The latest version of PostgreSQL database server tested with PHMS is 8.2.5 available at http://www.galacticasoftware.com/postgresql/postgresql-8.2.5-1.zip . If you are using a version older than 8.0.6, you are strongly encouraged to upgrade due to a glitch in the database server that may result in data loss.

There are 3 methods of upgrading PostgtreSQL,

  1. Normal Upgrade
  2. Server reinstall (data intact)
  3. Complete reinstall

If you are upgrading from a version prior to 8.2.0, for example, 8.0.9, you will need to do a complete reinstall followed by a restore of the data from backup. You do not need to completely whipe the 8.0.x data before installing 8.2, but 8.0.x must be uninstalled.

Before attempting to upgrade, make sure you have a working backup and a latest, readable backup available.

If you are unsure how to proceed, please contact us. Leaving something in mid-setup is much better than "trying different things" and losing your data.

After the upgrade, make sure to check that the data is still accessible.

Normal Upgrade

  1. Download the latest PostgreSQL version and unzip it
  2. Double click on the UPGRADE.BAT file
  3. If you receive an error that a service installation failed because you do not have privileges, but you are logged in as Administrator, then go to next section. If you receive no errors, you are done.

Server reinstall (data & configuration intact)

  1. Go to Control Panel and remove PostgreSQL database server. The data directory will be intact.
  2. Install the new version of the database server making sure to specify the same directories as in the first installation. The only differenced are:
    1. DO NOT want to Initialize the database cluster. It is already installed
    2. Specify the password for the postgres system user. This is on the page where you configure the service. If you don't know the password, go to User management utility in windows and change the password.

Complete reinstall

If all else fails (the second method should be bullet proof), and the only hope is to reinstall from backup, then do the following,

  1. Remove the database server. Move the C:\PostgreSQL directory to a safe location.
  2. Install the database as per the Installation Instructions.
  3. Restore data from backup as per Restoring Database from Backup instruction.