Documentation forKiwi Syslog Server

Kiwi Syslog Server NG Upgrade Guide

When upgrading from Kiwi Syslog Server NG (KSS NG) version 1.2.0 to version 1.2.1 and higher, a flag in version 1.2.0 may block the upgrade from completing. You must uninstall KSS NG 1.2 and retry the install for KSS NG 1.2.1 to complete the upgrade. For details, see Unable to complete upgrade from Kiwi Syslog Server NG 1.2.0 to 1.2.1.

The purpose of this guide is to assist you in upgrading KSS NG to the latest version. This guide assumes that you have already completed the initial installation of KSS NG. If you have not installed KSS NG, please refer to the instructions contained in the KSS NG Installation Guide.

During the upgrade to the latest version of KSS NG, your logged messages, rules, and other configuration settings are saved. If you previously entered a license key, the key is automatically applied to the new version.

Upgrade Preparation Checklist

Review latest release notes Review the latest KSS NG release notes.
Review system requirements Verify that your server meets the minimum hardware and software requirements to upgrade your product.
Run all Windows updates Before upgrading, check for and run all Microsoft Windows updates for your server. During the upgrade process, if Windows updates are applied, your system may reboot.
Check for antivirus software

Determine if any antivirus software is installed on the server housing KSS NG. To ensure the installation goes smoothly, exclude the SolarWinds directory. For example, on Windows Server 2016, exclude the following directories:

  • C:\Program Files (x86)\SolarWinds\Kiwi Syslog Server NG
  • C:\ProgramData\SolarWinds

Do not exclude executable files. SolarWinds assumes that C:\ is the default volume.
Backup configuration settings

Back up your current configuration as a .ini file for KSS NG.

Additionally, if you want to migrate your rules from legacy KSS using the .ini configuration file, see Migrate rules to KSS NG.

Upgrade KSS NG

When upgrading to the latest version of KSS NG, your logged messages, rules, and other configuration settings are saved. If you previously entered a license key, the key is automatically applied to the new version.

If current version is 1.2.0, uninstall KSS NG

Uninstalling KSS NG is only required if you are upgrading from version 1.2.0.

  1. Stop the KSS NG service using the Windows Services application.
  2. Uninstall KSS NG using Windows Control Panel > Uninstall a program.

  3. Select the Remove Kiwi Syslog Server NG option. Click Finish.

  4. In the command line prompt, you can choose to delete or save your product configuration.

  5. Click Close to complete the uninstall process.
Download the installation file
  1. Log in to the SolarWinds Customer Portal.
  2. Locate KSS NG under Latest Downloads for Your Products.
  3. Click Choose Download.
Run the installation file
  1. Log in to your server using a local administrator.
  2. Extract the contents of the downloaded installation ZIP file to your server.
  3. Run KiwiSyslogServerNG.<version>.exe.
    • If Microsoft .NET Framework 8.0 or later is not installed, you are prompted to install it. Click Download and install this feature. After installing .NET, restart the installation of KiwiSyslogServerNG.<version>.exe.
Complete the Kiwi Syslog Server Setup wizard

  1. In the Kiwi Syslog Server NG Setup Wizard window, click Next.

  2. If you agree with the license agreement, select I Agree and click Next.

  3. Specify the installation folder path and click Next.

  4. Specify the port number to bind to the Kiwi Syslog Server NG web interface. Check the port availability before proceeding, then click Next.

  5. Check the box if you consent to the use of your product data for Kiwi Syslog Server NG product improvements and analytics. Click Next.

  6. In the Confirm Installation window, click Next.
  7. If you did not save your previous configuration, create a password for your Kiwi Syslog NG administrator account.

    Passwords must be 8-100 digits and include at least one special character, one numerical digit, one upper case letter, and one lower case letter.
Close the KSS NG Setup wizard Click Finish to close the KSS NG Setup wizard and open KSS NG.