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How to verify and upgrade to the latest version of Messageware EPG 2019, Messageware EPG 2016 and Messageware EPG 2013

This article applies to the following products:

Messageware EPG 2019

Messageware EPG 2016

Messageware EPG 2013

SUMMARY

This article includes steps on how to verify the EPG version installed and upgrade paths based on the software that’s being planned to update on the Exchange server environment.

 

The upgrade scenarios can include:

  • Apply an Exchange Cumulative Update (CU) but EPG version remains unchanged
  • Apply an EPG upgrade only but CU version remains unchanged
  • Apply both CU and EPG updates

 

Note: Please be aware of the following items prior to applying a CU and/or EPG update.

  • The SQL session, database, and user account details that EPG is currently using to connect to the SQL server will be required

 

  • The World Wide Web Publishing Service will need to be stopped/started during the EPG upgrade process
    • Recommend to stop and disable the World Wide Web Publishing Service manually in Windows Services at the required stages (prevents Microsoft Exchange from automatically restarting the service during Messageware installation.)

 

  • The Exchange server must be restarted following a CU installation.  This step will finalize any pending Exchange updates and place the server in a clean state
  • EPG updates only apply to versions 3.2 or higher (3.1 and lower must contact Messageware Support prior to start)
  • When updating a multi-Exchange server environment with EPG 3.4 or earlier, and if the upgrade isn't expected to be completed in one session, it is critical to confirm that each CAS has the same EPG settings value prior to updating the database. See this article for steps to verify

 

A more comprehensive installation and administration guide is available and can be found in the Messageware customer portal.

 

IDENTIFY VERSION

 

The steps below will cover how to identify the EPG version that is currently installed in the server.

 

  • Open a Remote Desktop Connection into the server where EPG is installed (Typically on CAS/Front-End servers)
  • Navigate to Programs and Features, either from the Start button or Control Panel
  • Locate all Messageware EPG components installed on the server
  • The version of the software is listed under the Version column
  • Please consult the “Messageware – Microsoft CU Compatibility Matrix” to determine the matching Microsoft / Messageware version.

 

UPGRADE OPTIONS

 

Identify the upgrade path which best matches your upgrade plan.

 

Perform an Exchange Cumulative Update only, EPG version remains unchanged

 

Perform an EPG upgrade only, CU version remains unchanged

 

Apply both CU and EPG updates

 

Note: Please consider the following preparation prior to starting the upgrade

  • Single-role (CAS / Front-End) Exchange server should temporarily divert user logon traffic to an alternate Exchange server from the organization’s load balancer
  • Multi-role (Front-End / Mailbox) Exchange server should be placed in maintenance mode in addition to user logon traffic being temporarily diverted to an alternate Front-End Exchange server from the organization’s load balancer

 

Follow the suggested instructions outlined as it applies to your upgrade plan.

 

 

Upgrade Option 1

Perform an Exchange Cumulative Update only, EPG version remains unchanged

 

Load Balancer and Exchange Considerations

  • Perform the necessary load balancer configuration and set Exchange server to maintenance mode as/if needed

 

Obtain EPG Zip Package

  • You may use a previously downloaded EPG zip package or download a matching EPG version by connecting to the Messageware Customer Portal
    • Note: See Identify Version section to assist with EPG version identification and CU compatibility matrix
  • Save zip and extract to a temporary location

 

Uninstall EPG Component(s)

  • On Exchange server where EPG component is installed
  • Launch Programs and Features within Windows
    • Navigate to Control Panel \ All Control Panel Items \ Programs and Features
    • Take note of all EPG software installed
  • Select Messageware EPG (2013/2016/2019) and Uninstall
    • The World Wide Web Publishing Service will be stopped/started during the uninstall portion of this component only

 

Exchange CU Installation

  • Verify OWA login connectivity from your client’s browser and connect directly to the Exchange server URL (ex. https://servername/owa)
  • Perform the Cumulative Update on Exchange server
  • When the CU update has completed, reboot the Exchange server

 

Re-install EPG Component(s)

  • Navigate to the zip extracted location and install Messageware EPG (2013/2016/2019)
    • The World Wide Web Publishing Service will be stopped/started during the install portion of this component only

 

Verify OWA with EPG Functionality

 

Return Exchange Server to Production Duty

  • Place the Exchange server out of Maintenance Mode
  • Re-instate the Exchange server back to rotation in load balancer

 

 

Upgrade Option 2

Perform an EPG upgrade only, CU version remains unchanged

The EPG upgrade typically consists of updating the database, reports and front-end applications related to EPG

 

Load Balancer and Exchange Considerations

  • Perform the necessary load balancer configuration and set Exchange server to maintenance mode as/if needed

 

Obtain EPG Zip Package

  • You may use a previously downloaded EPG zip package or download a matching EPG version by connecting to the Messageware Customer Portal
    • Note: See Identify Version section to assist with EPG version identification and CU compatibility matrix
  • Save zip and extract to a temporary location

 

Uninstall EPG Component(s)

