How would I backup or migrate UpdateEXPERT 6.x?

Related Article: How do I migrate UpdateEXPERT Premium v7.x to another machine?

Sometimes an UpdateEXPERT administrator would like to backup UpdateEXPERT prior to an upgrade, or make another machine the Master-Agent machine and migrate existing data to the new machine.

Backup Overview

For backup, it is necessary to:

* See "Suggested Backup Steps" below for more details.

Important: If you upgrade UpdateEXPERT, and experience issues, do not un-install UpdateEXPERT. Contact technical support first.

Migration Overview

In the case of migration (a new machine) , we install UpdateEXPERT on another machine, then ask "How do I move my existing data over to the new Master-Agent machine".

Important: If you think you want to attempt a Master-Agent migration, it is recommended you contact support first to discuss your situation, and to make sure a migration is even necessary or desirable.

For backup and migration purposes, the data of concern is typically:

  1. Leaf Agent Data (Registry)

  2. Agent Settings (Registry)

  3. Downloaded Patches (Directory)

  4. Custom Fixes (Directory)

  5. Custom Fixes (Registry)

  6. Network Tree (Registry), which includes enumeration, query, validation, deployment status, group and profile data.

  7. Console Settings (Registry)

In a nutshell, AgentUtil.exe handles #1 and #2, as they are critical for preserving Leaf-Agent relationships. The directory items (#3 and #4) require file copying, and # 5-7 require registry exports/imports.

Backup/Migration Limitations

Currently, there is no complete, self-contained UpdateEXPERT backup mechanism. Backup requires copying directories and files, exporting registry keys, and running AgentUtil.exe for Leaf Agent registration data.  

Alternate credentials cannot be backed up or migrated. You will have to re-enter alternate credential information for a migration. This happens because this information is kept in a highly secured machine specific registry key. The information in these keys is updated via API's. You may or may not have to re-enter alternate credentials for a "restore", you'll have to try querying a host that you know uses alternate credentials.

Suggested Backup Steps

Backup

For backup purposes, you want to copy the contents of the following directories (including sub-directories) and registry keys, just in case you want to go back to your pre-upgrade version:

  1. Make a note of your current serial-number and database version

  2. Copy C:\Program Files\St Bernard Software\UpdateEXPERT\*

  3. Copy C:\Program Files\Common Files\UpdateEXPERT\*

  4. Copy %SYSTEMROOT%\UEAgent\*

  5. Copy %SYSTEMROOT%\System32\codec4ue3dbs.dll

  6. Use AgentUtil.exe (as explained in the How do I use AgentUtil.exe) to backup items (1) and (2) above.

  7. Export Registry Key "HKLM/Software/St. Bernard Software/UpdateEXPERT" (master data).

  8. Export Registry Key "HKCU/Software/St. Bernard Software/UpdateEXPERT" (console data).

* See Using Regedit.exe below if you need help exporting registry keys.

Restore

The following is suggested:

  1. Uninstall UpdateEXPERT using "Add/Remove Programs"

  2. Make sure the Installation Directories (2-4 above) are deleted or at least empty of files.

  3. Install prior version of UpdateEXPERT. Stop the UEAgent service.

  4. Overwrite directory files with your backed up files (2-5 above), this will restore the patch database, restore downloaded patches, custom fixes, and any application updates.

  5. Restore Leaf Agent and Agent Settings data using AgentUtil.exe, then Master-Agent key, & Console key Registry information.

  6. Start the UEAgent service and Launch UpdateEXPERT

* When done, the Network-Tree, Groups, Profiles, Display Options, Report Options, Required Updates, and Custom Fixes should be present.

Suggested Migration Steps

Note: Migration is very similar to backup, but a little more granular.

On the Existing Machine

  1. On the current machine, share the %SYSTEMROOT%\UEAgent\Download directory. If you have customized your category view (View -> Options -> Categories), you may want to copy the following file to the download directory, so that you can easily migrate it. Also, if you have any MLF files, you may migrate those as well.

    C:\Documents and Settings\"username"\Application Data\UpdateEXPERT\UpdateEXPERT.dat

  2. Use AgentUtil.exe (as explained in the How do I use AgentUtil.exe) to backup items (1) and (2) above, writing the *.uea file to the download directory above. AgentUtil.exe also backs up "required updates" data.

  3. Use Regedit.exe (as explained below) to save customfix (5), network tree (6), and console (7) registry data to *.reg files in the download directory. You should end up with a download directory that looks similar to below. "master.uea" is the output file from AgentUtil.exe, customfix.reg is custom fix data, UEActor.reg is the "network tree" information which includes groups and profiles.

On the New Machine

  1. Install UpdateEXPERT on the new Master-Agent machine. Do not launch UpdateEXPERT, do not update the database yet.

  2. On the new machine, map the share, and copy all the existing hex-name patch files (3) to the new download location. They WILL be recognized as "downloaded" later when you launch UpdateEXPERT, you'll see "blue diskettes". Also copy the "CustomFix" folder (4) to retain all your custom fix files. Do NOT copy the "Application" folder.

  3. Run AgentUtil.exe (just go up one directory) to restore Agent Settings, Leaf, and Required Updates information. Note: Leafs will be notified who the new Master-Agent is.

  4. Run the *.reg files to restore network tree, customfix, and possibly console-settings data, in that order.

  5. Launch UpdateEXPERT, Go to "File | Agent | Settings, Internet Tab". If your old proxy settings are still correct, update your database. When that is done, enumerate your network, reset your alternate credentials, and check for leafs, groups, profiles, required updates, custom fixes etc.

Using Regedit.exe

HKLM = HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE

HKCU = HKEY_CURRENT_USER

The Master-Agent root key is HKLM/Software/St. Bernard Software/UpdateEXPERT/6.0/UEAgent.

The Console root key is HKCU/Software/St. Bernard Software/UpdateEXPERT

The "Registry" pull down menu will allow the exporting/importing of keys.

An export of data doesn't put the existing Master at risk since an export copies data, but leaves the original data intact. The import of data is going into a machine that isn't operational yet.

Below, the specific keys to be exported are shown. While not required, we recommend that a Master-Agent machine be dedicated to patch management only, and that it not be performing server duties for other business functions.

Enumeration, Query, Validation, Deployment Status, Group and Profile Data

These are all part of the "UEActor.UEEActor" key. "Tree" defines objects in the network pane. "LinkedItems" contains machine-specific details. The contents of both are cross-linked. Suggestion: Export key with name "UEActor".

Custom Fix Definitions

You need to transfer your custom fix definitions (these are listed in the custom fix view). These definitions have a hex id under the CustomFix key. Suggestion: Export key with name "CustomFixes".

Console Settings

You might want to transfer your console settings. Optionally, you can just reset them. Suggestion: Export with name "ConsoleSettings".