Vault 5 to Vault Workgroup 2012

[r.smith1]

I recently had a support case come in that I would like to share with the community:

I need a documented procedure explaining how to migrate my existing Vault 5 database and filestore into Vault Workgroup 2012.

[r.smith1 · Accepted solution]

First, we strongly recommend testing the below process on a test server and getting your reseller involved to assist with this upgrade as it will be a long detailed process.  We recommend that you do not attempt this upgrade on your live data on your production server.

Second, we recommend full understanding of the Readme's before proceeding.
http://crackingthevault.typepad.com/crackingthevault/useful-links.html

Third, before beginning this upgrade process, lock out your users from Vault so they cannot check in or out any data while the upgrade process is on going.  They will have to work locally until you get this process completed.

If not using SQL 2005 or SQL 2005 Express, Migrate to SQL 2005 or SQL 2005 Express as outlined in the Advanced configuration guide for Vault 5. http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=7980615&linkID=9261341
Carefully note the service pack level for SQL 2005 with Vault 5 readme currently installed on your

Vault Manager 5 Server.
On current Vault server fully patch Vault 5 and allow databases to update if not already done.
Detach standard Content Center Libraries.
Backup Vault 5.
 
On New/Test server:
Copy the Vault back up to server.
Install SQL 2005 Service pack 1 per advanced configuration guide steps to create the AutodeskVault SQL Instance.
Install Vault server 2009.
Do not install Standard Content Content Cetner libraries for 2009.
Fully patch Vault server 2009 with Autodesk Vault Service Packs and hotfixes before launching ADMS Console
Restore Backup from Vault 5
Allow migration to occur.
Migrate any custom content center databases from Vault 5 to Vault 2009
Back up Vault 2009 after migration takes place

Install SQL 2005 SP2 and 3 (Note:  DO NOT install SQL 2008 at this point unless you plan to manually uninstall Vault 2009 and SQL 2005 then install SQL 2008 and Vault 2011 then restore your Vault 2009 backup).
In place upgrade Vault 2009 to 2011.
Fully patch Vault 2011 with Vault 2011 Service packs and hotfixes prior to launching ADMS Console
Open ADMS Console
Allow migration of all databases to occur.
Migrate Custom Content Center Libraries.
Back up Vault 2011.
Migrate SQL 2005 to SQL 2008 (Per Vault 2011 Advanced configuration Guide http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/ps/dl/item?siteID=123112&id=15733290&linkID=9261341 )
Apply SQL 2008 Service pack 1 and 2 the AutodeskVault SQL instance.
Back up Vault 2011 once more.

In place upgrade Vault 2011 to Vault Workgroup 2012.
Fully patch Vault ADMS 2012 prior to launching ADMS Console
Open ADMS console
Allow vaults to migrate to 2012.
Install 2012 standard Content Center databases.
Migrate Custom Content Center Database to 2012.
Back up Vault 2012.

Configure your license manager for Vault Workgroup 2012.  You must get a license file for Vault Workgroup client to function.

Test.
Test.
Test.
Read the readmes for important changes in product from Vault 5 to 2012, there are a lot of changes in the product, especially migrating from Vault 5 to Vault Workgroup 2012.  The product functions differently in 2012 from what you may be used to in Vault 5.

HelpWiki:
http://wikihelp.autodesk.com/Vault/enu/Community

Discussion Group
http://forums.autodesk.com/

Once you have successfully migrated the databases from Vault 5 to 2012 workgroup, and you are astisfied the test server is functional, you may want to have your users use the test server as production while you ramp up the production server.  If you are switching servers from an old server  to new one, then you may not have to do anymore work.

If there is a failure during migration, you have the old production Vault 5 server still in place for the users to continue working.  We strongly recommend you not taking this server completely off-line, just limiting the user access to it so they cannot access Vault during migration.

If your users are functional and working on the test server hosting 2012, and you intend to upgrade the server that is currently hosting vault 5 you will then remove the version of SQL and Vault 5 from that server, install SQL 2008 SP2 or SQL 2008R2 SP0 to your old production server, install Vault Workgroup 2012 and apply Vault Workgroup 2012 Service pack 1.   Move the back up from your functional migrated test server to your production server, then run the restore process.  Test to ensure full access to data.

This process has been documented over several years for upgrade.  You are migrating several releases of software in one jump.  You may have CAD file format issues upon opening in the 2012 release of CAD product that you will need to address.  Property mapping has changed significantly since Vault 5, File reference tools have changed substantially since Vault 5, Search commands are different, and you are also adding in the workgroup product with file level lifecycle changes.  All of these things should be fully tested before you remove your users from their current working and functional vault to ensure there is no downtime.

I hope this information is useful and I have provided enough detail for you to migrate from Vault 5 to 2012 successfully.