Upgrading/Replacing Hardware on Linux and Solaris

The following sections provide information about manually upgrading or replacing hardware on Linux or Solaris systems. For naming purposes, the old server is referred to as Server A and its replacement or the new server is referred to as Server B.

To prepare for the upgrade, you will need to make a backup of the Directory Information Base (dib). Because other servers in the eDirectory tree expect the server to come back online quickly, you should complete the upgrade promptly and restore eDirectory information on the server as soon as possible.

Preparing for a Hardware Change on Linux or Solaris

Use the following checklist to determine if you are ready to start this procedure:

• Ensure that the tree on Server A is healthy by running the ndsrepair utility on the server that holds the master of the Tree partition. Also ensure that the time is synchronized.
• Run the ndsrepair utility on the database of Server A. Ensure that the tree is in good health and the server A is synchronized completely.
• Make a backup of the server dib. Complete the following steps to make a backup of all eDirectory related files:
  • Stop the eDirectory daemon on Server A.
  • Make a backup of the /var/nds directory.
  • Make a backup of /etc/nds.conf, /etc/nsswitch.conf, and /etc/pam.conf.

• Bring up Server B, and copy the above files to an appropriate location.
• Start the eDirectory daemon and run the ndstrace utility to ensure that the server is communicating with other eDirectory servers in the replica ring.
• Run the ndswskey utility if Single Sign-on (SSO) was installed.

Creating a Backup of eDirectory on Linux or Solaris

Although there is no utility available to back up all eDirectory-related data on Linux or Solaris systems, you can use the ndsbackup utility to make a backup of the database. For more information, see Using Backup and Restore Services on Linux or Solaris. Before upgrading hardware or changing system configuration, tar the following files and directories.

• The /var/nds directory
• The /etc/nds.conf file
• The /etc/nsswitch.conf and /etc/pam.conf files, if the Account Management component is installed

Restoring eDirectory Information after a Hardware Upgrade on Linux or Solaris

If Server B does not function properly, and you need to make Server A functional immediately, complete the following:

1. Unplug Server B's network cable or down the server.

2. Re-attach Server A to the network and start it.

3. Remove eDirectory from Server B and try the upgrade again.