Restoring previous release user data to a new system

The preferred method to restore previous release user data on your new, target system is to use the migration method.

The migration method asks you to first install the new, current release onto your old, source system. After which, you save your old system and then you perform a full system recovery onto the new, target system. Only use these instructions if it is not possible to perform the preferred migration process referenced in the Data migrations topic.

This section provides instructions to restore user data from a previous-release system to a later release system. Look for supported releases for software upgrades in the Installing, upgrading, or deleting IBM® i and related software topic for your new, target release. This information explains for which releases you can use these instructions to restore your previous release user data to your new system.

The restore procedure involves two save steps, and four recovery steps. The save steps include printing your system information and completely backing up your old, source system.

The recovery steps on the new, target system involve the following steps:

  1. Install Licensed Internal Code and IBM i on the target system using new release distribution media.
    Note: If you order a new system (feature code 0205), the system arrives with the Licensed Internal Code and the base IBM i operating system preloaded on its disk units. Therefore, you can skip this step unless you are configuring a system with logical partitions. Then you will need to install the Licensed Internal Code and IBM i on each secondary logical partition. Allow at least two additional hours to load the Licensed Internal Code and base IBM i. If your system has more than Licensed Internal Code and IBM i on it you will also need to perform this step.
  2. Restore system and user data to target system using the option 21 save of the source system.
  3. Update the system information on the target system.
  4. Install QGPL, QUSRSYS, Base options, and licensed program products (LPPs) using new release distribution media on target system.
    This converts restored source data to new target release.

Verify the prerequisites and proceed to the instructions to restore previous release user data to a new system.

Figure 1. Recovery steps for restoring previous release user data to a new system
These are recovery steps for restoring previous release user data to a new system.