This article describes how to upgrade to the latest version of BPA Platform.
IMPORTANT: Due to the number of new features in BPA Platform 2020 Update 1, if upgrading from version 4.6 you must upgrade your BPA Platform server instance first before attempting to upgrade any remote clients or agents. This reduces interruption to any runtime activity and the communication between server and remote client or agent.
Prior to version 4.6, all remote agents must be upgraded first.
A single upgrade "jump" is not possible from version 4.1 to 2024; the upgrade must be completed in stages. Because of this, you can use this article when upgrading from any version to the latest — ensure you start the procedure from the version you are currently running.
Note: For the 2018 release, we rebranded “TaskCentre” as “BPA Platform”. This article refers to BPA Platform for all versions but note that you may still be running a TaskCentre version.
The supported upgrade path is as follows:
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TaskCentre 4.1 (Build 300) to 4.5 SR4 (Build 1065)
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TaskCentre 4.5 SR4 to 4.6 (Build 1944)
From this point on, the order of upgrading BPA Platform components is different but the upgrade path must be adhered to:
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TaskCentre 4.6 to BPA Platform 2018 (Build 4031) — Note that the same procedure applies when upgrading from 4.7 to 2018
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BPA Platform 2018 (Build 4031) to 2020 (Build 6333) — Note that the same procedure applies when upgrading from 2018 Update 1 to 2020
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BPA Platform 2021 (Build 6618) or higher to 2024 (Build 8750)
NOTE: The minimum supported operating system is Windows Server 2008 SP2 (64-bit edition) — see System Requirements. If you are using an unsupported operating system, you must upgrade this first before continuing.
Upgrade Considerations
Note the following before performing the upgrade:
Anti-Virus Considerations
If you find your upgrade does not progress beyond the “Begin execution” stage, it may be that your anti-virus software is preventing the Installation Console from writing to the hard drive. In such cases, it is recommended you disable your anti-virus scanner or any security software during the upgrade time.
BPA Platform Services Considerations
As part of the upgrade process, all BPA Platform services are re-registered — this also changes the user the services run under back to Local System. If, for previous versions, you had BPA Platform services running under a different user, you must go into Windows Server Administration and change them back to the required user.
Be aware that from version 2020 onwards, service names are encapsulated in quotes for new installations; upgraded systems honour the previous configuration of no encapsulation. To make use of this feature, you must perform a “manual” upgrade:
If your current set of BPA Platform log files are substantial, you should be aware the next maintenance run may take a long time to complete — depending on machine performance, this may process at a rate of 4 GB per hour. You can avoid this delay by truncating the logs — if you are unsure how to carry this out, contact our Support Desk, your account manager, or business partner.
Upgrading from BPA Platform 2018 Update 1 Hotfix KB46432
If upgrading from BPA Platform 2018 Update 1 Hotfix KB46432, be aware that some BPA Platform services may require a manual restart once the upgrade has completed. Go to Control Panel > Administrative Tools > Services and check those services that start with BPA Platform.
Upgrading Remote Clients to BPA Platform 2020 Update 1
Due to the number of new features in this release, you can no longer use a client running BPA Platform 2020 Update 1 or higher to access a BPA Platform server running a lower version. Ensure all instances of BPA Platform (server, client, Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent, Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent, and Workflow components) are upgraded to the same version to make use of all available features.
Pre-Upgrade Preparation
It is recommended you perform the following before starting the upgrade, no matter what version you are upgrading from:
Disable All Tasks
If you have a fairly small number of tasks on your BPA Platform server, disable each one. This prevents them from running before the configuration has been checked post-upgrade which may cause task failures. This is the recommended procedure to follow.
If you have a large number of tasks, disable the BPA Platform Schedule Agent service. This is the service responsible for executing tasks; disabling this ensures tasks will not fire until you re-enable this service.
Backup the BPA Platform Store
If your BPA Platform installation makes use of an internal store, make a copy of the c:\iwdb folder (note that a custom location may have been specified at installation time; refer to the Server > Store > Internal Store Location node in the Configurator.
If your BPA Platform installation makes use of a SQL Server-hosted store, a backup is not required as this database should be included in your database administrator's backup routine.
Backup any Separately Installed BPA Platform Data Connector Tools
It is recommended you take a backup of any configuration you have for separately installed Data Connector tools (typically, those developed using the BPA Platform Tool SDK).
