on 11-06-2006 6:38 PM
As information/background, I have been away from SAP and basis for about four years.
Due to personnel changes here, I am now returning to it. While I was away,
our SAP system was upgraded from version 4.0B to SAP R/3 ENTERPRISE 47X110.
I was not a part of the upgrade and have no details as to how it was accomplished.
At this point, we have two SAP systems: DEV and PRD and they are on separate
partitions of an i5 520.
Both are running on OS/i5 V5R3M5 with mostly updated CUMe packages, etc, and
PASE is installed.
Both of these systems use the 6.20 kernel at patch level 1598.
We know that this is an OLD kernel and we need to upgrade.
Upgrading the kernel used to be a really simple thing to do but now, it seems
so complicated! The sheer volume of data on the SMP is very dauntingwhen
it can be found. As a result, I have many questions:
1. Should we upgrade to kernel 6.40 or kernel 7.00?
2. The most recent support package that we have is SAPKB62028.
What is the purpose of support packages? Do they have anything to do with the
kernel version? The reason I ask is that in some places, it is stated that
you
MUST
be current with support packages before you attempt toupgrade your kernel to 6.40. In other places, it isnt even mentioned.
Note 664679 states:
Before you can use the 6.40 kernel,
the following Support Package must be installed in your SAP system:
SAP_BASIS 620: SAPKB62041
To avoid the problems described in note 787328,
the following Support Packages are also recommended:
SAP_BASIS 620: SAPKB62047
So, obviously, I need to get these support packages up to level 47. Why?
Isnt the new kernel a fresh start? Why would the existing kernel and
its support package level make any difference to the new kernel?
Since we are currently using kernel 6.20, do I need to install support
packages ?
5. I know that we dont have a J2EE server. Do I need to even worry
about that at all?
6. Is there any basis functionality that exists in the J2EE server
that doesnt exist anywhere else? In other words, are we doing ourselves
(and, particularly, me) a disservice by not having it?
7. What is the difference between SAP NetWeaver 04 and SAP NetWeaver 2004s?
8. As long as I have a backup, would it be safe to create a new kernel
for DEV but leave PRD alone? Will the transport functions still operate if I do?
9. Someone mentioned an R3OPT Support Package Stack. Would this be
preferable to loading from the installation CD and patching?
Is this in addition to the new kernel installation?
Any information is greatly appreciated because, as you can see,
I have a lot to learn in a very short time.
Robert
Message was edited by: Robert Clay
Reformmatted, adding line breaks
Hi Robert,
this means only that you cannot use the new optional import procedure "downtime minimized".
But you can import the patches as usual and then upgrade your kernel.
Regards
Guido
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Thanks for the information, Guido.
Can anyone explain just exactly what is meant by "downtime minimized"?
If we can't use it, how is that going to impact performance and system
availability?
I've never imported a single patch before and my current calculations
show that I'm looking at downloading/importing and applying well over 400
support packages!!
Note 782140 also leads me to believe that, before I can even begin,
I'm going to have to upgrade my current 6.20 kernel (we are at level 1598
and the note has a section that requires minimum level 1944). I've found
the patch files on SMP but I don't know how to apply them or even which
ones to get (I do know how to download them, now, though).
I also need a new 'tp' and a new 'R3trans' but I'm in the same boat
with those.
Also need a new SPAM/SAINT (we are at level 6.20/0012 and the note
recommends the most recent version; however, there are only three files
on SMP (20, 22, and 23). Are they cumulative or do I need to request
files for 13-19 and 21? Then, how do I apply them?
This is turning out to be a real nightmare.
Thanks for any help anyone can give me.
Robert
<b>Can anyone explain just exactly what is meant by "downtime minimized"?</b>
Read the upgrade guide, it clearly explains this. some parts of the upgrade is done while your system is still up and running. when applying support packs, the same strategy is available. Also check SAP notes.
<b>If we can't use it, how is that going to impact performance and system
availability?</b>
other mode is resource-minimized which shuts down your system for a longer time, but upgrade time is less. I prefer downtime-minimized
<b> upgrade my current 6.20 kernel</b>
you might need to register
<b>Also need a new SPAM/SAINT . Are they cumulative or do I need to request
files for 13-19 and 21? Then, how do I apply them?</b>
you install the latest, for the rest of support packs components, you must install them in sequence
<b>This is turning out to be a real nightmare.</b>
<b>Read the upgrade guide</b>
What upgrade guide? I'm <b>not</b> trying to upgrade my installation, just the kernel.
<b>I prefer downtime-minimized</b>
See the entry in this thread of May 14th. The note says I can't use it without 6.40 kernel and I can't get 6.40 kernel without applying the support packages. So, this isn't an option for us, sad to say.
<b>check http://www.sapsuperusers.com/forums/technical-hints-tricks-tips/4524-0082-windows-all-sap-windows-ke... you might need to register</b>
At this time, the site is rejecting my registration. I have sent an email to the sysadmin.
