Master Guide: Patching Instructions for Test Data Manager (TDM)

Products

• CA Test Data Manager (Data Finder / Grid Tools)

Issue/Introduction

This document will outlines how to download patches from the TDM Support Patches page and apply patches for defects or enhancements for various TDM components

• Typically, when a defect is found in the product, we can provide a patch (test build version) for the component experiencing the issue. For certain enhancement requests, we will also supply a patch. We will ask that you apply and test these patches in your own environment to make sure the issue is resolved.
  
  
• We test all patches in our internal environments before providing them to customers, however, since these patches are not GA (General Availability) versions of the product, there is always a risk since they do not go through the rigorous testing, and regression testing that is normally completed with a GA release.
  
  
• We highly recommend taking a backup of your old version installation directories and any other important artifacts before applying a patch.
  
  
• If you are not comfortable applying a patch, you can always wait to upgrade to the next GA release.
  
  
• All previous defect fixes and enhancements are rolled into the next GA version. 

Environment

CA Test Data Manager (TDM) 

Resolution

Prerequisites for Applying TDM Patches

Before applying any patch, ensure you have met the following requirements to prevent service disruption or permanent data loss.

1. Administrative Access
   • Permissions: You must have Local Administrator rights on the Windows server where the TDM components are installed.
   • DBA Coordination: Ensure a Database Administrator is available to perform and verify a full repository backup.
     
     
2. Environment Compatibility Check
   • Version Matching: Verify that the patch version matches your current Base GA version, unless you are intentionally performing an upgrade to a newer release.
   • Component Sync: In TDM environments, components like Datamaker and Subset must remain compatible with the Portal’s repository schema.
     
     
3. Critical GTREP Schema Warning
   The TDM Portal service automatically manages the GTREP repository database schema. When the service starts, it detects the schema version and applies upgrades automatically if needed.
   
   !CAUTION Database upgrades are irreversible. If you unintentionally apply a newer TDM Portal patch to an existing environment and start the service, the GTREP repository will be upgraded. You cannot revert to a previous version unless you have a full database backup created immediately before the installation.
   
   
4. Pre-Installation Checklist
   •  Full Backup: (TDM Web Portal only) Confirm the DBA has completed a full backup of the GTREP database.
   •  Directory Backup: Create a copy of the existing installation directories (e.g., C:\Program Files\CA\CA Test Data Manager Portal).
   •  User Communication: Ensure all users have logged out of the TDM Portal and closed their browsers.
     
     
5. Download patches from Test Data Manager (TDM) Support Patches

 

Applying TDM Component Patches

1. TDM Web Portal patch - This is generally the first patch to be applied, since it manages the GTREP Repository database schema.
2. GTDatamaker patch - Since GTDatamaker also uses the GTREP Repository, you mush ensure the patch release of GTREP being applied is compatible with the base release of TDM Web Portal that is installed. 
3. GT Subset patch  - Not a full build. Must be unzipped into the GTDatamaker installation directory
4. Fast Data Masker (FDM) patch
5. Javelin patch

1.  

Additional Information

Other important TDM information:

• TDM documentation
• TDM Community
• Broadcom Support Process for Product Defects
• How to Submit an Enhancement Request