Upgrade from CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 8 with cPanel ELevate

Introduction

Are you still running CentOS 7 and considering a seamless upgrade to AlmaLinux 8 with cPanel ELevate? This step-by-step guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a smooth transition without compromising your data or system stability.

Important Note: Before you begin the upgrade process, it is crucial to back up all your accounts. Upgrading the operating system can pose risks such as data loss or system failures. Make sure to store backups off-server for added security.

Procedure

Backup Your Accounts: Begin by safeguarding your data. Execute a comprehensive backup of all your accounts.

Access the Command Line: Log in as the ‘root’ user via SSH.

Update Packages: Keep your packages up to date by running the following command:

yum update

Update cPanel: Run the cPanel update script to ensure it is current:

/scripts/upcp

Reboot the Server: Initiate a server reboot for the changes to take effect:

shutdown -r now

Download cPanel ELevate Script: Fetch the cPanel ELevate script using the following commands:

wget -O /scripts/elevate-cpanel https://raw.githubusercontent.com/cpanel/elevate/release/elevate-cpanel 

chmod 700 /scripts/elevate-cpanel

Check for Upgrade Blockers: Use the script to check for any upgrade blockers:

/scripts/elevate-cpanel --check --upgrade-to=almalinux

Resolve Issues: Address and resolve any issues identified during the blocker check.

Recheck for Upgrade Blockers: Ensure all issues are resolved by running the blocker check again:

/scripts/elevate-cpanel --check --upgrade-to=almalinux

Initiate Upgrade Process: If no blockers are present, start the upgrade process with the following command:

/scripts/elevate-cpanel --start --upgrade-to=almalinux

Monitor Upgrade Status: Keep an eye on the upgrade progress by using:

/scripts/elevate-cpanel --status

Be Patient: The elevation process may take up to 90 minutes and involves multiple reboots. Some reboots may take longer than usual. Avoid interrupting the process.

By following these steps diligently, you can successfully upgrade from CentOS 7 to AlmaLinux 8 using cPanel ELevate, ensuring a secure and efficient transition for your server.