In other words, do I have to upgrade from 4.2.4 to something like 4.3 and then 4.4 and then 4.5?  Thanks!

Usually you can upgrade directly to the version you want to run [4.5.6].

 

As always, check the release notes of the particular version you plan on using [ http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=6893.0 ]

 

Upgrade Instructions (Please Read Carefully)

============================================

 

If you are currently running unRAID Server 4.2-beta1 or higher (including 4.2.x 'final'), please copy the following files from the new release to the root of your Flash device:

   bzimage

   bzroot

 

If you are currently running unRAID server 4.0 or 4.1, please copy the following files from the new release to the root of your Flash device:

   bzimage

   bzroot

   syslinux.cfg

   menu.c32

   memtest

 

This can be done either by plugging the Flash into your PC or, by copying the files to the 'flash' share on your running server.  The server must then be rebooted.

 

If you are currently running unRAID Server 3.0-beta1 or higher, please follow these steps to upgrade:

 

1. Referring to the System Management Utility 'Main' page, make a note of each disks's model/serial number; you will need this information later.

 

2. Shut down your server, remove the Flash and plug it into your PC.

 

3. Right-click your Flash device listed under My Computer and select Properties.  Make sure the volume label is set to "UNRAID" (without the quotes) and click OK.  You do NOT need to format the Flash.

 

4. Copy the files from the new release to the root of your Flash device.

 

5. Right-click your Flash device listed under My Computer and select Eject.  Remove the Flash, install in your server and power-up.

 

6. After your server has booted up, the System Management Utility 'Main' page will probably show no devices; this is OK, navigate to the 'Devices' page. Using the model/serial number information gathered in step 1, assign each of your hard drives to the correct disk slot.

 

7. Go back to the 'Main' page and your devices should appear correctly.  You may now Start the array.

 

 

 

4.2.4 - that was a while ago!

 

You shouldn't have much trouble jumping directly to 4.5.6 or even 5.0 beta2.  There were a couple of updates I remember that caused changes in the way that unRAID named things.  And many users, me included, had to go to the devices page to get the right disks assigned to the right slots.  I think Tom mitigated these issues - but not 100% sure.  Its very easy even if you have to do that - just wanted you to be prepared.

 

The write performance has vastly improved since 4.2.4. 

 

Good luck with your update!

Thanks all!  After about 5 minutes of effort, I was successfully upgraded to 4.5.6 and wondering "why did I put this off for so long!".  Anyway, it all looks good so far and I can access everything so I am happy.  I am getting ready to add another disk which in the past took forever so I am interested to see how the upgrade impacts the clearing/formatting portion.

Thanks all!  After about 5 minutes of effort, I was successfully upgraded to 4.5.6 and wondering "why did I put this off for so long!".  Anyway, it all looks good so far and I can access everything so I am happy.  I am getting ready to add another disk which in the past took forever so I am interested to see how the upgrade impacts the clearing/formatting portion.

You can avoid the down-time involved in clearing a drive by pre-clearing it.  The new version of unRAID makes no improvement in clearing a drive prior to adding it ti the array.

 

See this thread to download the preclear_disk.sh script:

http://lime-technology.com/forum/index.php?topic=2817.0