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Upgrade System

This section explains how to upgrade SEI to the latest version and ensure a safe, smooth transition. Before you begin, plan the upgrade for a time when a server restart is possible. While some upgrades don’t require a reboot, allowing Windows to fully reset can help avoid dependency issues and ensure optimal performance. If you are upgrading from version 7, follow the additional steps in Upgrade from Version 7.

If you plan to move SEI to a new server as part of your upgrade, follow the steps in Move a Central Point before proceeding.

important

Never uninstall the following database packages—they contain essential data and configuration:

  • Nectari Central Point for SQL Server and Oracle.exe (or SEI)
  • Nectari OLAP for SQL Server.exe (or SEI)

Upgrade from version 6.7, 7.X, 8.2​

If you are upgrading from version 8.2.7.X or earlier, be sure to install .NET Framework 4.8 first. This version is required for both SEI Server and Excel Add-in. You must restart your server or workstation after installing .NET Framework 4.8.

Steps​

StepDescription
Test environmentSet up and validate a safe test environment before upgrading production.
Back up dataCreate backups of all databases and shared folders before starting.
Update SSL certificatesInstall new certificates and update HTTPS bindings if required.
Upgrade SEIRun the server installer to upgrade your main SEI system.
Upgrade Central PointUpgrade the Central Point repository and apply the new license as prompted.
Upgrade Excel Add-inUninstall the previous Excel Add-in as needed and install the latest version.
Confirm updateTest key features and ensure system stability after upgrade.

Test in a safe environment​

Set up a test environment to try the new version of SEI before upgrading your production server. This helps ensure a smooth transition and avoids unexpected issues in your live environment.

  • While testing, keep your production environment running as usual.
  • Work with a qualified SEI partner or expert to copy your production Central Point folder and both the SEI and SEICube databases to your test environment.
  • When testing is complete and you’re ready to upgrade production, repeat the upgrade instructions on the production server.

Back up all data​

  • Make a backup of the SEI database.
  • Make a backup of the Central Point shared folder.
  • If your Data Warehouse or cubes hold historic or hard-to-rebuild data, back those up as well.

Update the SSL Certificates​

If you need to update your SSL certificate​

  • Obtain a new certificate in .pfx format and its password.
  • Repeat the process on all servers where SEI is installed.

Install the new certificate​

  1. Copy the .pfx file to the server hosting your web applications.
  2. Double-click the .pfx file to launch the Certificate Import Wizard.
  3. In the wizard, select Local Machine as the Store Location and click Next.
  4. Click Next again.
  5. When prompted, enter the certificate’s password and click Next.
  6. On the Certificate Store screen, accept the default and click Next.
  7. Click Finish to complete the import.
note

If your environment uses multiple servers, repeat this process for each one.

Update certificate bindings in IIS​

  1. Open IIS Manager. Press the Windows key + R, type inetmgr, and press Enter.
  2. In the left panel, expand your server name and select Sites.
  3. Right-click your website and choose Bindings.
  4. In the Site Bindings window, select the https binding and click Edit.
  5. In the Edit Site Binding window, select the new certificate from the dropdown list or use Select to browse.
    You can click View to confirm you’ve chosen the correct certificate.
  6. Click Ok to apply changes.

If multiple sites are using the old certificate, IIS will prompt whether to update all bindings—select Yes when prompted.

Upgrade SEI server​

Starting with version 2022 R1, you no longer need to uninstall the existing SEI Server to upgrade.

Simply run the new installer and choose either Basic or Advanced installation options as appropriate for your environment. The installer will automatically detect your existing setup and perform the upgrade.

Reinstall the Web Central Point Configurator​

To reinstall the Web Central Point Configurator:

  1. Open the Windows Settings and go to Apps (or Programs and Features in Control Panel, depending on your Windows version).
  2. Find Nectari Web Central Point Configurator or SEI Web Central Point Configurator in the list of installed programs and uninstall it.
  3. Run the setup package for the Web Central Point Configurator to complete the reinstallation.

Upgrade the Central Point​

  1. Select the Central Point and log in using the ADMIN user credentials.
    If you see a The username or password is invalid error, double-check your credentials and try again.
  2. Enter your license key and accept the agreement terms. If the Central Point is out of date, you will see a message indicating that an upgrade is required when you log in to the Web Server.
  3. Click Confirm to start the upgrade. The process may take several minutes.

Upgrade Excel Add-in​

For versions earlier than 2023 R2​

On each workstation, uninstall the previous version of the Excel Add-in before installing the new version using the Nectari Excel Add-in – x64.exe or SEI Excel Add-in – x64.exe package.

For 2023 R2 and later​

Verify upgrade and test​

To confirm a successful upgrade, complete the following checks:

  1. Test SEI Views, Dashboards, and Reports to ensure they open without errors.
  2. Test Prompts in the application to verify correct operation.
  3. Check overall system performance. If you notice slow response times or errors, refer to the Performance Review for guidance on further diagnosis and tuning.

Additional updates​

After completing the main upgrade, remember to: