Introduction

This article describes how to move your existing BPA Platform server installation from one computer to another.

Licensing Implications and Recommendations

When moving to a new server, it is recommended to avoid prolonged downtime that you use a test licence (additional charges apply) to complete the installation on the new server. Connections to external systems can be tested in a safe environment without affecting live data. When you're happy, the "live" licence can be imported to the new server and the previous installation decommissioned.

Prerequisites

Ensure the following prerequisites have been met on the new computer:

► Ensure the new computer has access to the same network resources as the original machine, for example:
■ File shares
■ Databases
■ Email, FTP, and other servers
► Recreate any System DSN data sources, for example, those used by automated Crystal Reports
► Make a note of any Agents and 3rd party data connectors installed
► Create a backup of your existing BPA Platform store — see How to Back Up the Store.

Moving the Store to the New Computer

It may be an idea to keep the original stores until you are satisfied the move-over is complete, including testing.

Moving an SQL Server Store

If you are using an SQL Server store, you can have the store located on a computer separate to BPA Platform. If only the BPA Platform installation is moving to a new computer whereas the store is remaining in its current location, this step can be skipped.

Note: The recommended configuration is to have BPA Platform and the SQL Server store located on the same computer to avoid any network lag or failure issues.

  1. Copy the SQL Server store's database file (.bak) to an accessible location.
  2. Using Microsoft SQL Server Management Studio, Restore the SQL Server store database.

Moving an Internal Store

If using an internal store, this must be located on the same computer as the BPA Platform installation. A network-distributed architecture is not supported.

  1. Create a new folder in a location accessible by BPA Platform.
  2. Copy the contents of the internal store's backup to the new folder.

Moving the BPA Platform Installation

The safest method of moving your BPA Platform instance is to do a re-installation:

  1. Download the BPA Platform 2024 installation from our Partner Area.
  2. Unzip the file to your preferred location on the BPA Platform computer.
  3. 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.

    BPA Platform Installation Console

    Click the image to view full size.

  4. (Optional) By default, all files are installed to C:\Program Files (x86)\Codeless Platforms\BPA Platform. To change the destination folder, click Modify and select the relevant folder.
  5. (Optional) By default, the Installation Console uses C:\iwtemp as a temporary folder during installation. To change the temporary folder, click Modify and select the relevant folder.
  6. Click Install for the Server & Client feature.

  7. Enter your BPA Platform product key and click Next.

    Note that the key is case-sensitive.

    If you do not have a product key, contact your account manager or business partner.

  8. Click Accept to confirm your acceptance of the End-User License Acceptance. The installation does not continue unless this is accepted.
  9. Click Yes to start the installation.

    Progress is displayed at the bottom of the console.

  1. When prompted, launch the ConfiguratorClosed You use the Configurator to install third-party software that may be required by available tools. Connection to required agents are also configured here. Note that you can only launch the Configurator if logged into the machine with Administrator rights..

Re-Connecting to the Store

By default, the Configurator opens to the Server > Store > Configuration node.

  1. If using an SQL Server store, enable Connect to / Create new Microsoft SQL Server store, else skip to step 2.
    1. Click Next.
    2. Enter the hostname or IP address of the computer hosting the SQL Server instance in SQL Server. If it's located on the same computer as this BPA Platform installation, enable Localhost instead.
    3. In Database, enter the name of the backed up store database.
    4. Enable the correct method of authentication as expected by the SQL Server instance and enter the credentials below, if required. For example:

      Configurator - SQL Store

    5. Click Next.
    6. As we are restoring an existing SQL Server store, we can ignore the settings on the next screen. Click Save to complete the connection.
    7. If prompted for a store password, enter the password for the BPA Platform Administrator account.
  2. If using an internal store, enable Connect to / Create new internal store, else skip to the next step.
    1. Click Next.
    2. Enable Change Database Location.
    3. Enter the folder path to the backed up store's location.
    4. Click Save to complete the connection.
    5. If prompted for a store password, enter the password for the BPA Platform Administrator account.
  3. Close the Configurator.

This completes the basic setup of the BPA Platform Server and Client. If any Agents or third-party data connectors are required, these can be installed and configured now. Existing global connections are saved in the store. When all are installed, it is recommended these are checked and, if available, the connection tested.