Upgrading CentOS 7 to Rocky Linux 9

If you are still running CentOS 7, you may want to consider upgrading to Rocky Linux 9 for its improved security, features, and community support. Normally, a direct in-place upgrade from CentOS 7 to Rocky Linux 9 is not straightforward. The process involves intermediate steps, so you should be prepared and back up your existing data before starting.

Prerequisites

• A system running CentOS 7.
• Root or sudo user access.
• Reliable internet connection.
• Backup of all important data.

Step 1: Backup Your Data

Before beginning the upgrade process, it’s crucial to backup your data to avoid any potential data loss. You can use tools like rsync, tar, or any other backup solutions you prefer.

Step 2: Update CentOS 7

Ensure your current CentOS 7 system is up to date by running the following commands:

# yum update -y

# reboot

Step 3: Install epel-release on CentOS 7

Install epel-release if it is not already installed:

# yum install epel-release -y

Step 4: Install Migration Tool

Install a migration tool like leapp which is designed for Red Hat-based system migrations:

# yum install leapp-upgrade -y

Step 5: Pre-upgrade Checklist

Check the system for pre-upgrade issues using:

# leapp preupgrade

This command will generate a report of any potential issues that need to be resolved before proceeding with the upgrade.

Step 6: Perform the Upgrade

Once all pre-upgrade issues are resolved, perform the upgrade:

# leapp upgrade

After the upgrade process completes, reboot the system:

# reboot

Step 7: Verify the Upgrade

To ensure the upgrade was successful, verify the current operating system version:

$ cat /etc/redhat-release

The output should indicate Rocky Linux 8 or 9, depending on the intermediate steps required.

Note: If you landed on Rocky Linux 8, follow a similar process to upgrade to Rocky Linux 9 finally.

Conclusion

Upgrading from CentOS 7 to Rocky Linux 9 involves careful planning and multiple steps. Always ensure you backup your data before starting any upgrade process. For more customized instructions, consult the official documentation or community forums.