If running an older version of the Data Connector tool, bear in mind that these may require upgrading after you have completed upgrading BPA Platform. For a detailed description of the supported tools, refer to our Supported Tools Matrix.
Windows Updates
Pending Windows updates can delay the upgrade. Consider rebooting your BPA Platform computer first to ensure any postponed Windows updates are completed before starting the upgrade process.
Close All Instances of the BPA Platform Client
The installation process cannot continue while a BPA Platform client is open and logged into the server. Ensure you close all instances, both local and remote, before starting the upgrade.
Required Software
Contact our Support department or your account manager or business partner for a copy of the following releases (these are available by request only):
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TaskCentre 4.5 SR4 (Build 1065)
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TaskCentre 4.6 (Build 1944)
Download copies of the following software (note that a Codeless Platforms account is required to access these pages):
Ensure you extract all zip files to a folder on the BPA Platform server.
TIP: Consider extracting the zip files to a portable device as you must also upgrade remote agents and clients. It is not recommended you extract the files to a shared network location — any network lag may cause the upgrade process to time out.
Upgrading from Version 4.1 to 4.6
This section describes how to upgrade all aspects of your BPA Platform installation to version 4.6 from version 4.1.
Due to a change in the agent architecture in version 4.6, when upgrading from version 4.5 SR4 and 4.6, you must upgrade the Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent first. Because of this, we recommend performing this part of the upgrade in the following sequence:
TIP: Any agents installed locally on the BPA Platform server are upgraded at the same time as the server; if your installation only makes use of local agents, this stage can be skipped — go to Upgrading the BPA Platform Server.
Due to a change in the agent architecture in version 4.6, you must upgrade the Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent first. Although the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent (formerly the SMTP Agent) and the Workflow Job Trigger Agent (formerly the Workflow Job Agent) can be upgraded after the server, it is recommended you upgrade these now.
Are you running a version between TaskCentre 4.1 and 4.5 SR4?
Upgrading the Remote Agents to TaskCentre 4.5 SR4
Run the setup.exe for TaskCentre 4.5 SR4 from the computer hosting the remote agents
Click Yes to confirm the upgrade.
Accept all the default settings.
When prompted for which features to install, ensure the relevant agents are selected along with the client, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
Continue with the upgrade.
When completed, do not launch the Configurator; exit the installation wizard completely.
Are you running a version between TaskCentre 4.5 SR4 and 4.6?
Upgrading the Remote Agents to TaskCentre 4.6
Run the setup.exe for TaskCentre 4.6 from the computer hosting the remote agents
Click Yes to confirm the upgrade.
Accept all the default settings.
When prompted for which features to install, ensure the relevant agents are selected along with the client, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
Continue with the upgrade.
When completed, do not launch the Configurator; exit the installation wizard completely.
Remote Agents Upgrade to 4.6 Complete
Go to the Next Stage
At this point, you must upgrade the BPA Platform server to version 4.6 before continuing with the remote agents upgrade.
Upgrading the BPA Platform Server
TIP: All BPA Platform components found on the server are upgraded at the same time to avoid crucial agents being out of sync.
Are you running a version between TaskCentre 4.1 and 4.5 SR4?
Upgrading the BPA Platform Server to TaskCentre 4.5 SR4
Run the setup.exe for TaskCentre 4.5 SR4 from the computer hosting the server
Click Yes to confirm the upgrade.
Accept all the default settings.
When prompted for which features to install, ensure the relevant local agents are selected along with the server and client, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
Continue with the upgrade.
When completed, do not launch the Configurator; exit the installation wizard completely.
Are you running a version between TaskCentre 4.5 SR4 and 4.6?
Upgrading the BPA Platform Server to TaskCentre 4.6
Run the setup.exe for TaskCentre 4.6 from the computer hosting the server
Click Yes to confirm the upgrade.
Accept all the default settings.
When prompted for which features to install, ensure the relevant local agents are selected along with the server and client, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
Continue with the upgrade.
When completed, do not launch the Configurator; exit the installation wizard completely.
Server Upgrade Complete
Go to the Next Stage
At this point, you must upgrade any remote BPA Platform clients to version 4.6 before continuing.
Upgrading Remote Clients
TIP: The BPA Platform client installed locally on the BPA Platform server is upgraded at the same time as the server; if your installation only makes use of the local client, this stage can be skipped.
Are you running a version between TaskCentre 4.1 and 4.5 SR4?
