upgrade/extend) will make a configuration backup file, this file saves your Ranger settings including security settings, title checks and policy settings but it will not include your customised folders like approved folder, commonresources, commongroupresources and profiles folder which contains shortcuts for the desktop and start menus.

Depending on your objectives and the end result you are after the solution may vary. If you are unsure as to whether a solution is applicable to your configuration contact your dealer.

Instructions

Moving Ranger to a new server

If you intend to move Ranger onto a brand new server we would suggest if possible to upgrade your existing Ranger server to the latest version of Ranger 5. This will upgrade your Ranger files and configuration (policy information) to the latest format. You can then use Ranger 5's new replication technology to copy the current installation to the new server.

This is performed by running the Ranger 5 setup package on the new server and choosing the extend option. The extend option copies all the settings from existing server to the new server. The installation then continues to install the Ranger services and then joins the new server into the existing Ranger Enterprise. This enables file replication maintaining file synchronisation between the two servers.

As for the clients they will automatically update to the latest version and will pickup the new servers logon details. From this point forward the clients have redundancy in the sense that if you were to remove the first server the clients would still be able to logon via the new server.

If you then need to remove the first server from active duty you can then demote the first server from the Ranger Enterprise by using the ECM thus allowing you to gracefully remove the old server from use and leave you with a fully functioning network, running the latest version on the new server.

Changing the Ranger servers IP address

If you intend to just change the Ranger server then the solution and impact on the network clients will vary depending on whether you are running multiple Ranger servers or not.

Single Server Enterprise

In a single server Enterprise you will change the servers network ip address and then run the ECM to update the servers configuration details and then restart the services with the new settings. Unfortunately in this scenario you will need to reinstall the Ranger client on each workstation.

Multiple Server Enterprise

If you have multiple servers in your Enterprise then simply change the servers network ip address and then run the ECM to scan the server for the new ip address. Apply the settings causing the services to be restarted taking onboard the updating settings. Your clients will still be able to logon via the other Ranger servers and then during the first logon they will then download the updated configuration file allowing subsequent logons via the updated server.

For assistance with a Ranger 5 Extend please use the Ranger 5 manual page 323 or follow the on screen instructions when you run the ranger 5 setup executable file.

Doing the upgrade this way means that you keep all your configuration settings and policies in tact without having to re-install ranger on all the clients.

Rebuilding your only server from scratch

Backup your Ranger folder to another machine or offline media. Please be aware that backing up your Ranger settings does not backup your user data or user accounts. This must be taken care off by a backup solution or other means this procedure is outside the scope of Ranger and so is not documented.

Once your server is rebuilt install Ranger 5. Then close down any open Ranger applications (lan ranger, ranger toolbar, ranger admin etc) and then copy the backup directory of Ranger over the top of the new installation thus copying all your old setting back on top.


Finally run the ECM this will scan the network for the Ranger server update any details that need to reflect the new server and build and if all has gone well a 'Successfully applied' message will be displayed and you will now be running Ranger 5 with your old configuration settings.

Testing

Logon a client workstation and successfully logon. If there are any logon failures consult the computers event logs for details, then check our Knowledge base for possible solutions otherwise contact your dealer for support.