Upgrade requirements

Have your software license file (.lic) ready.
- Service pack upgrade: During the installation of the management server, the wizard may ask you to specify the location of the software license file. You can use both the software license file you got after your purchase of your system (or latest upgrade) and the activated software license file you got after your last license activation.
- Version upgrade: After you purchased the new version, you receive a new software license file. During the installation of the management server, the wizard asks you to specify the location of the new software license file.
The system verifies the software license file before you can continue. Already added hardware devices and other devices, which require licenses go into a grace period. If you have not enabled automatic license activation, remember to activate your licenses manually before the grace period expires. If you do not have your software license file, contact your XProtect reseller.
Have your new product version software ready. You can download it from the download page on the Milestone website.
Make sure that you have backed up your system configuration.
The management server stores your system's configuration in a database. The system configuration database can be stored in two different ways:
1. In a SQL Server Express Edition database on the management server itself.
2. In a database on an existing SQL Server on your network.
If using 2), you must have Administrator rights on the SQL Server whenever you want to create, move or upgrade the management server's system configuration database on the SQL Server. Once you are done creating, moving or updating, it is sufficient to be the database owner of the management server's system configuration database on the SQL Server.

When you are ready to start the upgrade, follow the procedures in Upgrade best practices.