Upgrading from version 2012

This topic describes how to upgrade a GFI MailEssentials 2012 installation to the latest version while retaining all settings.

Important notes before upgrading

  • A direct upgrade from GFI MailEssentials 2012 to the latest version is not possible. To overcome this limitation, you can first upgrade GFI MailEssentials from version 2012 to version 2014. After that, upgrade from version 2014 to the latest version.
  • Ensure your server meets the system requirements.
  • Upgrade is not reversible; you cannot downgrade to the previous version after upgrading.
  • Export the GFI MailEssentials settings before upgrade. This backup may be useful in case the upgrade fails. For more information refer to Exporting and importing settings manually.

  • Save any pending work and close all open applications on the machine before starting the upgrade.
  • Log on to your current GFI MailEssentials server as an Administrator or using an account with administrative privileges.

Upgrade procedure

  1. Download the GFI MailEssentials 2014 installer on the server where GFI MailEssentials is currently installed. The 32-bit installer is available from http://cdndl.gfi.com/mailessentials2014.exe, while the 64-bit version can be downloaded from http://cdndl.gfi.com/mailessentials2014_x64.exe
  2. Right-click the newly downloaded installer and choose Properties. From the General tab, click Unblock and then Apply. This step is required to prevent the operating system from blocking certain actions by the installer.
  3. Launch the installer.
  4. Follow the wizard steps to start the upgrade installation. The new version of GFI MailEssentials is automatically installed in the same directory as the previously installed version.
  5. If GFI MailEssentials is installed on a server that also includes Microsoft® Exchange, the Post Installation wizard displays the list of Microsoft® Exchange server roles detected and the GFI MailEssentials components required. Click Next to install the required components and complete the wizard.
  6. When the upgrade from version 2012 to version 2014 is complete, you can proceed to upgrade version 2014 to the latest version. For more information refer to Upgrading from version 2014.
  1. On upgrade completion, test mail flow and mail filtering.