Documentation forKiwi CatTools

Kiwi CatTools 3.12.5 Upgrade Guide

Supports: Kiwi CatTools 3.12.5 and earlier

Preflight checklist

Complete the checklist below to prepare for upgrading Kiwi CatTools.

Review release notes Review the Kiwi CatTools release notes.
Review system requirements Verify that the server meets the hardware and software requirements
Run all Windows updates Before the upgrade, check for and run all Microsoft Windows Updates on the server. As you upgrade, if a Windows update runs, your system might reboot.
Check for and disable anti-virus software

Determine if any anti-virus software is installed on the server where you plan to install Kiwi CatTools. To ensure the installation goes smoothly, exclude the SolarWinds directory. For example, on the Windows Server 2012 R2, exclude the following directories:

  • C:\ProgramData\SolarWinds

Upgrade Kiwi CatTools

When you upgrade to the latest version of Kiwi CatTools, your devices, scheduled actions, and other configuration settings are preserved. If you previously entered a license key, the key is automatically applied to the new version.

If you upgrade from KCT 3.12.2, the Kiwi CatTools database will automatically update and your data will be re-encrypted using AES (Advanced Encryption Standard). If the database updates, the changes cannot be reverted.

While a typical upgrade takes approximately one minute to perform, this does not include the time required to backup your system or perform upgrade validation testing.

When updating Kiwi CatTools you must choose to install the Kiwi CatTools update as an application or as a service:

  • Installing Kiwi CatTools as an application is recommended if you need to run one-off or attended activities or for infrequent or part-time users who are running Kiwi CatTools on their own personal computers.

  • Installing Kiwi CatTools as a service installation is recommended for Enterprise customers, as well as anyone running unattended activities, who need to make use of around-the-clock scheduling, or who are dedicating a machine specifically for Kiwi CatTools to run on.

For more information on the differences between application mode and service mode, see Installing Kiwi CatTools as an application or a service.

Backup your existing installation

Make a full backup of your existing installation, including the database. See Backup current database.

It is critical to create a backup of your KCT database from a previous version of KCT. If you downgrade from KCT 3.12.2 to a previous version, the data in the KCT database cannot be retrieved once the upgrade is complete.
Uninstall the current version
  1. Select File > Exit to close the console.
  2. Uninstall Kiwi CatTools using Windows Control Panel > Uninstall a program.
  3. If Kiwi CatTools Manager is installed, click Yes when you are prompted to uninstall it.
Download the installation file
  1. Go to the SolarWinds Customer Portal and log in.

    If you do not have a SolarWinds account, see Access the Customer Portal to create an account.

  2. Locate Kiwi CatTools under Latest Downloads for Your Products.
  3. Click Choose Download.
Run the installation file
  1. Log in using an administrator level account.
  2. Extract the contents of the downloaded installation .zip file to the server.
  3. Run Kiwi_CatTools_<version>.setup.exe.

    If .NET Framework 4.8 is not installed, you are prompted to install it. Click Download and install this feature. Then restart Kiwi_CatTools_<version>.setup.exe
Complete the Kiwi CatTools Setup wizard
  1. On the Welcome dialog box, click Next.
  2. If you agree to the license agreement, click Next.
  3. Specify whether you want to install Kiwi CatTools as a service or an application.
    • Installation as a service allows the program to run without the need for a user to log in to Windows. This option also installs Kiwi CatTools Manager which is used to control the service.
    • Installation as an application requires a user to log in to Windows before running the program.
  4. If you are installing Kiwi CatTools as a Service:
    1. Select Install CatTools as a Service, and click Next.
    2. Choose to install the service using either the local system account or an admin account.
    3. If installing using an administrator account, enter the account's username and password.
    4. Click Next.
  5. If you are installing Kiwi CatTools as an application:
    1. Select Install CatTools as an Application.
    2. Click Next.
  6. Select the shortcuts to create, and click Next.
  7. Specify the installation location, and click Install.

The installer displays status messages as Kiwi CatTools is installed.
Close the Wizard Click Finish to close the Kiwi CatTools Setup wizard and open Kiwi CatTools Manager.
Start Kiwi CatTools in application mode Start the new update in application mode the first time, then change to service mode, if required.