Before Upgrading or Downgrading

When upgrading (or downgrading) Desktop Client, Aspera recommends the following preparation to ensure a smooth process, minimal transfer disruption, and peace-of-mind that your original configuration is backed up in case of any problems.

Upgrading

  • The Desktop Client installer automatically checks for an older version of the product on your system. If an older version is found, the installer automatically removes it before installing the new version.
  • Although the installer performs your upgrade automatically, Aspera highly recommends completing the tasks below before upgrading. If you do not follow these steps, you risk installation errors or losing your former configuration settings.
  • You cannot upgrade directly between different Aspera transfer products (such as from HST Endpoint or Desktop Client to HST Server). To upgrade, you need to back up the configuration, uninstall the product, and perform a fresh install of the new version of the product.

Downgrading

Older installers do not check for newer versions of the application. You must prepare your machine as described below then uninstall the newer version before continuing with your downgrade.

Preparing for an Upgrade or Downgrade

  1. Verify the current version of Desktop Client.
    The steps that are required to prepare for an upgrade depend on your version. To view the current product and version, click Tools > License in the GUI orrun the following command:
    # ascp -A
  2. Review product release notes.
    Review the release notes for the versions that were released since your current version. In particular, the Breaking Changes section highlights changes that may require you to adjust your workflow, configuration, or usage.
  3. Stop or allow to complete any FASP transfers that were initiated by the computer that you are upgrading.
    FASP transfers cannot proceed during your Aspera product upgrade.
    • Close the application GUI.
    • Stop (and resume after upgrade) or allow to complete any Ascp, Ascp 4, or Aspera Sync transfers in the command line.
  4. Back up configuration and settings files.
    These files are found in the etc and var folders.
    • /opt/aspera/etc/ (contains server configuration, web configuration, user settings, license info)