<b>you install the latest</b>
Thanks for that information. What is the process for installing it? Remember, I don't have java or Solutions Manager.
<b>for the rest of support packs components, you must install them in sequence</b>
Thanks, but I knew that already. It doesn't change the fact that I still have over 400 to apply.
Robert
Message was edited by:
Robert Clay
Hi Bob,
this post is edited, because I somehow misunderstood that this topic moved from 6.40 kernel to the problem of 400 SPs in a queue ...
OK, that is really a pitty and wil take most likely 24h ... be SURE, that the trans directory is ALWAYS local on your box, otherwise you will need about the double time for that. => You need to work with switching trans dir during apply as I assume, that your landscape is not on one iSeries LPAR.
Downtime-Minimizeed ?
Tja, an interesting question ... I would not go for it in your case, because we would have to switch the kernel to 6.40 where it is not supported (I did this often at clients, there is no issue when you patch 1-2 tables, but then to use a new feature is pretty risky in my eyes).
On the other hand, you could gain 30-70% of the time - so let's assume 50% => If you are really interested in that it should be tested with a 6.40 kernel, then patching the few tables and then after the tests it could be thought on doing tis in PRD as well. Please be aware of, that DEV is not a good idea to use it WITH development ... So, you can use it there, but the users still should leave the system ...
Sorry for this original comment,
Volker Gueldenpfennig, consolut.gmbh
http://www.consolut.de - http://www.4soi.de - http://www.easymarketplace.de
Message was edited by:
Volker Gueldenpfennig
I've been going over note 782140, gathering all of the information that I will need to
get all of the 6.20 support packages applied BEFORE we upgrade the kernel to
6.40 (which is what we are required to do per note 664679).
Note 782140 states (as of 21.12.2006), in part:
Downtime-minimized import only with R3trans from December 06, 2005 (or later)
The downtime-minimized import mode in the Support Package Manager
may only be used with an R3trans version from December 06, 2005 (or later). If
you use an older R3trans version, ABAP Object methods may not be imported
correctly. Note 906008 describes this phenomenon and the symptoms that occur.
Note that this R3trans version is only available for the downward-compatible Kernel
6.40. If you still use a 6.20 kernel, you therefore need to upgrade the entire kernel
to Version 6.40. If you do not want to do this, you cannot use the downtime-
minimized import mode!
As of Version 0020, the Support Package Manager checks whether the minimum
R3trans version exists.
We cannot use the 6.40 kernel until we have applied all of the support packages.
But, this note (782140) would indicate that we cannot download the support
packages without the 6.40 kernel!!
Any clarification is greatly appreciated.
Robert
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Here's a new fly in the ointment. When researching the literally hundreds of notes that reference upgrading the kernel, I found this little gem in note 803429:
<QUOTE>
Information for the SAP Upgrade:
For an SAP upgrade that is delivered with a 6.20 kernel version, you should continue to use the delivered 6.20 kernel after the desupport date. You should only change to the 6.40 kernel immediately after the upgrade, before the system is used productively.
The only exception to this is if the upgrade itself requires a 6.40 kernel.
</QUOTE>
Now what do I do?! Our upgrade from 4.0B to 4.7 x110 gave us our current 6.20 kernel.
Does this mean that I can't upgrade the kernel to 6.40 at all?
Robert
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Hi Bob,
sorry I read this one a fdw times, but do me one favour:
Forget about that !!!!
You can and should switch to 6.40 - with the SPs you need - but this was discussed before already ...
Regards
Volker Gueldenpfennig, consolut.gmbh
http://www.consolut.de - http://www.4soi.de - http://www.easymarketplace.de
Hi,
The background of this is that the upgrade at shipment time was tested with the 6.20 kernel. When 6.40 became downward compatible the upgrade process was not certified again with this kernel. The meaning of the quoted phrase is that you should do the upgrade with the upgrade-tested kernel (6.20) and only switch to the 6.40 kernel after the upgrade.
This is still true and not going to change. If the phrasing is misleading or scary we are willing to change the wording. Any suggestions?
Regards,
Thomas
Today, in an attempt to download the support packages that I need, I discovered that my Download basket on SSM no longer works. Instead, I must use something called SAP Solution Manager Maintenance Optimizer. Geez. I tried to find it on SSM and had no success.
So, I did a search on this forum and found a quote from Volker, "...you want to install SolMan 4.0 which is ONLY delivered with 2004s => ...".
Our installation is 4.7 x110 without J2EE (ABAP only), not 2004s.
What would be involved with installing 2004s? Is any additional hardware required? Are there additional licensing issues/costs? How do I get it if I can't use the download basket on SSM?
I just want to get the 6.40 kernel applied. "Why must this be so difficult?", he cried, piteously.
Any help is greatly appreciated.
Robert
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Hi Robert,
this is still the case, that everything BELOW 2004s can be donloaded without SolMan - unfortunately SAP removed the direct link for ALL patches & support packs :-(((
=> You need for EVERYTHING the SAP Download Manager, which is a tiny and nice Java Program which is setup in 5 minutes at every PC. So, you mark the stuff in the Marketplace and then can download via DnlMgr ...
