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Upgrading

This guide covers upgrading DICOM Printer 2 to a newer version.

Before Upgrading

1. Backup Configuration

Critical: Always backup your configuration before upgrading.

cmd
copy "%ProgramData%\Flux Inc\DICOM Printer 2\config\config.xml" "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\config_backup.xml"

2. Record Activation Code

Save your activation code:

  • Open Control Application → Licensing tab
  • Copy activation code
  • OR extract from config.xml <RegistrationKey> element

3. Note Current Version

Check current version:

  • Control Application → About
  • OR command line: DicomPrinterService.exe --version

4. Review Release Notes

Before upgrading, review release notes for:

  • New features
  • Breaking changes
  • Configuration migration requirements
  • Known issues

5. Stop the Service

cmd
net stop DicomPrinter2Service

OR use Control Application to stop service.

Upgrade Process

Standard Upgrade

  1. Download New Version

    • Obtain latest installer from Flux Inc
    • Verify installer version number
  2. Run Installer

    • Double-click installer executable
    • Installer detects existing installation
    • Select "Upgrade" or "Update" option
  3. Installation Wizard

    • Follow installation wizard
    • Existing configuration is typically preserved
    • Installation completes
  4. Verify Service

    • Service should start automatically
    • If not, start manually
  5. Check Logs

    • Review log file for any errors
    • Verify service started successfully
  6. Test Configuration

    • Verify workflows function correctly
    • Test DICOM connections
    • Process test job

Configuration Migration

Automatic Migration

Most upgrades preserve your configuration automatically. The installer:

  • Detects existing config.xml
  • Preserves settings during upgrade
  • Updates only necessary elements

Manual Migration

If configuration requires manual updates:

  1. Review Migration Guide

    • Check release notes for migration instructions
    • Identify configuration changes required
  2. Update Configuration

    • Edit config.xml with required changes
    • Validate XML syntax
    • Ensure DTD compliance
  3. Test Configuration

    • Restart service
    • Check logs for errors
    • Process test job

Configuration Backup and Restore

If automatic migration fails:

  1. Restore Backup

    cmd
    copy "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\config_backup.xml" "%ProgramData%\Flux Inc\DICOM Printer 2\config\config.xml"
  2. Manually Apply Updates

    • Reference new config.dtd
    • Add new elements if required
    • Update deprecated elements

Version Compatibility

Major Version Upgrades (e.g., 1.x to 2.x)

May include:

  • Breaking configuration changes
  • New required elements
  • Deprecated features removed
  • Migration tool may be provided

Recommended:

  • Test in non-production environment first
  • Review all migration documentation
  • Plan for configuration updates

Minor Version Upgrades (e.g., 2.0 to 2.1)

Typically:

  • Backward compatible
  • No configuration changes required
  • New optional features
  • Safe to upgrade in-place

Patch Version Upgrades (e.g., 2.0.0 to 2.0.1)

Generally:

  • Bug fixes only
  • No configuration changes
  • Full backward compatibility
  • Lowest risk

Post-Upgrade Verification

1. Check Service Status

cmd
sc query DicomPrinter2Service

Should show STATE: 4 RUNNING

2. Review Logs

Check for errors or warnings:

%ProgramData%\Flux Inc\DICOM Printer 2\log\dicom_printer_service.log

Look for:

  • Successful service start
  • Configuration loaded
  • License validation
  • No critical errors

3. Verify License

  • Check license status in Control Application
  • Verify activation is still valid
  • Reactivate if necessary (same activation code works)

4. Test Workflows

Test critical workflows:

  • Print test document
  • Verify PACS connectivity
  • Test worklist queries
  • Check file processing

5. Monitor Performance

After upgrade, monitor:

  • Job processing times
  • Resource usage
  • Error rates
  • DICOM operation success rates

Rollback Procedure

If upgrade causes issues:

1. Stop Service

cmd
net stop DicomPrinter2Service

2. Uninstall New Version

  • Control Panel → Programs and Features
  • Uninstall DICOM Printer 2
  • Important: Select "No" when asked to remove data

3. Reinstall Previous Version

  • Run previous version installer
  • Install to same location
  • Configuration should be preserved

4. Restore Configuration Backup

If configuration was modified:

cmd
copy "%USERPROFILE%\Desktop\config_backup.xml" "%ProgramData%\Flux Inc\DICOM Printer 2\config\config.xml"

5. Restart Service

cmd
net start DicomPrinter2Service

6. Verify Operation

  • Check service runs correctly
  • Test workflows
  • Review logs

Best Practices

  1. Always Backup - Never upgrade without configuration backup
  2. Test First - Test upgrade in non-production environment when possible
  3. Plan Downtime - Schedule upgrade during maintenance window
  4. Read Release Notes - Understand changes before upgrading
  5. Verify Compatibility - Ensure PACS/RIS compatibility with new version
  6. Monitor After Upgrade - Watch logs and performance closely post-upgrade
  7. Keep Installers - Archive previous version installer for rollback

Upgrade Support

For upgrade assistance:

Email: support@fluxinc.ca

Include:

  • Current version
  • Target version
  • Any errors encountered
  • Configuration backup (sanitized)