Frequently Asked Question

How to install an update or upgrade for Samco
In order to achieve a successful update, read through the instructions applicable to the operating system to which you are installing. If you have any questions or concerns, contact Samco Support 1-604-597-4211 or support@samco.com


If you are migrating to a different operating system and upgrading at the same time, you must upgrade on the old system first and then migrate. You will require Samco’s assistance and you will be required to purchase a new Install Kit/System Functions.

If you are at all concerned about the security or accuracy of your backup, contact Samco to discuss our Automated Daily Backup Service.

Check our website for the Release Notes located here.

Before you Start....

Check what Operating system Samco is installed on

If you are upgrading Samco on a Windows operating system, please follow the instructions here
If you are upgrading Samco on a Linux / Unix operating system, please continue reading below.

Linux / Unix Upgrade

Before you begin

Please ensure that your system meets the minimum system requirements for this upgrade.
This upgrade requires Fedora Core 10 and above (or equivalent). If you are unsure of your operating system compatibility please contact us.

Update Procedure

1. If you are not using Samco’s Daily Backup Service, create two complete backups of your entire Samco directory (usually /usr/ssi or /u/ssi), including all files, programs, and sub-directories. Do not do a partial or incremental backup. If you are at all concerned about the security or accuracy of your backup, contact Samco to discuss our Automated Daily Backup Service.
2. Take note of your version of Samco Power Accounting, from any menu press F4 to see your system identification.
   
   This screen shows version 14.07.35.087
3. Ensure that all transactions have been posted and interfaced to the General Ledger.
4. Download the DVDROM image
5. Login on your server as root from a terminal session using any SSH program like putty or Smartterm.
6. Make sure you are on the root directory using the command:
   # cd /root
7. In the root command prompt, use the ftp command to download and extract the latest samcodvd image. Please make sure you have the latest ftp password from samco support.
   
   #ftp ns2.samco.com
   
   You’ll get following prompt below:
   
   Connected to ns2.samco.com (96.125.132.184).
   220 (vsFTPd 2.3.4)
   Name (ns2.samco.com:root):
   
   Upon successful login you’ll get the following prompt:
   
   ftp>
   
   Then, if your version number was something like this 14.07.35.071 (with a 35), run the command,
   
   ftp> get samcodvd.tar35.gz
   
   If your version number was something like this 12.04.34.120 (with a 34) run the command,
   
   ftp> get samcodvd.tar34.gz
   
   You should get the following status (replace tar35 with tar34 if you are upgrading version 34)
   
   local: samcodvd.tar35.gz remote: samcodvd.tar35.gz
   227 Entering Passive Mode (96,125,132,184,140,157).
   150 Opening BINARY mode data connection for samcodvd.tar35.gz (462802329 bytes).
   
   Once you have the downloaded image file, extract using the command for version 35:
   
   # tar –xvzf samcodvd.tar35.gz
   
   And if you are doing version 34 this command
   
   # tar –xvzf samcodvd.tar34.gz
   
   After extracting it will be in the /root/samcodvd directory.
   
   DO NOT extract the compressed file in long directory path names and directory names that contains special characters. Have all other users exit out of the Power Accounting system.
8. Next run the installation, run the following command to change to the image directory:
   
   #cd /root/samcodvd
   
   and use this command to run the installation
   
   #sh install
   
   
   Select U for update
   
   Carefully read the License Agreement and, use PgUP/PgDN; when finished, press [F2] to accept. You may also view the Agreement from the System Functions
   
   Carefully enter your SAMCO directory (/u/ssi or /usr/ssi).
   
   
   
   Then, press “Y” in the link OK to proceed?
   When prompted, indicate that this is an update from DVD.
   
   
   
   Confirm the source directory for the update. This is normally populated with the correct response from above.
   
   
   Next you will be prompted for an option to change the number of licenses
   
   
   
   
   
   If you are changing the number of users, press [F2] and enter the new Installation Kit serial number and activation key, otherwise answer Y to the “OK to proceed” question.
   
   The packages already installed on your system should be automatically detected. If not, indicate which modules should be upgraded / installed with Y. Press [TAB] when all desired packages have been selected.
   
   Although you are not limited to installing those packages already licensed, you should not run demo versions of the software in your live company. Only run demo modules in a test company.
   
   When prompted, answer Y to update all of your company data.
   
   Enter in the supplied serial numbers and activation keys if requested to do so. For the modules that will run as demos press [TAB] to skip serialization - these modules will now be set to demo mode and will have certain limitations.
   
   Exit the software, and return to the operating system command prompt to set the permissions for other users by typing in:
   
   # sh ./setperms
   
   # /bin/cp MENU.ssi MENU
   
   Make the necessary changes to control files as instructed in the Release Notes. Users may go back into the software and begin processing after that.
   
   
   If you are running Canadian Payroll, please go to this knowledge base here