3 Performing a Silent Upgrade with a Response File

A silent upgrade is an upgrade that requires no user interaction. You can perform a silent upgrade by using a response file.

A response file collects all the information that you enter through the Upgrade Assistant's graphical user interface (GUI) screens. Later, you can use the response file to automatically perform exactly the same function that the Upgrade Assistant wizard performs.

Note:

You must run the Upgrade Assistant in GUI mode first to generate a response file that can be used to complete a silent upgrade.

• Creating an Upgrade Response File
  When you run the Upgrade Assistant in graphical user interface (GUI) mode, you can select to generate a response file.
• Using a Response File to Upgrade Fusion Middleware
  When you create a response file to record the information that you enter through the Upgrade Assistant's screens, you can perform the same actions later by using the command line in silent mode.

Creating an Upgrade Response File

When you run the Upgrade Assistant in graphical user interface (GUI) mode, you can select to generate a response file.

The Save Response File option on the Upgrade Summary screen creates a file that stores the information you have already provided in the Upgrade Assistant screens.

When you select the Save Response File option, you are prompted for a name and location where you want to save the response file. After it is created, you can use it as isto replicate the upgrade options on other systems, or modify it as needed.

Using a Response File to Upgrade Fusion Middleware

When you create a response file to record the information that you enter through the Upgrade Assistant's screens, you can perform the same actions later by using the command line in silent mode.

Note:

You must run the Upgrade Assistant in GUI mode first to generate the response file that can be used to complete a silent readiness check or upgrade.

To start the Upgrade Assistant using a response file:

1. Go to the oracle_common/upgrade/bin directory:
   • (UNIX) NEW_ORACLE_HOME/oracle_common/upgrade/bin
   • (Windows) NEW_ORACLE_HOME\oracle_common\upgrade\bin
2. Enter the following command:
   (UNIX) ./ua -response response_file[-examine] [-logLevel log_level] [-logDir log_directory] [-threads number]
   (Windows) ua.bat -response response_file[-examine] [-logLevel log_level] [-logDir log_directory] [-threads number]

   For information about the optional command-line parameters, see:

• Upgrade Assistant Parameters
  

Upgrade Assistant Parameters

When you start the Upgrade Assistant from the command line, you can specify additional parameters.

Table 3-1 Upgrade Assistant Command-Line Parameters

Parameter	Required or Optional	Description
-readiness	Required for readiness checks Note: Readiness checks cannot be performed on standalone installations (those not managed by the WebLogic Server).	Performs the upgrade readiness check without performing an actual upgrade. Schemas and configurations are checked. Do not use this parameter if you have specified the -examine parameter.
-threads	Optional	Identifies the number of threads available for concurrent schema upgrades or readiness checks of the schemas. The value must be a positive integer in the range 1 to 8. The default is 4.
-response	Required for silent upgrades or silent readiness checks	Runs the Upgrade Assistant using inputs saved to a response file generated from the data that is entered when the Upgrade Assistant is run in GUI mode. Using this parameter runs the Upgrade Assistant in silent mode (without displaying Upgrade Assistant screens).
-examine	Optional	Performs the examine phase but does not perform an actual upgrade. Do not specify this parameter if you have specified the -readiness parameter.
-logLevel attribute	Optional	Sets the logging level, specifying one of the following attributes: TRACE NOTIFICATION WARNING ERROR INCIDENT_ERROR The default logging level is NOTIFICATION. Consider setting the -logLevel TRACE attribute to so that more information is logged. This is useful when troubleshooting a failed upgrade. The Upgrade Assistant's log files can become very large if -logLevel TRACE is used.
-logDir location	Optional	Sets the default location of upgrade log files and temporary files. You must specify an existing, writable directory where the Upgrade Assistant creates log files and temporary files. The default locations are: (UNIX) NEW_ORACLE_HOME/oracle_common/upgrade/logs NEW_ORACLE_HOME/oracle_common/upgrade/temp (Windows) NEW_ORACLE_HOME\oracle_common\upgrade\logs NEW_ORACLE_HOME\oracle_common\upgrade\temp
-help	Optional	Displays all of the command-line options.