topic Older VMS versions in Operating System - OpenVMS

Older VMS versions

Gregg Parmentier — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:28:26 GMT

We've finally decided to upgrade from OpenVMS Alpha 7.1. We've updated our support contract to include software media support and requested media, but we are told only 8.2 and 8.3 are available from HP.

I really need to do a rolling upgrade, being able to always cluster my systems through the whole process.

Any suggestions on where to get media for 7.2-1, 7.3-1, and 7.3-2? I've got some specific hardware support issues that really push me toward that particular upgrade path.

Re: Older VMS versions

Robert Brooks_1 — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 15:41:24 GMT

If you give a bit more detail with respect to your configuration and application suite, you're likely to get some useful advice on how to short-circuit all those sequential upgrades.

Also, V7.2-2 is a better version from which to upgrade than V7.2-1; I believe a direct upgrade from V7.2-2 to V7.3-2 is supported.

-- Rob

Re: Older VMS versions

Andy Bustamante — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 16:14:59 GMT

Looking at the VMS FAQ, I don't believe you can upgrade from 7.1 directly to 7.2-2. See http://www.hoffmanlabs.com/vmsfaq/vmsfaq_008.html#mgmt16 for the details. With the rolling upgrade requirement, you'll need to review release notes if you need to stay in supported configurations.

If you e-mail me, I can provide a vendor who can lay his hands on media kits. See my profile for contact info. There's also a few consultants here as well. HP frowns on advertising in the forums.

Andy

Re: Older VMS versions

Robert Gezelter — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 20:08:59 GMT

Gregg,

Can you be more specific as to the "hardware support issues" that of concern. That would aid the research as to the correct path.

- Bob Gezelter, http://www.rlgsc.com

Re: Older VMS versions

B Claremont — Wed, 06 Jun 2007 22:54:51 GMT

I can help you with media. Drop me a line if you still need it.

Bruce Claremont
www.MigrationSpecialties.com
719-784-9196

Re: Older VMS versions

Darran Burt — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 03:55:58 GMT

I thought that V7.2-2 was just provided as a convenient "stop-off point" for those upgrading to V7.3 and needed mixed versions at that level.

Think you'll be best advised to follow the already suggested upgrade paths above.

Have fun!

Re: Older VMS versions

Robert Gezelter — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 04:45:25 GMT

Gregg,

I would have to dig through my library, but I also have a collection of distribution kits for the various versions.

As has been noted, the -1 and -2 kits are generally roll-ups of patches. For a production environment, I always recommend that clients invest in the due diligence. If certain patches are required before a node can join the cluster, it is straightforward to go through the patch process before the system disk is used to join the cluster (note that this can be done on an offline test system and the resulting disk image can then be moved to cluster accessible storage).

If I can be of assistance, please let me know.

- Bob Gezelter, http://www.rlgsc.com

Re: Older VMS versions

Dean McGorrill — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:37:24 GMT

Robert
Our systems are at 7.2-1, as some point (someday I hope) I want to upgrade. your
saying its worth going to 7.2-2? ie

7.2-1 > 7.2-2 > 7.3-2 > 8.3

Re: Older VMS versions

Stanley F Quayle — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 16:49:37 GMT

I can supply media, too. I just took a customer from 7.1-2H1 to 7.2, then to 7.3-2. According to Hoff's FAQ, that is supported. And it worked great.

If you need help, onsite or remote, you can contact me via www.stanq.com

Re: Older VMS versions

Hoff — Thu, 07 Jun 2007 21:55:13 GMT

Consolidated upgrade path topics:

OpenVMS Alpha Upgrade Paths...
http://64.223.189.234/node/255

OpenVMS I64 Upgrade Paths...
http://64.223.189.234/node/256

OpenVMS VAX Upgrade Paths...
http://64.223.189.234/node/257

Re: Older VMS versions

Robert Gezelter — Fri, 08 Jun 2007 06:44:12 GMT

Dean,

What I am saying is that I am more careful when an extended mixed version operation is contemplated.

There have, by my recollection, been some particular issues with patch levels and certain facilities that operate across the cluster (e.g., XFC).

When a client is planning to operate in production at mixed versions, a review of the patches outstanding against the older version is a sound idea. Discovering that there is a known problem after the fact is not entertaining. While OpenVMS Engineering has done an exemplary job of maintaining compatibility, I do recall warning notes in certain situations, and a review to verify that there are no issues is always less work than resolving the issue when it happens.

As a rule, I would suspect that fully patched older versions are safer.

- Bob Gezelter, http://www.rlgsc.com