ArcGIS Enterprise - Existing 10.9.1 Install - Restore to new 11.3 Install on different server

[MattNicol]

We have a client with an existing 10.9.1 installation of ArcGIS Enterprise on one VM (Windows Server 2016).  They are procuring a new VM and would like to do a clean install of 11.3 on this second VM (Windows Server 2022).

They do have extensive data on the 10.9.1 installation, however.

Is there a path where we can back up their hosted feature layers and/or other content from the 10.9.1 installation and restore it to 11.3?

From this page, it looks like WebGISDR cannot be used, since the versions of ArcGIS Enterprise do not match.

https://enterprise.arcgis.com/en/portal/11.3/administer/windows/backup-and-restore-best-practices.ht...

"The WebGISDR utility records the software versions of the ArcGIS Enterprise components when you create a backup. The deployment to which you restore must be at the same version it was when you created the backup. Additionally, you must restore to the same type of operating system. For example, you cannot create a backup of an ArcGIS Enterprise deployment on Linux and restore it to Windows machines."

[JakeSkinner · Accepted solution]

Hi @MattNicol, you will want to install 10.9.1 in the new environment, migrate using the webgisdr (see the following document), and then upgrade to 11.3.

[MattNicol]

That makes sense - thanks!

[TonyContreras_Frisco_TX]

Another option is to upgrade your Current 10.9.1 system to 11.3, create a webgisdr backup, and restore it to the new server with 11.3 installed. This will cause more downtime to your current production system and will require thorough testing afterward, however your new system will be starting with the fresh and direct install, rather than having the risk of the legacy software interfering with the upgraded software libraries.

[MattNicol]

Thanks!  Yes, that was something I was considering initially too, but the client understandably wants to keep their known working production environment in place until the new one is functional.  It's certainly a legitimate approach though!