Upgrade/migration from a very old version of Koha

Libraries stick on with old versions of Koha facing difficulties while trying to upgrade to the new version. Upgrading from very old versions to the latest version may result in data loss. Koha stops the official support for older versions after a specific period. Same way, Koha support for old Ubuntu versions stops when it becomes obsolete. New versions of Koha introduce a lot of improvements and new features. Changes in database structure required to accommodate new features. For example, Koha version 3.18 released in 2014, and it has 168 tables. Version 19.05, released in 2019, has 204 tables. Koha developers strongly recommend for the regular up-gradation to recent versions. The database structure is also subject to changes during the upgrade process.

Direct up-gradation from old versions (e.g. versions before version 3.18) to the latest version probably ends in data loss. Restoration of an old version of Koha is a challenging task. Data migration from a running instance of an old version of Koha is comparatively easy. Porting of bibliographic records to MARC format, patron details, and circulation details to CSV is possible. Then it can be imported into a new version of Koha. Following steps can follow to export essential data:

• Note down all configurations with Koha including branch code, item types codes, authorized values, circulation and rules. Take screenshots of all configurations.
• Export bibliographic details (MARC format) into MARC.
• Export patron and circulation details into CSV format using reports.
• Install a new version of Koha. Create branch code, Patron categories, Authorised values, circulation match with the old version of Koha.
• Import MARC file, patron, and circulation details.

Note: Consult Koha release notes and installation manual at Koha Wiki for regular updates on changes.