Upgrading to the BigFix Enterprise Suite 5.0

 Outdated versions of the BES Server, BES Console, BES Relay, and BES Client can be upgraded by using a Fixlet message in the BES Support site. If, for whatever reason, you wish to upgrade some or all of the BES components manually, please follow the instructions below.

You should upgrade all of the components of the BigFix Enterprise Suite at the same time in order to ensure proper functionality and optimal performance.

Note: Make sure that all BES Consoles are closed before you begin the upgrade process.

    Upgrade the BES Installation Generator

  1. Go to the computer where you originally installed the BES Installation Generator.
  2. Download and run the new BES Installation Generator from here.
  3. Click 'Yes' when you are prompted to upgrade and follow the installer's instructions.

    4. Upgrade the BES Server

  4. Copy the BES Server installation folder (default location is "C:\BESInstallers\Server") to the BES Server computer.
  5. Run the BES Server installer (setup.exe) on the BES Server computer.
  6. Follow the installer's instructions to upgrade. You will be prompted to choose whether you want to use IIS or use the BES Root Server for the upgrade. BigFix recommends using the BES Root Server instead of IIS for performance, security, and simplified configuration reasons.

    7. Upgrade the BES Console

  7. Copy the BES Console installation folder (default location is "C:\BESInstallers\Console") to all computers that are running the BES Console.
  8. Run the BES Console installer (setup.exe) on all the computers currently running the BES Console.
  9. Follow the installer's instructions to upgrade.
  10. Important: The BES Console will need to re-sign the digital signatures of all the open actions as part of the BES 5.0 improved security scheme. You will need to log into the BES Console (with a BES Administrator account) after the upgrade and you will be prompted to type in your password. The re-signing will likely take several minutes (up to 20-30 minutes sometimes) and no other BES Consoles should connect during this time.
  11. After the BES Console finishes re-signing the actions, the Fixlet messages will need to be re-gathered. This will take a few moments. (Do not be alarmed if you do not see any relevant Fixlet messages right away.)

    Upgrade the BES Relays

  12. BES Relays can be upgraded from a Fixlet messages on the BES Support Fixlet site. This is the preferred method of upgrade.
  13. BES Relays can also be upgraded individually by downloading and running the BES Relay upgrade file from here.
  14. The BES Relays need to be upgraded before the BES Clients. BES 4.1 Clients will work with BES 5.0 Relays but BES 5.0 Clients won't work properly with BES 4.1 Relays.

    Upgrade the BES Clients

  15. BES Clients can be upgraded from a Fixlet messages on the BES Support Fixlet site (the Fixlet messages will appear a little while after the BES Relays are upgraded). It is recommended that the upgrade Fixlet messages by targeted at "All Computers" instead of "Specific Computers" to allow all old BES Clients to be upgraded. This is the preferred method of upgrade.
  16. BES Clients can also be upgraded individually by copying the BES Client installation folder (default location is "C:\BESInstallers\Client") to each computer that is running the BES Client, then running setup.exe.
  17. BES Clients can also be upgraded by using the BES Client Deployment Tool, with a log in script, or with another deployment technology. Simply run the new BES Client installer on the computer with the old BES Client.

    18. Please read the BES 5.0 Upgrade Guide for information about what is new in BES 5.0 and how to use it!