Upgrading a License

Only versions 7.6 or higher can upgrade to version 2017 (8.0).

Before upgrading, see the Release Notes for changes to supported operating systems and database versions.

Note: If the log settings on WS_FTP Server point to a remote server, upgrading WS_FTP Server will cause the log settings to change to 127.0.0.1. If the log level was set to anything other than Normal, upgrading will cause the log level to return to the default level of Normal.

The upgrade to WS_FTP Server 2017 requires that you have a new license file. License keys from previous versions will no longer work. To get a new license file, go to the Customer Portal to manage and download your licenses. If you do not have access, click the New User? link to register. Watch the Overview Video for instructions on how to use the My Licenses tab after you've logged in. If you have difficulty gaining access to the Customer Portal or downloading your updated license, please create a case through the Customer Portal (located under My Cases) or use the form at Ipswitch Support.

Note:: Back-up your existing license file before upgrading. If you need to rollback you will need to reapply your old license file.

Upgrading a License

To upgrade a license from an evaluation license to a full license use the following procedure:

  1. Purchase the product license.
  2. Make a backup of your existing server before starting the installation program. The WS_FTP Server 2017 (8.0) installer makes changes to your database that will not work with pre-7.6 versions of WS_FTP Server. We recommend that you back up your database so you retain the option of reverting to the previous version. To back up a PostgreSQL database, see the Knowledge Base article on how to back up WS_FTP Server 6+. To back up a SQL Server database, see your SQL Server documentation.
  3. Click Program Files > Ipswitch WS_FTP Server > Activate or Refresh WS_FTP Server License. The Ipswitch Product Activation program opens.

    Your serial number should appear in the Activation Key box. If it does not appear, please enter it.

  4. Click Activate to upgrade your license.

    Your license upgrades to include the new purchased feature. This upgrade process does not create a second activation of the product, it just updates the existing license.