Access Server: VPN services not starting after Linux OS upgrade

Description: In some cases, it is necessary to update the Linux OS in order to upgrade to the latest Access Server version since it is running an out-of-date Linux OS version such as Ubuntu 18.

Resolution: You have two ways to resolve this: you can migrate to a new server (recommended); or update repositories and reinstall Access Server to resolve this.

Option 1: Migrate to a new server (recommended)

We suggest migrating the current Access Server configuration to a new server running the newest Linux OS compatible with Access Server. Follow the steps in this guide to do that.

Option 2: Update repositories and reinstall Access Server

You can upgrade the Linux OS without performing the migration and without affecting the running configuration.

• Update your Linux OS.

After the Linux OS update, it is expected behavior that Access Server won't start because the server still contains repository configuration and an Access Server package designed for the previous version of the Linux distributive.

You will need to update the repositories and reinstall Access Server using the proper commands, depending on the new Linux OS version that the server is running.

To find these commands:

1. Sign in to the Access Server portal.
2. Click Get Access Server > Linux Software Package.
3. Click on the appropriate Linux OS.
4. Use the commands there to install Access Server via our repository.
   • You should now have the appropriate repositories added to your Linux OS and the latest Access Server version installed.  

Note: Although these steps shouldn't affect your configuration, and VPN services should start without issues, we always recommend having a backup of the configuration.

For more information regarding the supported versions, refer to Access Server system requirements.

If you have additional questions please submit a ticket