Applying an ArcGIS Server service pack to an existing instance

It's possible to download the service packs onto your EC2 instance and apply them directly to ArcGIS Server and ArcGIS Desktop.

To eliminate downtime and allow you the ability to test, it's recommended that you apply an Amazon Elastic IP address to your current instance, then make a custom AMI from the instance. Use this AMI to create a second instance to which you can apply the service pack. When you are done applying the service pack, you can remap your Elastic IP to the upgraded instance. You might then want to create a custom AMI of your upgraded instance.

Steps:

1. Log in to your instance and connect to http://support.esri.com.
2. Download the service packs for ArcGIS Desktop and ArcGIS Server - GIS Services.
3. Install the service pack for ArcGIS Desktop.
4. Change the passwords for the SOM account (arcgissom), SOC account (arcgissoc), and ArcGIS Web Services account (arcgiswebservices) to known values. By default, these are set to random values, but you will not be able to enter these passwords during the GIS Server Post Install unless they are known. To change the passwords, follow the directions in Taking ownership of the ArcGIS Server accounts, including the step to update the password running the ArcGISServicesAppPool in IIS.
5. Find the file <ArcGIS Server installation location>\server\system\Server.dat and make a backup copy.
6. Open the original Server.dat file in a text editor, such as Notepad, and note the following:

   • The drive letter and path of your server directories
   • The IP address used in your Virtual Output Directory paths

7. Install the service pack for ArcGIS Server - GIS Services. Follow the directions on the Esri Support site for installing the service pack.
8. Run the GIS Server Post Install and ensure that you enter the following values correctly:

   • The updated passwords for the SOM account, SOC account, and ArcGIS Web Services account
   • The path to your existing server directories (may vary from the default)
   • The IP address you noted for your directory paths (enter this for Web server name instead of i-XXXXXX).

9. Log off and back on to your instance.
10. If necessary, start ArcGIS Server.