Fix Pack 4 Installation guidance on Cognos 10.1.1

[Ravisha]

We have a standalone installation of Cognos 10.1.1 (Prod) and the content store DB is on a different server.

We've been having database connectivity issues lately. Upon contacting IBM, we've been told to install Fix Pack 4 to eliminate db connectivity issues to Microsoft SQL Server 2012. The users are facing this issue/error while running the report. But when they re-run it, they aren't facing OLEDB database connectivity errors.

So, I would like to know what steps I need to follow before I install fix pack 4. Since we have a standalone application, we have to install it directly in the prod environment. If there is a need for backups, what sort of backups would they be? and If something fails, how would I roll back it ?

Your answers are appreciated

[cognoslearner1]

Follow the steps provided in the link and you can successfully install fix packs.

https://www-01.ibm.com/support/knowledgecenter/SSEP7J_10.2.2/com.ibm.swg.ba.cognos.inst_cr_winux.10.2.2.doc/t_installfixpacksunix.html

To rollback :

http://www-01.ibm.com/support/docview.wss?uid=swg21341204

-- Cognoslearner1

[Ravisha]

Hello

Thanks a lot for your valuable advice. I truly appreciate it. :)

I have a question regarding exporting and importing the cognos content through administration portal. I would like to know how it varies when compared to making a backup copy of Content store database?

If I install a new version of cognos (10.2) and point it to blank database (content store); upon starting the services, cognos will automatically create table structures right? Now, when I import the cognos content 10.1 backup (from deployment folder), will the cognos automatically update with the new data in the underlying tables in content store DB ? is this one of the processes of upgrading cognos?

Your input is highly appreciated.

[cognoslearner1]

Yes the method which you mentioned can be used for up gradation of cognos it is called "lift and shift " method.
Details of different methods are given in the below link.
http://www.envisn.com/envisn-cognos-blog/bid/45290/Planning-A-Successful-Cognos-Migration

There are 2 ways to backup content store.
1- Take back up from the Cognos admin portal.
2- Ask your DBA to take a cold backup of CS db.

First method is used when your not sure the db and version your going to use in the upgradation.
Second method is used when there is same db flavour is being used for upgradation.

-- Cognoslearner1

[Ravisha]

Thank you so much for patience with me.