Overview

You want to move out the current installation of GFI LanGuard to a new machine and retain previous configuration settings.

Solution

Migration Scenarios

GFI LanGuard Migration process is straightforward - install LanGuard on the new server and transfer the configuration. The best option is to have the systems on the same version of the GFI LanGuard console (installed in both environments). If this is your scenario, go directly to the Migration Process Steps section.

A more complex scenario is when you have an older LanGuard build and would like to migrate it to a new server with the latest LanGuard build, i.e., combine the Migration process with an Upgrade. For such a scenario, there are two options; choose the one you are more comfortable with:

• installing an older version on the new server, transferring the settings, and then performing an in-place upgrade to the latest LanGuard version
• upgrading the old server first, installing the latest LanGuard version on the new server, and transferring the settings

Please, refer to the Upgrading GFI LanGuard article to perform an Upgrade step (if you need one) from your scenario, and the Migration Process is described below.

Migration Process Steps

1. Open the GFI LanGuard console and go to File > Import and Export Configuration to export the configurations. For more information, refer to the Importing and Exporting GFI LanGuard Settings article. 

2. Download the LanGuard version based on your Migration Scenario, prepare your License, take note of service account details, and Install GFI LanGuard on the new machine.

   It is strongly recommended to disable any antivirus or scanning programs when installing LanGuard.

3. On the new GFI LanGuard instance, verify antivirus exclusions in the real-time protection engines.

4. Copy the Installation ID file from the old instance to the new installation, replacing it: C:\Program Files (x86)\GFI\Languard 12 Agent\crmiini.xml

   This is important - the Installation ID is referenced in the database backend queries.

5. Connect the GFI LanGuard to the same SQL Server backend. If the SQL database is on the original installation and you want to move it to the new installation as well, you might need to install MS SQL Server on the new installation and move the existing database to the new server (make sure the new SQL Server version is the same or newer).

   The SQL backend database contains most of the configuration information, including custom attributes, agent/computer details and settings.

6. In the console of the new installation of the GFI LanGuard, import the previously backed up/exported configuration file.

If you intend to use the Repository present on the old GFI LanGuard instance, it may be necessary to copy the Repository directory to the new instance. To check the configured Repository path, open the GFI LanGuard console and go to Configuration -> Software Updates -> Patch Auto-Download -> click on Here link -> click Patch Repository tab.

Testing

Launch the GFI LanGuard console, verify whether Dashboard, Computer Tree, and the Configuration tabs contain the information you expect, check random Agent properties, run a quick manual scan.

Related Article

• Backing Up GFI LanGuard