Upgrading the Remote BPA Platform Clients to TaskCentre 4.5 SR4
Run the setup.exe for TaskCentre 4.5 SR4 from the computer hosting the remote clients
Click Yes to confirm the upgrade.
Accept all the default settings.
When prompted for which features to install, ensure the client is selected, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
Continue with the upgrade.
When completed, do not launch the Configurator; exit the installation wizard completely.
Are you running a version between TaskCentre 4.5 SR4 and 4.6?
Upgrading the Remote BPA Platform Clients to TaskCentre 4.6
Run the setup.exe for TaskCentre 4.6 from the computer hosting the remote clients
Click Yes to confirm the upgrade.
Accept all the default settings.
When prompted for which features to install, ensure the client is selected, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
Continue with the upgrade.
When completed, do not launch the Configurator; exit the installation wizard completely.
Upgrade to Version 4.6 Complete!
Go to the Next Stage
You have now completed the upgrade to version 4.6.
Upgrading from Version 4.6 to 2024
This section describes how to upgrade all aspects of your BPA Platform installation to version 2024 from version 4.6.
Due to the number of new features introduced in BPA Platform 2020 Update 1, when upgrading from version 4.6 you must upgrade your BPA Platform server instance first before attempting to upgrade any remote clients or agents. This reduces interruption to any runtime activity and the communication between server and remote client or agent.
Because of this, we recommend performing this part of the upgrade in the following sequence:
Upgrade the remote Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent and any other remote agents (Email Trigger (SMTP) and Workflow Job Trigger) — go to Upgrading Remote Agents
TIP: All BPA Platform components found on the server are upgraded at the same time to avoid crucial agents being out of sync.
Are you running a version between TaskCentre 4.6 and BPA Platform 2018?
Upgrading the BPA Platform Server to BPA Platform 2018
Run the setup.exe for BPA Platform 2018 from the computer hosting the server
Click Yes to confirm the upgrade.
Accept all the default settings.
When prompted for which features to install, ensure the relevant local agents are selected along with the server and client, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
Continue with the upgrade.
When completed, do not launch the Configurator; exit the installation wizard completely.
Do you want to upgrade to BPA Platform 2020?
Upgrading the BPA Platform Server to BPA Platform 2020
Run the self-setup.exe for BPA Platform 2020 from the computer hosting the server
Run self-setup.exe to launch the Installation Console.
As part of the initial launch process, required installation files are extracted to C:\Windows\Installer. You must ensure this folder is not deleted as the Installation Console requires these files for any further installations, upgrades, or component un-installs.
The Installation Console automatically detects which features and previous versions are installed, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
You cannot change the destination folder for the upgraded components. By default, they are installed to the previous version's folder.
Click Upgrade for any one of the available components to start the upgrade process when preferred.
You can either click Yes to upgrade all components now, or click No to upgrade later.
Note: Upgrading each individual component separately is not available. All detected BPA Platform components residing on the same computer are upgraded at the same time.
If upgrading the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent and Workflow Components, Internet Information Services (IIS) may require a restart. If you don’t want IIS to restart during the upgrade, click No to end the process; else click Yes to continue.
Click Accept to accept the terms of agreement and continue, or Cancel to decline and abort the upgrade.
The upgrade process begins. The Installation Console displays progress at the bottom of the console.
When complete, click Launch to start the Configurator and check all connection details to the BPA Platform server persist.
Do you want to upgrade to BPA Platform2024?
Upgrading the BPA Platform Server to BPA Platform2024
Run the self-setup.exe for BPA Platform2024 from the computer hosting the server
Run self-setup.exe to launch the Installation Console.
As part of the initial launch process, required installation files are extracted to C:\Windows\Installer. You must ensure this folder is not deleted as the Installation Console requires these files for any further installations, upgrades, or component un-installs.
The Installation Console automatically detects which features and previous versions are installed, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
You cannot change the destination folder for the upgraded components. By default, they are installed to the previous version's folder.
Click Upgrade for any one of the available components to start the upgrade process when preferred.
You can either click Yes to upgrade all components now, or click No to upgrade later.
Note: Upgrading each individual component separately is not available. All detected BPA Platform components residing on the same computer are upgraded at the same time.
If upgrading the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent and Workflow Components, Internet Information Services (IIS) may require a restart. If you do not want IIS to restart during the upgrade, click No to end the process; else click Yes to continue.
Click Accept to accept the terms of agreement and continue, or Cancel to decline and abort the upgrade.
The upgrade process begins. The Installation Console displays progress at the bottom of the console.
