BMD NTCS: Upgrade to new version

1. What information does the version number provide?

Let us have a look at the structure of the BMD NTCS version number using the example 2025.28.25.67.

2025 = the calendar year of the respective version

.28 = the internal major version number which is incremented by one every year. BMD NTCS is therefore in the 28th year of its development.

.25 = the minor version number, in this case 25, indicates the calendar week in which this version was initially created.

.67 = the patch number. It is a consecutive number that indicates how often the respective minor version has been changed.

Only patches can be installed via web update. In order to install a minor or major version, you need an update medium (DVD, USB flash drive or alternatively an ISO file).

2. Preparing for the upgrade

• Install it directly on the server
  The BMD NTCS major version can only and exclusively be installed on a BMD server.
   
• Current licence key
  You will need the current licence key to upgrade to a new version. This key will be provided as part of the update, but if required you can also request it via email at update@bmd.at.
   
• Server restart is recommended
  We recommend restarting the server before performing the upgrade to ensure that no files or services are still in use.
   
• Provide the installation medium correctly
  If you are using a digital installation medium (a downloaded ISO image), you have to mount it through Windows Explorer.
  
  Some functions of the installation medium may not work correctly if other programs are used.

3. Security and system resources

• Pause the antivirus software
  The antivirus software should be paused for the duration of the installation.
  
  Please note that the setup may still be blocked by the tamper protection of some antivirus products, even when the software is paused.
  
  If this happens, copy the content of the installation medium to a local hard drive and start the setup from there. Antivirus software typically treats local files and external media differently.
   
• Provide sufficient free disk space
  Ensure that enough free space is available. To unpack a web update, about 10 GB will be required temporarily on the system drive.
  
  If the program directory for BMD NTCS is also on the system drive, 10 GB of free space will not be enough. In this case, ensure that there is enough additional free space available on the system drive.
   
• Back up the database before upgrading
  A complete backup of the database must be performed before upgrading.
  
  The backup directory must be accessible from the SQL Server in order to ensure recovery in the event of an error.

4. Execution of the upgrade

• Install the web update as well
  Make sure you install the latest patch when prompted during the upgrade process. This will fix any known bugs that may still be present in the installation medium.
   
• Enable maintenance mode
  No user is permitted to work in BMD NTCS while the upgrade is in progress.
  
  Activate maintenance mode in the setup—this checks for any users who are logged in and, if necessary, forces the application to close.
   
• Speed up the upgrade (optional)
  To speed up the upgrade process, download the latest patch in advance from www.bmd.com/bmdntcspatch/ and copy it to the folder BMDSoftware\Update.
  
  The setup will automatically detect and install the patch.

5. After the upgrade

• Automatic client update
  Once the server installation is complete, the BMD NTCS clients will automatically update when they are first started.
  
  For this to work, the “BMDClientSvc” service must be running on the clients.
   
• Notify your employees
  Inform your staff that starting BMD NTCS for the first time after an upgrade may take longer than usual.

6. Regular web updates

Make sure you regularly install the latest BMD NTCS patches. Patches can also be installed automatically overnight using a BMD NTCS batch job.

Instructions are available on our website:

BMD NTCS: Batches for automatic web updates.