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To: info@healthnet-sl.es
Subject: Re: Upgrading to 2.1.7 without using a floppy
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i was trying to upgrade from 2.1.6 to 2.1.7 by reconfiguring the kernel with
the source for the latter...
after 6 failed attempts (due to DST / TIMEZONE errors in the  build process)
i gave up and reinstalled 2.1.7 from scratch...

By downloading all the desired 2.1.7 bin archives to a DOS partition in advance,
the reinstallation was over in 15-20 minutes - FreeBSD is the most
amazing OS i have ever seen in its installation procedure.

Just own experience.... maybe you will have better luck with upgrading
the kernel but i wasted 16 hours trying it and wouldn't like to see anyone
else go through that too.

chas

ps.
Just want to say a huge thanks to all the FreeBSD gurus who make this OS
what it is and also who give the best support ever, as well as all other
kind souls who take time to offer help and advice.  Thank you.

>One question about upgrading a 2.1.x system to 2.1.7:
>
>I have downloaded the 2.1.7 distribution via FTP, and have it on a 2.1.5
>system. I plan to upgrade two or three FreeBSD 2.1.x servers to 2.1.7,
>but each is located on a different place, and due to timetable reasons
>it is difficult for me to upgrade the machines by staying physically
>there at the console.
>
>My question is: would it be possible to upgrade the systems without the
>usual floppy-reboot procedure ?
>
>I mean, something like killing every unnecessary process, then replacing
>the kernel on the disk (like when you build a new one), then installing
>the distributions using the install.sh scripts, and rebooting. I
>understand that there are no boot/disk geometry variations among the
>2.1.x releases, so I would appreciate to learn what I'm missing if it
>cannot be done.
>
>I know that any such approach would have its risks, but I always could
>proceed the ordinary way if something goes wrong.
>
>Sincerely,
>
>Carlos
>
>
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