Exchange/Application

  • On Exchange server where EPG component is installed
  • Launch Programs and Features within Windows
    • Navigate to Control Panel >  All Control Panel Items > Programs and Features
  • Uninstall EPG (2013/2016/2019)
    • The World Wide Web Publishing Service will be stopped/started during the uninstall portion of this component only 
  • Uninstall Messageware Monitor
    • Take note of the mailbox account assigned to EPG Monitor or EPG Service if EPG Alerts was assigned to run in Service mode
  • Uninstall EPG Web Management where is found installed on Exchange or Application server

 

SQL

  • On the SQL Server where the EPG reports are deployed
  • Connect to the SQL Server Reporting Services URL (ex. http://sqlserver/Reports)
    • Take note of the AD object (typically a server) under Security from the EPG Reports folder
  • From the temporary folder, navigate to Report_setup folder and launch the report_installer.exe with elevated administrator permission
    • When the connection to SSRS has been established, click Uninstall

 

Install EPG Component(s)

  • Verify OWA login connectivity from your client’s browser and connect directly to the Exchange server URL (ex. https://servername/owa)
  • Navigate to the zip-extracted location and install the software in the following order with elevated administrative permissions

 

SQL

  • From the Database_install folder
    • Launch the db_setup_cs.exe with elevated administrator permission
    • Enter the required fields to connect to the EPG instance/database
    • The utility will detect the current EPG database version and suggest the available update. 
    • Click the Upgrade Database button
  • From the Report_setup folder
    • Launch the report_installer.exe with elevated administrator permission
    • Enter the required fields to connect to the EPG instance/database
    • Click the Uninstall button first, once completed then click the Deploy button

 

Exchange/Application

  • Messageware EPG Web Management
    • Match as previously installed in Exchange or Application server
  • Messageware EPG (2013/2016/2019)
    • The World Wide Web Publishing Service will be stopped/started during the install portion of this component only
  • Messageware EPG Monitor
    • Match as previously installed in Exchange or Application server
    • Add the mailbox account if previously assigned to the EPG Monitor Service. Restart service to apply the change.

 

Verify OWA with EPG Functionality

 

Return Exchange Server to Production Duty

  • Place the Exchange server out of Maintenance Mode
  • Re-instate the Exchange server back to rotation in load balancer

 

 

Upgrade Option 3

Apply both CU and EPG updates

The EPG upgrade typically consists of updating the database, reports and front-end applications related to EPG

 

Load Balancer and Exchange Considerations

  • Perform the necessary load balancer configuration and set Exchange server to maintenance mode as/if needed

 

Obtain EPG Zip Package

  • You may use a previously downloaded EPG zip package or download a matching EPG version by connecting to the Messageware Customer Portal
    • Note: See Identify Version section to assist with EPG version identification and CU compatibility matrix
  • Save zip and extract to a temporary location

 

Uninstall EPG Component(s)

Exchange/Application

  • On Exchange server where EPG component is installed
  • Launch Programs and Features within Windows
    • Navigate to Control Panel  > All Control Panel Items > Programs and Features
  • Uninstall Messageware Monitor
    • Take note of the ‘Log On as’ property of the Messageware EPG Service if Messageware EPG Service was configured to run as a service account
  • Uninstall EPG (2013/2016/2019)
    • The World Wide Web Publishing Service will be stopped/started during the uninstall portion of this component only
  • Uninstall EPG Web Management where is found installed on Exchange or Application server

SQL

  • On the SQL Server where the EPG reports are deployed
  • Connect to the SQL Server Reporting Services URL (example: http://sqlserver/Reports)
    • Take note of the AD object (typically a server) under Security from the EPG Reports folder
  • From the temporary folder, navigate to Report_setup folder and launch the report_installer.exe with elevated administrator permission
    • When the connection to SSRS has been established, click Uninstall

 

Exchange CU Installation

  • Verify OWA login connectivity from your client’s browser and connect directly to the Exchange server URL (ex. https://servername/owa)
  • Perform the Cumulative Update on Exchange server
  • When the CU update has completed, reboot the Exchange server

 

Install EPG Component(s)

SQL

  • From the Database_install folder
    • Launch the db_setup_cs.exe with elevated administrator permission
    • Enter the required fields to connect to the EPG instance/database
    • The utility will detect the current EPG database version and suggest update. 
    • Click the Upgrade Database button
  • From the Report_setup folder
    • Launch the report_installer.exe with elevated administrator permission
    • Enter the required fields to connect to the EPG instance/database
    • Click the uninstall button first, once completed then click the Deploy button

 

Exchange/Application

  • Verify OWA login connectivity from your client’s browser and connect directly to the Exchange server URL (ex. https://servername/owa)
  • Navigate to the zip extracted location and install software in the following order with elevated administrative permissions

 

Exchange

  • Messageware EPG Web Management
    • Match as previously installed in Exchange or Application server
  • Messageware EPG (2013/2016/2019)
    • The World Wide Web Publishing Service will be stopped/started during the install portion of this component only
  • Messageware EPG Monitor
    • Match as previously installed in Exchange or Application server
    • Set the ‘Log On as’ property of the Messageware EPG Service to the mailbox account if the Messageware EPG Service was configured to run as a specific service account.  Restart Messageware EPG Service to apply the change.

 

Verify OWA with EPG Functionality

 

Return Exchange Server to Production Duty

  • Place the Exchange server out of Maintenance Mode
  • Re-instate the Exchange server back to rotation in load balancer

 

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