Professional Step-by-Step Upgrade Path with Best Practices & Safety Checks
📋 Upgrade Path Overview
Total estimated time: 2-4 hours (depending on server size and packages)
🌟 Why Upgrade to CloudLinux?
- LVE Technology: Isolate resources per user to prevent single account from overloading server
- Enhanced Security: CageFS, SecureLinks, and hardened kernel
- PHP Selector: Multiple PHP versions per user
- MySQL Governor: Prevent MySQL abuse and overload
- Perfect for Hosting: Designed specifically for shared hosting environments
- Better Stability: Improved server stability and uptime
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📋 Pre-Upgrade Checklist & Considerations
⚡ Important Considerations Before Upgrading
- Compatibility: Ensure all your applications support AlmaLinux 9 and CloudLinux
- Third-party Repositories: May need to be updated or reconfigured
- Custom Configurations: Document all custom configs before upgrade
- PHP Versions: Check if your PHP applications are compatible
- Database Versions: MySQL/MariaDB may be upgraded
- Control Panels: Ensure cPanel/WHM/Plesk support the target versions
- Downtime: Plan for 1-3 hours of downtime minimum
- CloudLinux License: Have your license key ready before conversion
✅ Pre-Upgrade Checklist (Complete ALL before proceeding):
- Full server backup completed (including databases)
- All important data backed up externally
- Current kernel and packages documented
- At least 10GB free disk space available
- Root SSH access confirmed and tested
- Console/VNC access available (in case of SSH issues)
- Maintenance window scheduled and users notified
- CloudLinux license purchased or trial activated
- All critical services documented
- Snapshot/backup verified as restorable
🔧 Phase 1: Prepare AlmaLinux 8 for Upgrade
Ensure your AlmaLinux 8 system is fully updated before starting the upgrade process:
Reboot if kernel was updated:
AlmaLinux uses the ELevate project for major version upgrades:
Run the pre-upgrade check to identify potential issues:
/var/log/leapp/leapp-report.txt for any blocking issues. Common issues include:
- Incompatible kernel modules
- Deprecated packages
- Configuration conflicts
View the report:
Common fixes for upgrade blockers:
Remove problematic packages:
Update GRUB configuration:
Set upgrade answers (if needed):
🚀 Phase 2: Upgrade AlmaLinux 8 to AlmaLinux 9
Start the upgrade process:
- Number of installed packages
- Server performance
- Internet connection speed
After the system reboots, verify the upgrade was successful:
Should show: AlmaLinux release 9.x
Check system status:
Update all packages to latest AlmaLinux 9 versions:
Clean up old packages:
Check critical services are running:
Check if cPanel is functioning (if installed):
Review system logs for errors:
☁️ Phase 3: Convert AlmaLinux 9 to CloudLinux 9
Download the CloudLinux conversion script:
Make the script executable:
Run the conversion script with your license key:
Or convert without a key (you can register later):
After reboot, verify CloudLinux installation:
Should show: CloudLinux release 9.x
Register CloudLinux license (if not done during conversion):
Install CloudLinux LVE Manager (for cPanel):
Install CageFS (recommended for shared hosting):
Enable PHP Selector:
Install and configure MySQL Governor:
Set up mod_lsapi for better PHP performance:
Check CloudLinux kernel is active:
Verify LVE is working:
Check CageFS status:
Run CloudLinux optimization:
- CloudLinux LVE resource isolation
- Enhanced security with CageFS
- PHP Selector for multiple PHP versions
- MySQL Governor for database protection
- Improved stability for shared hosting
🛠️ Post-Upgrade Best Practices
📋 Recommended Post-Upgrade Tasks
- Test all websites and applications thoroughly
- Monitor server performance for 24-48 hours
- Review and adjust LVE limits based on your needs
- Enable CageFS for all users (shared hosting)
- Configure PHP Selector default versions
- Set up monitoring for LVE faults
- Create new backup of the upgraded system
- Update documentation with new OS version
- Train staff on CloudLinux features
🚨 Troubleshooting Common Issues
Repository Conflicts:
If you encounter repository errors:
Service Failed to Start:
Check service logs:
PHP Issues After Upgrade:
Rebuild PHP configuration:
CloudLinux License Issues:
Re-register the license:
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