Database refresh from an older version

[Tim Saunders]

I'm trying to refresh a TEST instance of Jira (7.7.0) with data from our PROD environment (7.1.6). Is this possible? We arrived at this point because after upgrading DEV and TEST we realized that some data had changed in PROD and that our reports no longer matched up.

The problem is that since the versions of the applications (and add-ons) are different, is it possible to simple do a database refresh or XML import from a 7.1.6 system into a 7.7.0 system? If not, if I copy the database from PROD (while the TEST service is shut down) and run the 7.7.0 installer over the existing 7.7.0 TEST instance, will it update the database to the point where it is usable? I've asked a number of people in different support areas and I've gotten a variety of answers including 1) do a whole new install of the old version and complete the upgrade with the PROD data in place and 2) delete the 7.7.0 install, install 7.7.0 in the same place and import PROD XML... 

Any feedback would be appreciated.

[Nic Brough -Adaptavist-]

A database copy is likely to leave you with problems, and the xml won't be a lot better, both because of the files in the installation that may need upgrading.

The best bet is to copy 7.1, make sure it works, then upgrade it to 7.7

[Tim Saunders]

Thanks Nic. So I'd basically have to install another instance of 7.1 on the test server, then upgrade it. Would there be any conflicts (e.g. Windows service account) if I shut down the existing 7.7 instance before installing the new 7.1 other than renaming the new database)?

[Nic Brough -Adaptavist-]

Yes, that's the best method.  I'd install in different directories too, but that's all I have to add to your plan.