Upgrading from GFI LanGuard 2015 or earlier
This topic describes how to upgrade a GFI LanGuard version 2015 or earlier installation to the latest version while retaining all settings.
The upgrade can be performed for the following versions:
- GFI LanGuard 2015
- GFI LanGuard 2014
- GFI LanGuard 2012
Important notes before upgrading
- Follow these notes and instructions to upgrade your current GFI LanGuard installation to the latest version while retaining all settings. The latest version of GFI LanGuard installs side-by-side to your current GFI LanGuard installation. After installing the latest version, the wizard prompts you to import settings from the previous version.
- Log in to the GFI Customer Area to get a new license key. Click the blue key icon on the right and select Upgrade License Key, or click Renewal to extend your maintenance agreement.
- Log in to the GFI Customer Area and get a new license key. If you forgot your GFI account credentials, click here.
- GFI LanGuard 12 introduces the Central Management Server. GFI LanGuard Central Management Server brings together the management of multiple GFI LanGuard instances through a common console, enabling you to manage many more devices. You can install this component on the local server while running the upgrade process. Install only one instance of the Central Management Server within your organization. Note that this component can be installed on any machine within the organization and has different system requirements than the product.
- Installation on Windows Server 2003, Windows Small Business Server 2003 or Windows XP are no longer supported. Install the latest version of GFI LanGuard on a supported OS and then import the settings from your current installation to the new instance. For more information refer to Importing and exporting GFI LanGuard settings.
- GFI LanGuard 12 does not support Microsoft SQL Server 2005 or earlier versions. If using an unsupported version it is recommended to install a supported version and move your current GFI LanGuard database to the new SQL server. Configure your current GFI LanGuard instance to use the new database and proceed to upgrade GFI LanGuard.
- GFI LanGuard 12 does not support Microsoft Access database. If using a Microsoft Access database, on running the upgrade, GFI LanGuard can be configured to use an existing SQL Server or SQL Express. Alternatively the wizard can install Microsoft SQL 2012 Express for free on the local server.
- Ensure your server meets the system requirements.
- Backup your current GFI LanGuard database and the GFI LanGuard Data directory which is typically available from:
C:\ProgramData\GFI\LanGuard <version>\ - Export the GFI LanGuard settings before upgrade. This backup may be useful in case the upgrade fails. For more information refer to Importing and exporting GFI LanGuard settings.
- Log on to your current GFI LanGuard server as an Administrator or use an account with administrative privileges.
- Save any pending work and close all open applications on the machine before starting the upgrade.
- Disable anti-virus software on the server machine during the upgrade installation. Re-enable it once upgrade is complete.
Upgrade procedure
- Click Download Upgrade above to download the latest build on the server where GFI LanGuard is currently installed.
- Download the latest build of GFI LanGuard on the server where GFI LanGuard is currently installed. Go to http://go.gfi.com/?pageid=lan_trial, click Login and key in your GFI Account credentials.
- 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.
- Launch the installer.
- In the components screen, select GFI LanGuard to install a local server instance. You may optionally select GFI LanGuard Central Management Server to install a central server instance. Install only one instance of the Central Management Server within your organization.
- After specifying your account's license key, the wizard prompts you to choose an existing Microsoft SQL Server or SQL Express. Alternatively click the option to install Microsoft SQL Express (free) on the local server. Follow the Microsoft SQL Express 2012 wizard.
- Follow the wizard steps to install the new version side-by-side to your old version.
- On launching GFI LanGuard the first time, you will be asked to import the configuration from the old instance. Choose the settings to import and click Next.
- On import completion, test your installation by running a scan to ensure GFI LanGuard installed successfully. When the operation of the new version is confirmed, you may proceed to uninstall the old version from Windows Programs and Features.