Upgrading Confluence (2.10.3) to (4.2.8)

Question

Hello,

We are using Confluence version 2.10.3 (production).

We now wish to upgrade to version 4.2.8.

I realize this is a huge leap. J

We have a cloned instance on a test server in order to attempt the upgrade.

Can you tell me the best way to approach this?

Can we upgrade directly from 2.10.3 to 4.2.8, or do we need to do an interim upgrade, something like: 2.10.3 -> 3.5.3 -> 4.2.8?

Disclaimer:

I am new to Confluence.

I was just given this task and told “make it so”.

Derrick Reynold · Answer

Bruna/Rodrigo -

Thank you so much for the information. :)

Question:

I have backed up my cloned instance (database and home directory)

I downloaded the 3.4.9 Standalone version for Windows.

I'm ready to try upgrading from 2.10.3 to 3.4.9.

Do I need to delete the current home directory and uninstall the Apache Tomcat Confluence windows service before attempting the upgrade?

Rodrigo Girardi Adami · Answer

Hi Derrick!

Nice to see you :)

I agree with the answer of Bruna In fact, I can add some details to the upgrade.

First of all, before attempting to upgrade, make a backup of Confluence. That's very important. Please see this doc: http://confluence.atlassian.com/display/DOC/Production+Backup+Strategy

As for the upgrade, we recommend going to 3.4.9 (Which is the latest stable version for 3.4) since this prepares Confluence to the major upgrade for 3.5.13. The version 3.5.13 implements a new user management for Confluence which has now Crowd tables embedded inside the database.

Then you can safely upgrade to 4.2.8 or the latest version of 4.2.x.

I recommend to have a look in these documentations about upgrading Confluence and the new user management.

https://confluence.atlassian.com/display/DOC/Confluence+3.5+Release+Notes
https://confluence.atlassian.com/display/DOC/Upgrading+Confluence+Manually

I hope this helps. :D

Cheers,
Rodrigo Girardi Adami

Bruna Griebeler · Answer

Since you are upgrading your Confluence 2.10.3 the best way to avoid issues is to upgrade for a 3.4.x -> 3.5.13 -> and then 4.2.8.

My advice ;)