DDOS upgrade Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Does Data Domain Support perform DDOS upgrades?
A: Data Domain Support team does not perform upgrades anymore. We do have a dedicated team for it called Remote Proactive for ProSupport Plus Option, ProSupport and the Mission Critical Option, Premium Contracts.
Customers with Enhanced or lower Support Contracts are responsible for their own DDOS upgrades (DDOS Upgrades are customer upgradable). However Dell-EMC can perform these upgrades, but it would require a billable Professional Service Engagement.
Contact the Account Team or the DSM for the region for more information.
For more information about Remote Proactive DDOS upgrade, check the following link: Remote Proactive: Data Domain Upgrade Overview

Q: What are the steps for a successful DDOS upgrade?
A: The steps for a successful upgrade can be checked in the following KB article: Data Domain and DDVE: How to Upgrade the Data Domain Operating System
There is a step-by-step PDF guide to perform the entire process. The same PDF can be found attached to this KB article.
Check this additional article if upgrading to DDOS 7.x DDOS 7.x Minimum Disruptive Upgrade Procedure.

Q: What is the recommended version to upgrade?
A: Dell-EMC recommends that all Data Domains upgrade to the Data Domain operating system Target code within a release family when practical. There is only one Target Code release in a given family. Target Code releases have met the run-time hours and quality metrics to indicate that they are stable and have no problems that would affect most customers. Target Codes and other releases can be found in the KB article below:
DD OS 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
For guidance on how to download the Upgrade RPM, see the following KB for 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: Ensure compatibility by reviewing the Data Domain Compatibility Matrix.
It is the customer's responsibility to ensure compatibility. To verify the compatibility of client and plug-in, you can access the Admin Guides that are by Vendor available on https://www.dell.com/support/

Q: Can a DDOS version be upgraded from one family to another directly?
A: DDOS upgrades can only support a two family hop up to DDOS 6.x. E.G.: 5.4 ->5.6, 5.5 -> 5.7, 6.0 -> 6.2
For upgrading to DDOS 7.x, follow: DDOS 7.x Minimum Disruptive Upgrade Procedure

Q: Is there a downtime required for a DDOS upgrade?
A: All Data Domain Upgrades are considered Offline (Disruptive). A downtime window is required as the Data Domain reboots itself as part of the upgrade. No backups restore, replications, or cleaning can be running during the Upgrade Window.

Q: How long does a DDOS upgrade take?
A: The time to complete the upgrade varies due to the DD System Size and the DDOS Version being upgraded to and any issues during the Upgrade. We recommend 4 hours of downtime to ensure there is enough time for the upgrade to complete.

Q: Is there any rollback for DDOS upgrades?
A: There is no DDOS upgrade rollback. If the customer faces issues on the newly installed DDOS, Dell-Support engages to fix the problem. Therefore it is prudent for the customer to be sure of their environment compatibility before starting the upgrade. The Data Domain can be downgraded but that means to reinstall the DDOS from a USB stick and that would remove any data, license, and configuration.

Q: Would the upgrade delete my current configuration?
A: The DDOS upgrade does not change any configuration except for the dd boost user "Maximum Days Between Change" setting. For further information check the following link: Dell EMC Data Domain Boost user shows locked status.

Q: In a replication environment, which Data Domain should I upgrade first?
A: Depends on the replication relationship If it is independent, it does not matter the order. If it is one-way replication, the target should be upgraded first, with the source upgraded within 24 hours from the target If its two-way replication, either can be done first. If its collection replication, both Data Domains must be upgraded simultaneously.

Q: What is the impact of a DDOS Upgrade on a replication environment?
A: The time between upgrades of replication pairs does not matter if the Data Domains are within two DDOS Families and it is a one Step Code Upgrade. We recommend that the pairs be done within 24 hours of each other but this is not mandatory, it is a customer choice.

Q: Can I upgrade a Data Domain to two different versions on the same day?
A: Upgrading to a different version may require a two or 3-step upgrade plan. A minimum of 24 hours is recommended between each code upgrade however this would be a customer choice if they want to proceed the same day.

Q: How is a Target Code determined?
A: The Target Code is only approved once adoption and quality criteria are met. Family releases may or may not have Target Code identified. Declaration of Target Codes usually takes about 6 months on average.

Q: Can DD Boost be upgraded before or after an upgrade?
A: DD Boost upgrade can be performed before or after the DDOS upgrade, if the DD Boost (OST) version is compatible with the old and new versions. This upgrade is the customer's responsibility. The DD Boost upgrade instructions are in the DD Boost Admin Guides available on https://www.dell.com/support