Moving a server to different hardware

[S.Rider]

I have to move a 11.11 server with a bunch of XP1024 disks (2 HBA's) from a rp8400 to a SuperDome npar. Disk hardware addresses will be changing.
I got dragged into this late, but the plan was.
(1) Ignite backup old server
(2) Ignite restore new server
(3) cable old-switch-ports to new server
(4) vgscan -a

Is it as simple as that ?

[Tim Nelson]

Biggest issue is the Ignite image from the rp8400 to the Superdome.. The HW differences may be too great. HP will not support it but...

Make sure you have the latest patches and enablements then test test test.

You will probably need to reinstall patches and enablements after it is on the superdome to pick up anything missed while on the other platform.

An test test test...

[S.Rider]

Yeah - I was worried about HPUX patches supporting the different hardware. But I have restored the ignite image and it works. I've tested it and hpux seems fine.
My main question is if the "vgscan -a" will get my other vg's back

[Tim Nelson]

It should.

What it does is looks at every available disk and reviews the VGRA to relate VG info and mapping.

You will probably need to vgimport everything as well to get the volumes activated.

Test your methods with some junk disks. Preset one to server1, create a vg/lvol/fs then export it from server1.(don't just yank the sheets out or you will have to start fighting error messages)

Reassign it to server2, run the vgscan, vgscan will tell you if you need to do the import.

Done it many times before but not an everyday thing. This does work.

keep in mind that you are not going to hurt anything unless you start purposefully deleting data.

Best of luck..

[Stan Hanek]

As a safety net can't you create mapfiles on the old server using the "-s" option, then vgimport these on the new server using the same "-s" option? I've done this in the past when the disk addresses change (migrating from one SAN to another) and it works well.