Overview

You may need to move FaxMaker from one server to another without losing its configuration settings in the process. This migration could be:

• From physical server to physical server.
• From a physical server to a virtual environment (VM) and vice-versa.

Also, when the FaxMaker server needs hardware or operating system upgrades, it may be necessary to move the installation to a new Windows Server and upgrade to the latest version when doing so.

Solution

Important information to consider before upgrading your software. 

• The process is not reversible, so you cannot downgrade to the last version.
• GFI FaxMaker 20 works with a subscription model, where after the subscription expires, the product stops sending faxes and SMS. A renewal of the subscription is required to resume the service.  See the post-license expiration grace period article for applicable grace periods when the subscription expires.  
  
• GFI FaxMaker 2015 introduces GFI Directory as a new user management system when Active Directory is not available. When upgrading over an installation without Active Directory, run the Configuration Wizard after the installation to automatically install and import all users to GFI Directory.  Installing FaxMaker in SMTP mode is no longer an option that is usable.  
• When upgrading over an installation that uses a Microsoft Access archive database, GFI FaxMaker migrates archive data to a Firebird database. When using a Microsoft^® SQL/MSDE database, GFI FaxMaker upgrades the database schema. These database changes are automatically done in the background separate from the installation. It is recommended to take a backup of the database before starting the upgrade. This backup may be useful to re-import the database if the upgrade fails.
• When upgrading to a new major release, you also need to upgrade your license key. 

There are two methods for migrating FaxMaker to another server.  Both methods require running the installer and following the installation article.  Both methods also require retaining the original configuration and your choice will depend on if any possible downtime is allowed and the version from which you are upgrading.

Method #1

Method 1 involves upgrading the server in place and moving the configuration files to the new server and installing them there.  This method is generally the least favored due to it requires upgrading a production server.  This could cause possible downtime if something were to go awry during the upgrade.  

At other times this method is mandatory.  When using Method 2, the current version is required to be installed on the new server.  For example, when version 17, released in 2014, is being used and you wish to upgrade to version 20 and migrate to a Windows Server 2016.  Version 17 does not support this server operating system version, and cannot be installed.  Therefore the use of method #1 is required and an in-place upgrade will have to be performed.

1. Upgrade the GFI FaxMaker to the latest version on the current server.  Please see the upgrading FaxMaker article for further instructions.  
2. Migrate GFI Directory (if applicable). Review the moving GFI Directory user list article. 
3. Copy the old configuration files. See the backup FaxMaker configuration article. 
4. Move configuration files. Copy the configuration files to the FaxMaker directory on the new server.  This directory will not yet exist so it will need to be created.  C:\Program Files (X86)\GFI\Faxmaker
5. Install GFI Faxmaker.  See the installing FaxMaker article. followed by the FaxMaker Configuration Wizard article. Note that the Configuration Wizard will pick up the existing configuration, so you just need to confirm that the information is correct.
6. Reconfigure mail server connectors.  
7. Update/verify feature settings.  These would be any setting to your specific installation in the FaxMaker Configuration.  Your routing rules or if there is a prefix set for each line, for example.  
8. Test the new faxing setup.  See Confirmation.  

Method #2

Many customers do not like to perform an upgrade on their production servers (as mentioned in method #1). Most prefer to move the existing data (FaxMaker folder) to the new server and install the currently running version of FaxMaker on the new server. 

Once the installation is complete on the new server, the customer will upgrade the GFI Faxmaker to the latest version, leaving the production server to operate without interruption. 

In such cases, follow the steps below to migrate FaxMaker.

1. Copy the old configuration files (FaxMaker folder) to the new server in this location C:\Program Files (X86)\GFI\Faxmaker and for the safety of data, copy it to a backup location as well.  See the backup FaxMaker configuration article. 
2. Migrate GFI Directory (if applicable).  Review the moving GFI Directory user list article. 
3. Install GFI FaxMaker, the same version that is on the production server.  See the installing FaxMaker article, followed by the FaxMaker Configuration Wizard article. Note that the Configuration Wizard will pick up the existing configuration, so you just need to confirm that the information is correct.
4. Upgrade the new server to the latest version of GFI Faxmaker.  Please see the upgrading FaxMaker article for further instructions.  
5. Reconfigure mail server connectors. 
6. Update/verify feature settings.  These would be any setting to your specific installation in the FaxMaker Configuration.  Your routing rules or if there is a prefix set for each line, for example.  
7. Test the new faxing setup. See Confirmation.  

Confirmation

Once the configuration is in place and the services have been restarted test using your normal sending method and monitor via the FaxMaker Monitor.

• Verify the FaxMaker services are running in the Services Console
  • Open the Windows Services Manager (services.msc) and ensure that the three GFI FaxMaker services are running.
    
    
  • If the services are not running, please verify the service account to ensure it has the correct permissions or the password has not expired.
• Go to the GFI FaxMaker Monitor and ensure that fax lines are present and initialized.
  
  
  • Select Start > Programs > GFI FaxMaker Web Interface
    
    
  • Login to the FaxMaker Web Interface
    
    
  • Select the Monitor tab and verify lines are in place and initialized.  
    
    
• Test the functionality of GFI FaxMaker by sending and receiving a test fax. 
  
  

If the FaxMaker Server service fails to start, please reinstall the same version (it will include uninstalling) on the server, which will make sure the services run under the right user and all the DLL files are registered properly.