When complete, click Launch to start the Configurator and check all connection details to the BPA Platform server persist.
Server Upgrade Complete
Go to the Next Stage
Once the server has been upgraded to BPA Platform2024, you must upgrade any remote BPA Platform agents — see below.
Upgrading Remote Agents
TIP: Any agents installed locally on the BPA Platform server are upgraded at the same time as the server; if your installation only makes use of local agents, this stage can be skipped — go to Upgrading the BPA Platform Server.
Due to a change in the agent architecture in version 4.6, you must upgrade the Microsoft SQL Server Trigger Agent first. Although the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent (formerly the SMTP Agent) and the Workflow Job Trigger Agent (formerly the Workflow Job Agent) can be upgraded after the server, it is recommended you upgrade these now.
Are you running a version between TaskCentre 4.6 and BPA Platform 2018?
Upgrading the Remote Agents to BPA Platform 2018
Run the setup.exe for BPA Platform 2018 from the computer hosting the remote agents
Click Yes to confirm the upgrade.
Accept all the default settings.
When prompted for which features to install, ensure the relevant agents are selected along with the client, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
Continue with the upgrade.
When completed, do not launch the Configurator; exit the installation wizard completely.
Do you want to upgrade to BPA Platform 2020?
Upgrading the Remote Agents to BPA Platform 2020
Run the self-setup.exe for BPA Platform 2020 from the computer hosting the remote agents
Run self-setup.exe to launch the Installation Console.
As part of the initial launch process, required installation files are extracted to C:\Windows\Installer. You must ensure this folder is not deleted as the Installation Console requires these files for any further installations, upgrades, or component un-installs.
The Installation Console automatically detects which features and previous versions are installed, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
You cannot change the destination folder for the upgraded components. By default, they are installed to the previous version's folder.
Click Upgrade for any one of the available components to start the upgrade process when preferred.
You can either click Yes to upgrade all components now, or click No to upgrade later.
Note: Upgrading each individual component separately is not available. All detected BPA Platform components residing on the same computer are upgraded at the same time.
If upgrading the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent and Workflow Components, Internet Information Services (IIS) may require a restart. If you don’t want IIS to restart during the upgrade, click No to end the process; else click Yes to continue.
The upgrade process begins. The Installation Console displays progress at the bottom of the console.
When complete, click Launch to start the Configurator and check all connection details to the BPA Platform server persist.
Repeat the above procedure for other remote agents you have installed. This ensures communication to the BPA Platform server and allows use of all new features available in this release.
Do you want to upgrade to BPA Platform2024?
Upgrading the Remote Agents to BPA Platform2024
Run the self-setup.exe for BPA Platform2024 from the computer hosting the remote agents
Run self-setup.exe to launch the Installation Console.
As part of the initial launch process, required installation files are extracted to C:\Windows\Installer. You must ensure this folder is not deleted as the Installation Console requires these files for any further installations, upgrades, or component un-installs.
The Installation Console automatically detects which features and previous versions are installed, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
You cannot change the destination folder for the upgraded components. By default, they are installed to the previous version's folder.
Click Upgrade for any one of the available components to start the upgrade process when preferred.
You can either click Yes to upgrade all components now, or click No to upgrade later.
Note: Upgrading each individual component separately is not available. All detected BPA Platform components residing on the same computer are upgraded at the same time.
If upgrading the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent and Workflow Components, Internet Information Services (IIS) may require a restart. If you do not want IIS to restart during the upgrade, click No to end the process; else click Yes to continue.
The upgrade process begins. The Installation Console displays progress at the bottom of the console.
When complete, click Launch to start the Configurator and check all connection details to the BPA Platform server persist.
Repeat the above procedure for other remote agents you have installed. This ensures communication to the BPA Platform server and allows use of all new features available in this release.
Do you want to upgrade to BPA Platform2024?
Upgrading the Remote Agents to BPA Platform2024
Run the self-setup.exe for BPA Platform2024 from the computer hosting the remote agents
Run self-setup.exe to launch the Installation Console.
As part of the initial launch process, required installation files are extracted to C:\Windows\Installer. You must ensure this folder is not deleted as the Installation Console requires these files for any further installations, upgrades, or component un-installs.
The Installation Console automatically detects which features and previous versions are installed, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
You cannot change the destination folder for the upgraded components. By default, they are installed to the previous version's folder.
Click Upgrade for any one of the available components to start the upgrade process when preferred.
