Documentation forWeb Help Desk

Prepare for the upgrade

Use this checklist to help you plan and prepare for your upgrade.

Check your WHD version

You must be running version 12.6 before upgrading to 12.8.4. Follow the instructions in Determine the upgrade path to the latest WHD version based on the version you are currently using.

See Determine the upgrade path to the latest WHD version for details about upgrading your deployment.

Review the release notes Review the product release notes and available documentation in the Success Center.
Look for available hotfixes Review Web Help Desk hotfixes to determine if additional updates must be applied to the application after upgrading.
Review the system requirements

Make sure your environment includes all required hardware and software for your installations. Check the administrator guide for each product to locate the requirements.

Review the Gotchas See WHD upgrade gotchas you should review for the latest information that may impact your upgrade.
Review the licenses Review your current product licenses and determine if you need to make any changes. You can download any updated license keys for your upgrade through your Customer Portal. Verify any license upgrades and needs with your SolarWinds account manager or contact SolarWinds Support for assistance.
Do you need to migrate?

You may need to migrate WHD to a new server running an identical or disparate operating system. Check if you need to migrate by reviewing new requirements, your products, and your current environment.

Migrating adds time to your upgrade, but you have the best opportunity to update to new servers during an upgrade.
Do you plan to enable FIPS 140-2 cryptography?

If you plan to enable Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140-2 compliant cryptography, ensure that your WHD deployment meets all hardware and software requirements for a FIPS installation.

FIPS is required for computer systems installed in U.S. Federal Government agencies and companies in a regulated industry (such as healthcare and financial institutions) that share and distribute sensitive but unclassified (SBU) information.

Gather credentials

Locate the following credentials for your Microsoft SQL Server or MySQL database:

  • Database IP address or hostname

  • Database name

  • Username and password

  • Local admin server credentials

If you plan to use the embedded PostgresQL database, decide on and record a database name, username, and password for your new database. You will also need your admin username and password.
Run all Windows updates Run all Microsoft Windows updates on your WHD server and all additional web servers. If a Windows update runs during the upgrade, your system may reboot as required by the operating system.
Schedule the upgrade Set up the maintenance window, preferably off-peak hours. Depending on the number of products, size of database(s), and size of environment, you may need an extended amount of time to complete the upgrade.
Need to migrate your PostgreSQL database?

If you migrated WHD to a new server and you are running the embedded PostgreSQL database, restore the database on the new server.

When the migration is completed, change the default PostgreSQL database credentials.

Notify your company Send a message to your company regarding the upgrade schedule and maintenance window. If you need additional help, contact and allocate specific staff to be available.