Upgrading from FaxMaker Version 2013/2014

Overview

This article describes how to upgrade a GFI FaxMaker 2013/2014 installation to the latest version while retaining all settings.

Information

Important Notes When Upgrading

• The upgrade 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.
  
  
• GFI FaxMaker 19.2 and later only support 64-bit installations. It is not possible to upgrade over a 32-bit instance, and a new installation in a supported environment is required. For more information, refer to Migrating GFI FaxMaker article.
  
  
• Backup the GFI FaxMaker configuration before the upgrade. The backup could be useful in reverting the configuration when the upgrade fails.
  
  
• Log in to the GFI Customer Area to get a new license key. Click the blue key icon on the right and select Upgrade License Key, or click Renewal to extend your maintenance agreement.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• 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.

• During the upgrade, GFI FaxMaker services and operations are stopped. Ensure that there are no faxes in the queue as these are permanently lost during the upgrade.
  
  
• Check that you are installing GFI FaxMaker on the machine that meets the system and hardware requirements.
  
  
• Log on as Administrator or use an account with administrative privileges.
  
  
• GFI FaxMaker 19.2 and later offers two types of licensing services:
  
  
  • Using the GFI Account credentials. The username and password are retrieved from GFI Accounts and assigned to the user at the moment of the registration of the account.
    
    
  • Using a license key. When upgrading to a new major release, you also need to upgrade your license key. 

• Save any pending work and close all open applications on the machine.
  
  
• Disable anti-virus software on the server machine during the upgrade. Re-enable it once the upgrade is complete.

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Upgrade Process

1. Once you ensure that the points mentioned above are being followed, then you can follow the normal FaxMaker installation process.
    
2. When the installation is complete, the setup automatically launches the GFI FaxMaker Configuration Wizard to restart the GFI FaxMaker services.

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Confirmation

• Go to the GFI FaxMaker Monitor and ensure that fax lines are present and initialized.
  
  
• Test the functionality of GFI FaxMaker by sending and receiving test fax. 

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