vgexport and vgimport between servers with different OS versions

[Jason Abbott]

I've used vgexport and vgimport to move data between servers with the same HP-UX OS version.

However, I've never tried, or seen anybody try, to use these commands to move data between between servers with different HP-UX OS versions.

a) Can you use vgexport and vgimport to move data between servers with different HP-UX OS versions?

b) If the answer is yes (and assuming there are limitations), would it be possible to use the commands to move data from a server with UX 11.0, to another with UX 11.23?

[Steven E. Protter]

Shalom,

You will be surprised how few limitations there actually are.

I have not done extensive testing but experts with far greater skill than I have said that this feature is backward compatible, e.g. that an 11.23 system can import data exported from an 11.11 system or 11.00.

I am not sure how backward compatible, but you may wish to try this in the lab.

SEP

[Bernhard Mueller · Accepted solution]

Jason,

you can do this moving from 11.0 to 1.23 without limitations, the pure LVM vgexport/vgimport works exactly the same.

the only difference is the VXFS filesystem layout type which is used *by default* which is version 3 for 11.00, version 4 for 11.11 and version 5 for 11.23.

since there is backward compatibility you can mount and use the filesytems with the old layout on newer machines (naturally not vice versa)

you may want to upgrade the filesytem layout type any time afterwards (when you're sure you do not want to move back to 11.00) using
vxupgrade.
man vxupgrade will tell you details

Regards,
Bernhad

[Jason Abbott]

Steven,

Thanks for confirming my belief that it was possible.

Unfortunately, I don't have a lab available to do any testing, which is why I had to post in the forum for more specific information.

I should have been able to find the information I required, but I was encountering difficulties locating the specifics.

Bernhard,

The information you provided was exactly what I wanted.

A big thanks to both of you.

Jason

[Jason Abbott]

All the information I required has been provided by those who posted responses.