sundance-communications.com Forums Telephony Discussion Phone & VoIP Systems Nortel Telephones & Systems lose programming?

I was told that when I upgrade an MICS from 4.1
to 6.1 software it will retain system programming. Just power down the KSU and insert the 6.1 PCI card - presto! I'm reading some older posts and it looks like the system defaults when doing the upgrade. Big difference! Anyone know for sure?

You will need an upgrade tool! I recently did an upgrade from 4.0 to 6.1. The upgrade procedure was followed exactly as written and I lost all programming. I recently read that station cables should not be disconnected as the procedure specifies. Not sure why. I had a copy of all programming so it went pretty fast.

Thanks for the reply. What is an upgrade tool and how do I get one?

In a nutshell, the upgrade tool is special rom cart that contains special upgrade info. You should order the upgrade tool when you order the software. Your vendor should have the appropriate numbers. You may not have to replace the rom cart with 4.1. Again your vendor should be able to guide you in this regard or one of the other mods may have more definative info.

I have tried to use the upgrade tool 3 times. All failed. A buddy of mine has had it fail twice. I just factor labor to reprogram and forget the upgrade tool. JMHO

it is somewhat like trying to upgrade a computer OS. Best to just do a fresh install.

Programming this from scratch with a 7310 definitely won't be practical - they have about 60 stations, a T1 and multiple target lines.
There is a RAD on site - I have downloaded the 10.0 remote utilities. Will that work on the 4.1 MICS? Could I do a remote backup and then restore after I install the software? Any other options? Thanks guys.T

IF you doing an upgrade from 4.1 to 6.1 there is no need for an upgrade tool .The upgrade tool works only on versions (rel 1-rel 3) to release 4 and above ,but release 4 and above no need for an upgrade tool. All that you need to do is replace the flash card. The problem with the upgrade tool its too flimsy and you could loose the programming very easily, however there is some considerations you should be aware of before attempting using upgrade tool ,you must use NVRAM release 2 release 1 most likely you will loose programming. You have to consider what release you currently have and what release you upgrading too( if you currently have standard you will only upgrade to standard if its XC you will upgrade to XC) if its XC or standard you have to upgrade to the appropriate s/w not mix and match and if its XC you have to consider XC USA or CA The other thing you should remove all expansion cabinets fiber cords and leave the system as a core system only and once the system is upgraded add the expansions modules fiber cords ( what I mean by that is just only remove the fiber cord from the 2-6 port card and do not remove the fiber expansion card because by removing the fiber 2-6 module you will loose the programming for sure).But gain doing all that I can't guarantee that you will not loose the programming but you have a better chance,personly I don't like the upgrade tool (I didn't loose any programming ever however I got cases with corrupted programs and ended up defaulting the system any way).I hope that is helpful and not confusing.