Migrating Jira software to another server - need explanation

[Martin Oravsky]

Hi, we are migrating Jira software along with confluence and Service desk to another server. We will likely follow this tutorial: https://confluence.atlassian.com/adminjiraserver078/migrating-jira-applications-to-another-server-947188546.html

However, some things are not clear to us. Is it necessary to install a fresh instance of Jira Software onto the new server before doing the import of home directory and XML backup from the old one? 

[Daniel Eads · Accepted solution]

Hi Martin,

The XML import is done in a running application, so if that's the route you're going (vs connecting to your existing database from the new server), you'll need to install a fresh copy of Jira Software before you can run the XML import. I would recommend doing it in this order:

1. Run the installer on the server you are migrating to
2. Copy the home directory from your old server to your new server
3. Delete the dbconfig.xml file from your home directory (this is the file that tells Jira how to connect to your database). If you don't delete the file, it will try to connect to your existing instance's database. Deleting the file will make the configuration wizard run when you start Jira, and prompt you for new database details
4. Start Jira
5. Enter your new database details in the wizard, then import the XML file

Do note that it's also possible to use your existing database instead of importing the XML backup so long as Jira is shutdown on the old server. You'd still need to copy the home directory, but you could skip deleting the dbconfig.xml file (#3 above) and the XML import step (#5 above). I strongly recommend taking a backup with your database's native backup tool (before starting the new Jira instance) if you'd like to go this route instead.

Cheers,
Daniel 

[Martin Oravsky]

Hi Daniel,

thank you very much for your quick answer. We are migrating database server also so we definitely need to delete the dbconfig.xml file, specify the new database and then import the XML backup. Thanks again Daniel, it's all clear now. 

Martin