TL/DR Best way to move from old server to new server, with unsimilar hardware layout

 

I have a old server that I want to replace with new hardware. Got hold of new hardware this spring (HP gen10 server with HP SAS RAID), requested trial license to a new USB, and got it up and running. Only annoying part of it is SAS drives seem to not spin down. Can live with that. Using containers for Plex, Nextcloud and Deluge, plus some less important ones. No VMs, but a few plugins.

 

On new server with trial license, precleared 10 drives, formatted and got things accessible. Didn't configure parity. Moved 25TB data from old server with rsync to new drives. Tried to keep to old top folder structure on drives. (music/TV/Film in root) Then time was up, both on license and my available time (started move from apt to house, no time for messing with servers) Old user shares was spread across drives, have tried to keep them on single drives on new HW.

 

Today I'm still running old server, with changed data (after rsyncing) in Deluge DL folder and possibly Plex metadata and Nextcloud. Just updated old server to 6.12 (I believe that was what was installed on new server also, it's currently offline). Have installed Appdata Backup plugin, and made backups of my dockers. Planning to rsync the changes in Deluge and Nextcloud data folders before switching.

 

What is the right way to move my old flash (in the license) to the new server, without to much problems in getting up and running again. I have a flash backup by Appdata available, should I just save my key, wipe the flash and reinstall Unraid 6.latest on it, and start from fresh with my old key, restore appdata for my dockers, share selected folders and be on my way? Manually reinstall my plugins? Any suggestions, known pitfalls, convenient shortcuts?

 

Thanks in advance for any shared wisdom.

 

Lars Olof

You should setup new server and ensure it can completely replace the old one. Then copy the key file to new USB and confirm license transfer.

But unless I want start from scratch, I will copy the old USB to new one, then run in trial.

 

After restore all file to new server then transfer the license. I usually won't re-setup docker and VM due to lazy.

Edited August 23, 20241 yr by Vr2Io

Thank you, Vr, 

I was actually thinking I'd keep using the old USB (flash) to keep the licence unchanged. The USB isn't used much during Unraid operation, and should not have any wear or fatigue related issues, am I right? To follow your suggestion, I would first have to get a reputable flash drive for the new server, currently using some old unknown that was lying around at home.

 

Lars Olof

8 minutes ago, larson said:

should not have any wear or fatigue related issues, am I right?

Just periodic backup then you won't worry about that, my oldest stick use in day 1 with UR, 6+ yrs still in service.

Edited August 24, 20241 yr by Vr2Io