You can either click Yes to upgrade all components now, or click No to upgrade later.
Note: Upgrading each individual component separately is not available. All detected BPA Platform components residing on the same computer are upgraded at the same time.
If upgrading the Email Trigger (SMTP) Agent and Workflow Components, Internet Information Services (IIS) may require a restart. If you do not want IIS to restart during the upgrade, click No to end the process; else click Yes to continue.
The upgrade process begins. The Installation Console displays progress at the bottom of the console.
When complete, click Launch to start the Configurator and check all connection details to the BPA Platform server persist.
Repeat the above procedure for other remote agents you have installed. This ensures communication to the BPA Platform server and allows use of all new features available in this release.
Remote Agents Upgrade Complete
Go to the Next Stage
Once all remote agents are upgraded to BPA Platform2024, you must upgrade any remote BPA Platform clients — see below.
Upgrading Remote Clients
TIP: The BPA Platform client installed locally on the BPA Platform server is upgraded at the same time as the server; if your installation only makes use of the local client, this stage can be skipped.
Are you running a version between TaskCentre 4.6 and BPA Platform 2018?
Upgrading the Remote BPA Platform Clients to BPA Platform 2018
Run the setup.exe for BPA Platform 2018 from the computer hosting the remote clients
Click Yes to confirm the upgrade.
Accept all the default settings.
When prompted for which features to install, ensure the client is selected, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
Continue with the upgrade.
When completed, do not launch the Configurator; exit the installation wizard completely.
Do you want to upgrade to BPA Platform 2020?
Upgrading the Remote BPA Platform Clients to BPA Platform 2020
Run the self-setup.exe for BPA Platform 2020 from the computer hosting the remote clients
Run self-setup.exe to launch the Installation Console.
As part of the initial launch process, required installation files are extracted to C:\Windows\Installer. You must ensure this folder is not deleted as the Installation Console requires these files for any further installations, upgrades, or component un-installs.
The Installation Console automatically detects which features and previous versions are installed, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
You cannot change the destination folder for the upgraded components. By default, they are installed to the previous version's folder.
Click Upgrade for any one of the available components to start the upgrade process when preferred.
You can either click Yes to upgrade all components now, or click No to upgrade later.
The upgrade process begins. The Installation Console displays progress at the bottom of the console.
When complete, click Launch to start the Configurator and check all connection details to the BPA Platform server persist.
Repeat the above procedure for other remote clients you have installed. This ensures communication to the BPA Platform server and allows use of all new features available in this release.
Do you want to upgrade to BPA Platform2024?
Upgrading the Remote BPA Platform Clients to BPA Platform2024
Run the self-setup.exe for BPA Platform2024 from the computer hosting the remote clients
Run self-setup.exe to launch the Installation Console.
As part of the initial launch process, required installation files are extracted to C:\Windows\Installer. You must ensure this folder is not deleted as the Installation Console requires these files for any further installations, upgrades, or component un-installs.
The Installation Console automatically detects which features and previous versions are installed, for example:
Click the image to view full size.
You cannot change the destination folder for the upgraded components. By default, they are installed to the previous version's folder.
Click Upgrade for any one of the available components to start the upgrade process when preferred.
You can either click Yes to upgrade all components now, or click No to upgrade later.
The upgrade process begins. The Installation Console displays progress at the bottom of the console.
When complete, click Launch to start the Configurator and check all connection details to the BPA Platform server persist.
Repeat the above procedure for other remote clients you have installed. This ensures communication to the BPA Platform server and allows use of all new features available in this release.
Complete!
Go to the Next Stage
You have now completed the upgrade for the BPA Platform server, and any remote agents and clients. It is recommended you test your upgrade to ensure all communication is still valid.
Post-Upgrade Tasks
Note: As part of the upgrade process, all BPA Platform services are re-registered — this also changes the user the services run under back to Local System. If, for previous versions, you had BPA Platform services running under a different user, you must go into Windows Server Administration and change them back to the required user.
Testing BPA Platform2024
As with any change to your BPA Platform installation, you should verify that everything has been successful. The following tests are only recommendations and should not be taken as a full test plan:
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Launch the BPA Platform client and click (About). Ensure the version and build numbers are correct:
The Email Trigger (SMTP) tool triggers a task to run based on the contents of incoming or outgoing mail sent via an SMTP mail server. Agent, Microsoft SQL Server Trigger
(About). Ensure the version and build numbers are correct: