Installation manual

5
Before Upgrading the OpenVMS VAX Operating
System
This chapter describes which tasks you should perform prior to beginning an
upgrade. Tasks described in this chapter include:
• Reviewing cautions and restrictions
• Making sure your hardware is ready and your software distribution kit is
complete
• Examining AUTOGEN feedback data
• Backing up your system disk
• Preparing your system disk
• Preparing your system
• Gathering the information for the upgrade procedure
• Completing the preupgrade checklist
If you are an experienced system manager, you can use the checklist at the end of
this chapter to complete the necessary preupgrade tasks.
If you are system manager with limited OpenVMS VAX experience, you should
read the entire chapter and then use the checklist to make sure you have
completed all the preupgrade tasks.
5.1 Cautions and Restrictions
This section provides important information that can affect the success of your
upgrade. If you attempt to upgrade your system without following these cautions
and restrictions, the upgrade could fail or your upgraded system might not
perform as expected.
5.1.1 License Requirements
To upgrade to OpenVMS VAX Version 7.3, you must have an appropriate license.
Compaq’s software licenses grant the right to use the current version of a product
or any previous version of the product at the time of purchase. If you have an
OpenVMS license prior to Version 7.3 and are not covered by a Software Product
Services agreement, which includes the right to use new versions (RTNV), you
must purchase an Update License before upgrading to OpenVMS VAX Version
7.3.
If you do not have an Update License, contact your Compaq account
representative to assist you in obtaining the correct Product Authorization
Key (PAK) needed to access the OpenVMS operating system.
Before Upgrading the OpenVMS VAX Operating System 5–1