The procedure to directly upgrade Veeam Backup and Replication to version 9 is pretty simple but it requires at least version 7 patch 4 installed in the system.
New release introduces product enhancements and some new features like Scale-out Backup Repository, BitLooker and the Standalone console.
Prerequisites
To perform the upgrade you need three components:
- Veeam Backup Replication 7 patch 4 installed in the system to upgrade
- Veeam installation ISO file
- License for Veeam 9
Before proceeding with the upgrade, make sure you have a working backup of Veeam SQL database and configuration. If your Veeam Server runs in a VM, take a snapshot before upgrade.
Upgrade Backup Enterprise Manager
If your environment has Veeam Backup Enterprise Manager installed, you need to upgrade this component first. Stop all running jobs, mount the Veeam installation ISO file and run the installer.
From the installation wizard, click Backup Enterprise Manager option to upgrade this component.
Since the upgrade requires .NET Framework 4.5.2, the procedure will start installing this component. Click OK to proceed.
.NET Framework 4.5.2 is being installed.
Click Reboot to complete the installation.
Click Next when the installation wizard runs.
Accept the EULA then click Next.
The wizard detect a previous installed version. Click Next to continue.
Click Browse and select the license for version 9. Click Next to continue.
Select LOCAL SYSTEM account then click Next.
Select Use existing instance of SQL Server option and Browse the correct server. Click Next.
Click Yes to proceed with database upgrade.
Veeam Backup Enterprise Manager is being installed.
When the installation has completed successfully, click Finish to exit the wizard.
Upgrade Veeam Backup and Replication
Run the Veeam installer and click Backup & Replication option.
Click Next to start the installation wizard.
Accept the EULA then click Next.
The installation detects a previous version installed in the system. Click Next to continue.
Click Browse and select the license for version 9 then click Next.
Select LOCAL SYSTEM account option then click Next.
Select Use existing instance of SQL Server option and Browse the correct server. Click Next.
Click Yes to upgrade the database.
Click Install to proceed with the upgrade.
Veeam Backup & Replication is being installed in the system.
When the setup has finished installing the application, click Finish to exit the wizard.
Access the Veeam console by typing the server name or IP address, enable Use Windows session authentication option then click Connect.
The application starts.
First time you open Backup and Replication you need to update the installed Veeam components. Click Next to proceed.
The components are being updated.
When the update has been completed successfully, click Finish to close the window.
The new Veeam Backup and Replication layout after the update.
Install the standalone console
One feature introduced in the new release is the Standalone console that allows to manage Veeam Backup Server by separating the console from the backup server for installation on laptops and desktops, eliminating RDP sessions to a backup server.
Run the installer from your laptop or desktop and click Backup & Replication Console to start the installation.
Click Next to continue.
Accept the EULA then click Next.
Leave default folder then click Install.
The console is being installed.
When the installation has completed successfully, click Finish to exit the wizard.
Click Yes to restart the computer.
Open the standalone console just installed to shows Veeam main screen without opening an RDP session to a backup server.
The overall upgrade procedure took about 10 minutes keeping previously configured backup jobs. Due to the simplicity of the process, the help from external consultants should be very limited.
