Replacing A Server (Single Server System)
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Affected Roles: Owner, Administrator
Related Digital Watchdog VMS Apps: DW Spectrum® IPVMS
Complexity: Medium
Last Edit: September 13, 2024
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Server Replacement
In some circumstances, it is necessary to replace an entire Server with another device. This may come from the need for more data storage or for more processing power. In some cases, it may even come as a result of needing to replace a Server that is experiencing system failures.
This article will outline the process of replicating the Database on a new DW Spectrum® Server after replacing the Server hardware.
If you are replacing a server that is part of a merge, refer to the KB Article DW Spectrum - Replacing a Server in a Merged Environment instead.
Note: If you are replacing a DW Spectrum® Server that is inoperable and you are unable to obtain the Database Backup files from the old System, you may need to treat the replacement Server as if it is a brand new System with first-time setup.
If this is the case and you are using a DW Blackjack® Series unit as the Server, use the Quick Start Guide for the initial setup process of your model.
Supported/Affected Devices
- DW Blackjack® Series
Requirements
- Ensure that the new DW Spectrum® Server has a display monitor, mouse, and keyboard connected.
- The person setting up the new Server should perform the following setup process directly from the new DW Spectrum® Server.
- Have a USB stick available for transferring the Database Backup from the old Server to the replacement Server.
- The server that is acting as the replacement needs to be on the same version of Spectrum as the server it is replacing. If the replacement server needs to be downgraded, you can find the previous versions of Spectrum HERE.
Deactivate License Keys
The activation of Recording Licenses are required to save video footage through DW Spectrum® IPVMS for each IP camera and device connected to the DW Spectrum® Server.
It is highly recommended to deactivate the Recording Licenses of the DW Spectrum® Server before replacement. By deactivating the Recording License beforehand, the process of installing and configuring the replacement server will be easier and create less delay in returning the recording system to an operational status.
Please be sure to document the License Keys for during prior to or during deactivation so that they may be used for the replacement DW Spectrum® Server.
For more information, you may use Deactivating License Keys.
Creating A Database Backup (Old Server)
To create a Database Backup (DB Backup) when replacing a Server:
- If you have access to the old DW Spectrum® Server, log in to the old Server as the Administrator or as a user that has Administrator rights.
- Default User: admin
- Default Password: admin12345
- Click on the Main Menu button, then select System Administration.
- The System Administration menu will display.
Note: Take a moment and click on the Updates tab. Take note of the current firmware version of the old Server. It is important that the new Server uses the same firmware version as the old Server when transferring the Database Backup file.
Spectrum 4.2
Select the General tab and locate the Backup and Restore section.
Click on Create Backup.
- Select the directory where you will be saving the DB Backup file from the old Server.
Name the DB Backup file, then click Save.
Spectrum 5.0 and Higher
Database creation/restoration is found under System Administration > Advanced
- Copy the DB Backup to a USB stick. It is recommended to have an external copy of the Database Backup from the Server, in case there is ever a complete failure of the System.
Restoring From A Database Backup (New Server)
Note: This section assumes that you have a copy of the Database Backup from the old Server. If you do not have a Database Backup file available, you will not be able to restore the System onto the new Server and will need to create a new System.
Note: If you are using an Ubuntu/Linux OS Server, you may need to use a workstation computer to upload the Database Backup.
To apply a Database Backup (DB Backup) to the replacement Server:
- Log in to the new Server as the Administrator or as a user that has Administrator rights.
- Default User: admin
- Default Password: admin12345
- Click on the Main Menu button, then select System Administration.
- The System Administration window will display.
Click on the Updates tab.
Ensure that the new Server is using the same firmware version as the old Server. In this example, both Servers are running DW Spectrum v4.0.0.29990.
Spectrum 4.2
Select the General tab and locate the Backup and Restore section.
Click the Restore from Backup button and select the DB Backup from the old Server.
Click Open to prompt the DB Backup restoration.
Spectrum 5.0 and higher
Navigate to System Administration > Advanced instead of "general". The process is otherwise the same.
- The new Server will restart the DW Spectrum® Server program after restoring the System from the DB Backup.
- After the Server restarts, you will see two (2) Servers – the old Server and the new Server.
- Click and drag the cameras from the old Server to the new Server.
If the System informs you that the devices cannot be communicated with, add them, regardless.
- Your cameras should now appear under the new Server.
Right-click on the old Server, then select Delete to remove it from the System.
Note: If you have not already done so, configure the DW Spectrum® Server’s NIC (Network Interface Card) settings for the camera network. Once the new Server is assigned to the same subnetwork as the cameras, camera video will be able to stream through the DW Spectrum® Server again.
