Migrating Ghost Solution Suite to new server

Products

• Ghost Solution Suite

Issue/Introduction

Steps to migrate the Ghost Solution Suite to a new server

Environment

Release : 3.3

Cause

In need of information on how to migrate old GSS server to new GSS server

Resolution

There are 3 ways to tackle migrating GSS to a new server depending on where the SQL express database is located and if you want to use it or use a new express database

This Documents assumes you have a working knowledge of using Microsoft SQL Studio Management

Perform GSS installation with user that has Admin rights

Link to download Microsoft Windows ADK files: https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-hardware/get-started/adk-install

I ) If the express Database resides on the same server as Ghost Solution Suite follow these steps:

• Keep the old GSS server active
• If using PXE disable the Altiris PXE and TFTP services
• Use Microsoft SQL Studio Management to back up the express database 
• Install Microsoft SQL on to the new server ( link to GSS support matrix: https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/185204/platform-support-ghost-solution-suite-3x.html )
• Use Microsoft SQL Studio Management to restore the express database
• Install Ghost Solution Suite on to new server The landing page will ask which type of installation to perform. Select 'Custom'. A subsequent screen will ask for the database location. Enter the database instance the installer will use
• Select 'Yes' when presented with dialog screen about the existing express database
  
• Continue with installation 
• Copy the gho\ghs file images to the new server
• Download, install, and import the Windows ADK into bootwiz: https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/178767/how-to-import-windows-preboot-operating.html
• Build the automation environment for PXE, Automation Folders, or a Boot disk
• Migrate the endpoints from the old GSS server to the new server using the old GSS server
  • To set or modify agent settings in the Ghost Solution Suite Server Console for Windows or Linux clients, right-click the computer and select Change Agent Settings > Production Agent Settings: https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/238606/how-to-move-clients-from-old-gss-server.html

• • Click OK.
• As the agent are updated they will become active in the Console
• Once all endpoint are migrated to new GSS server, the old GSS server can be safely deactivated

 

II) If the SQL server is off box and want to use the existing express database:

• Keep the old GSS server active
• If using PXE disable the Altiris PXE and TFTP services
• Install Ghost Solution Suite on to new server The landing page will ask which type of installation to perform. Select 'Custom'. A subsequent screen will ask for the database location. Enter the database instance the installer will use
• Select 'Yes' when presented with dialog screen about the existing express database
  
• Continue with installation 
• Copy the gho\ghs file images to the new server
• Download, install, and import the Windows ADK into bootwiz: https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/178767/how-to-import-windows-preboot-operating.html
• Build the automation environment for PXE, Automation Folders, or a Boot disk
• Migrate the endpoints from the old GSS server to the new server using the old GSS server
  
  • To set or modify agent settings in the Ghost Solution Suite Server Console for Windows or Linux clients, right-click the computer and select Change Agent Settings > Production Agent Settings: https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/238606/how-to-move-clients-from-old-gss-server.html

• • Click OK.
• As the agent are updated they will become active in the new GSS console
• Once all the endpoints are fully communicating with the new GSS console, the old GSS server can be safely deactivated

 

III) Install a new GSS and an new express database:

• Perform a simple installation as described in this GSS installation document: https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/symantec-security-software/endpoint-security-and-management/ghost-solutions-suite/3-3/Getting-Started/Installing-Ghost-Solution-Suite-Server/simple-install-for-ghost-solution-suite-server-v101659361-d1448e7953.html#v101659361
• Copy the gho\ghs file images to the new server
• Download, install, and import the Windows ADK into bootwiz: https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/178767/how-to-import-windows-preboot-operating.html
• Build the automation environment for PXE, Automation Folders, or a Boot disk   
• Migrate the endpoints from the old GSS server to the new server using the old GSS server   
  • To set or modify agent settings in the Ghost Solution Suite Server Console for Windows or Linux clients, right-click the computer and select Change Agent Settings > Production Agent Settings: https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/238606/how-to-move-clients-from-old-gss-server.html 
  • Click 'Ok'

• As the agent are updated they will become active in the new GSS console
• Migrate the jobs from old server to new server: https://knowledge.broadcom.com/external/article/238505/guidance-on-how-to-export-old-jobs-and-i.html  The computers will begin to report to the new GSS server. However the computers will need to be put into an OU group if so defined in old GSS server
• Note -- you can import a CSV document of computers. They will come into the console as predefined computers. If the computers are in a OU group on the old server the OU groups would need to be recreated on the new server: https://techdocs.broadcom.com/us/en/symantec-security-software/endpoint-security-and-management/it-management-suite/ITMS/Related-Solutions/Deployment-Solution/Managing-Tasks-and-Jobs/adding-or-importing-predefined-computers-v66549074-d762e4934.html
• Once the agents are reporting into the new server the predefined computers will become active. 
• Once all jobs are imported and all endpoints are communicating with the new server, the old server can be safely deactivated