Proper path to upgrade Confluence 5.4 to latest version and migrate to new server

Question

I'd like to accomplish couple things with the Confluence server including upgrade Confluence server from v5.4 to latest version 6.x; migrate Confluence server to a new server with newer version of Windows (MS Servers 2016); and migrate the database from external SQL server to database that running on the same server. While I can find individual steps how to accomplish each of those things but want to make sure what is the proper and possibly less steps.

I also want to know what is the prefer db that simple to manage and run on single server. Our environment is very small of 10 users. We user confluence mainly for document repository.

Gonchik Tsymzhitov · Answer

Hi @AHRQ,

I see different ways to fix it.

1. Install new server

2. Setup RDBMS

3. Install a new version of Confluence

4. Disable mail notification

5. Backup from old server

6. Import into new one.

7. set as read-only old one.

8. Enable email notifications.

Of course, you need to think about your customisation etc.

If you setup based on VM.

Of course, easy way is using snapshot management.

1. Create backup from last snapshot.

2. Update server OS etc.

3. Adjust SQL server

4. Update Confluence installation

5. Change upstreams on reverse proxy

6. Dump and rsync (copy a new attachments)

7.  set as read-only old one. Change the license to developer one.

Hope it helps

Cheers,

Gonchik Tsymzhitov

Bastian Stehmann · Answer

Hi @AHRQ,

I think you should check the confluence upgrade notes for all versions from 5.4 to the version you want to upgrade. There will be all required information you have to take care of for the upgrade.

I would upgrade first, then install the same version on the new server, connect it to the new database and do the import then.