Regards
Volker Gueldenpfennig, consolut.gmbh
http://www.consolut.de - http://www.4soi.de - http://www.easymarketplace.de
Hello Robert,
As Volker said, kernel 6.40 should be available for downloading without Solution Manager Maintenance Optimizer.
Using FireFox, I can access my "Download Basket" normally, and I can click on each patch and download them to my laptop. Currently I do have issue with the Download Manager on my laptop, which could be issue just on my side...
Best regards,
Victor
Hi Robert,
I will try to give answers to some of your questions:
1) You cannot use kernel 7.00, only 6.40 because this one is downward compatible with basis 6.20.
2) You definitely need package SAPKB62041 before you apply the 6.40 kernel. It brings some locale information which is needed to run that 6.40 PASE kernel.
3) TMKSVR library is for installation only. SAPinst needs it for execution of native steps.
4) PCH<sid> is used and created when patches are applied. Temporary objects are stored there.
5/6) Don't think you need to worry about not having a J2EE server. But this clearly depends on your needs
7) From a technical perspective, NW04 is running on basis 6.40 and NW04s is running on basis 7.00. From the functional perspective I can't say anything.
😎 Use a dedicated 6.40 kernel for each system you run.
9) R3OPT support package stack is a complete kernel. You can load it separately and replace your old kernel with it.
HTH,
Thomas
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Thanks, Thomas. But, now I'm really confused.
1) So, I must use 6.40 kernel. What determines "basis 6.20"?
2) Okay, you agree with SAP that I need this package but...
a) I don't know where to get it
b) I don't know how to install it
c) <b>WHY</b> do I need it if the new kernel totally replaces the
old one? (See also question number 9).
3) If I have TMKSVRxx libraries on my systems, can I safely delete them?
4) If I have PCHxxx libraries on my systems, can I safely delete them?
5/6) How am I supposed to know what my needs are if I have no idea what
the product is supposed to deliver? Try finding any useful
information about it in SMP. I can't.
7) Do you have to have the J2EE server before you can even consider your
systems to be running "NetWeaver"? I just don't understand what
"NetWeaver" is. Try finding any useful information about it in SMP. I can't.
😎 Do I understand you correctly that I must upgrade the kernel for <b>ALL</b>
systems simultaneously? There's no allowing for testing for a few weeks?
9) Would this be preferable to loading from the installation CD and patching?
Is this in addition to the new kernel installation?
If I use R3OPT, do I still have to load the support packages mentioned in 2)?
Thanks for the assistance.
Robert
Hi Robert,
I now try to answer a bit ...
1) So, I must use 6.40 kernel. What determines "basis 6.20"? YES - 6.20 kernel is no longer supported - even for not for 4.7 or other systems on basis 6.20
2) Okay, you agree with SAP that I need this package but...
a) I don't know where to get it - on the SMP in the Support Package Patch area ... look via the following web-page and then 4.7: http://www.4soi.de/SupportPackages.php
(I did it without this patch already, but I can only support Thomas, that is pretty tricky then ...)
b) I don't know how to install it - SPAM as usual ...
c) WHY do I need it if the new kernel totally replaces the
old one? (See also question number 9).
BECAUSE, the new kernel runs in PASE and needs other locales etc.
3) If I have TMKSVRxx libraries on my systems, can I safely delete them? YES, no problem
4) If I have PCHxxx libraries on my systems, can I safely delete them? YES, no problem (reapear after each APYR3FIX and can always be deleted again)
5/6) How am I supposed to know what my needs are if I have no idea what
the product is supposed to deliver? Try finding any useful
information about it in SMP. I can't.
so
YOU do NOT have J2EE - otherwise you would know that - it was very complicated to setup in the past. => be happy as long as you do not need it.
7) Do you have to have the J2EE server before you can even consider your
systems to be running "NetWeaver"? I just don't understand what
"NetWeaver" is. Try finding any useful information about it in SMP. I can't.
Sorry, but this is too much via this forum :-((
NetWeaver on 6.20 technology doesn't really make sense. Therefore, please wait until you upgraded to ECC 6.0 or install another 7.0 product next to it ... (but not everybody needs that - so be happy as long you do not need to install that)
😎 Do I understand you correctly that I must upgrade the kernel for ALL
systems simultaneously? There's no allowing for testing for a few weeks?
NO, you SHOULD do this with testing !!!!
9) Would this be preferable to loading from the installation CD and patching?
Is this in addition to the new kernel installation?
If I use R3OPT, do I still have to load the support packages mentioned in 2)?
You can use the ways above as you described either installation and patching or R3opt or you could download a complete kernel from my website, where you just insert the CD into your drive and use LODRUN *OPT ... (whatever you prefer)
HTH & Regards
Volker Gueldenpfennig, consolut.gmbh
http://www.consolut.de - http://www.4soi.de - http://www.easymarketplace.de
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