Data Domain: DDOS upgrade Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Summary: This article provides frequently asked questions and solutions for a DDOS upgrade.
Instructions
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Q: Does Data Domain Support perform DDOS upgrades?
A: Data Domain Technical Support does not perform upgrades.
- Remote Proactive Support (RPS) teams handle upgrades for ProSupport Plus, ProSupport, and Mission Critical (Premium) contracts.
- Customers with Enhanced or lower support contracts must perform upgrades themselves.
- Dell Technologies can perform upgrades through a billable Professional Services engagement.
- Contact your Account Team or DSM for more information.
- Reference: Remote Proactive: Data Domain Upgrade Overview
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Q: What are the steps for a successful DDOS upgrade?
Review the steps in the following KB article: Data Domain: Software Versions
A: Review upgrade process video: Data Domain & DDVE Data Domain OS Upgrade "> -
Q: What version of DDOS is recommended to upgrade?
A: Upgrade to the Target Code within the release family where practical.Target Code releases meet stability and quality standards.
Reference: Data Domain: Software Versions -
Q: Where can I find the installation file for the DDOS upgrade?
A: The DDOS RPM package can be found in the KB article DD OS Software Versions or can be downloaded from Drivers & Downloads for DD
Guidance: How to Download, Upload, and Verify a DDOS Upgrade RPM. -
Q: How can I check the compatibility of the target version with my environment?
A: Use the Data Domain Compatibility Matrix (aka. E-Lab Navigator) (Log in required)
It is a customer's responsibility to ensure compatibility.
Guidance: How to use E‑Lab Navigator to verify compatibility before a DDOS upgrade -
Q: Can I upgrade directly between DDOS versions?
A: Modern DDOS versions support a single, direct, upgrade path. Confirm this within the 'Preparing to update' section of the Release Notes.
A patch release (for example, an MDU patch) may be required to facilitate the direct path upgrade (As above, confirm this in the Release Notes).
Legacy Data Domain systems supported a maximum two-family hop. For example, to upgrade DDOS 6.1 to 6.4, upgrade 6.1 to 6.2 (or 6.3), then upgrade to 6.4. -
Q: Is downtime required for a DDOS upgrade?
A: Yes. All upgrades are offline (disruptive).Stop all operations: backups, restores, replication, and cleaning.
The system reboots during the upgrade process. -
Q: How long does a DDOS upgrade take?
A: Duration varies by system size and version.
Allocate at least four hours of downtime. -
Q: Is rollback supported after a DDOS upgrade?
A: Rollback is NOT supported.
Downgrade requires USB reinstall and removes data, licenses, and configuration.Verify compatibility before upgrading. -
Q: Will the upgrade delete my configuration?
A: Configuration remains unchanged.
Exception: DD Boost user"Maximum Days Between Change"setting may be affected.
Reference: Data Domain Boost user shows locked status. -
Q: Which system should I upgrade first in a replication environment?
A: Independent: Either system
One-way: Upgrade target first, then source within 24 hours
Two-way: Either system first
Collection replication: Upgrade both simultaneously -
Q: What is the impact of a DDOS Upgrade on a replication environment?
A: Systems must remain within two DDOS version families.
Upgrading within 24 hours is recommended (but optional) -
Q: Can I upgrade a Data Domain to two different versions on the same day?
A: Multi-step upgrades may be required.
Recommended interval: 24 hours between steps (optional). -
Q: How is Target Code determined?
A: Target Code is designated after meeting quality and adoption criteria.
Typically identified around six months after release -
Q: Can DD Boost be upgraded before or after an upgrade?
A: Yes, if the DD Boost (OST) version is compatible with both versions.
This upgrade is the customer's responsibility.
DD Boost upgrade instructions are in the DD Boost Admin Guides available on https://www.dell.com/support
Videos
DATA DOMAIN and DDVE Data Domain OS Upgrade