CUCM 6.1(5) - replace dead subscriber server

[scrye]

HI;

I'm the pointy-haired Network Manager with some (but not enough) geeky skills. I've inherited a mess. We have (had) a 2- node CUCM 6.1(5) cluster that supports about 1000 phones. The subscriber was killed (drowned) by a water-leak. The publisher is still running, and the system is alive, users are making calls, etc.  I have access to the CUCM tools such as the Real-Time monitoring tool, which is complaining bitterly about the absent subscriber. Sady, there is no documentation on the configuration, and there were no backups of the subscriber. It is completely dead. All my Call Manager experience (not much) was from the 4.x days. The systems were upgraded by a consultant from the old 4.x install, which was originally done in 2005.

We ordered and I just racked and powered up a brand-new replacement MCS-7800 CUCM server that came with 6.1.5.10000-10 pre-installed. I powered it up to make sure the KVM was alive and was very suprprised to see it boot into Linux and run through a "pre-installed software" routine that seems to have installed CUCM. At the present moment it is at a step asking for Pre-existing Configuration Information, such as a platformConfig.xml. I've walked away while I research and ask for guidance.

I know that setting up a subscriber is complicated and don't expect this forum to walk me through the process. We have SmartNet, but I'm holding off on opening a TAC case.

It would be wonderful if there is a way to go through a minimal amount of steps to get the new server running, give it a hostname, IP etc., and then tell the existing CUCM "publisher" that the long-lost subscriber is back, but has lost it's mind and needs to be told what to do - and watch the Publisher magically push all the configs into place.

OK, now that you have stopped ROFL, any high-level guidance would be greatly appreciated! Links to Cisco config/disaster recovery guides would be great. I already have this:

http://www.cisco.com/en/US/docs/voice_ip_comm/cucm/install/6_1_1/install/cmins611-cm.html

Thanks,

Steve

[David Hailey]

Here's the key and, while it doesn't help you, it will help you understand what's going on under the covers.  The install DVD's are all written at x period in time.  They are, at x time, hard-coded with y servers that are "supported".  So, if a server fails the compatibility check - it doesn't mean that it won't necessarily support a version of code.  It just means that it's not included in the hard-coded list of servers for the DVD being run.  I ran into this a few months back on another install.  Customer ordered bare metal 7835 and the install disc we use for 7.x wouldn't recognize them.  We had to back down to a DVD for 7.0 base and then do an install/upgrade to the code we wanted to get to.  In your case, the opposite is true so...makes it a bit trickier...i.e. your DVD / version is newer than the hardware you need to support it on.

I'd see what Cisco tells you.

Hailey

Please rate helpful posts!

[scrye]

Thanks David, that makes sense.

After opening a TAC case, the TAC engineer confirmed with we need the MCS 7835I2, not the I3. For some reason the I3 has limited compatibility with most versions of CUCM. .

Our Cisco sales engineer/rep is working with our vendor to arrange for a return.

So , hopefully after Thannksgiving holiday, I'll be able to resume the effort!

Thanks again, everyone.

I guess if this stuff were easy Grandma would have our jobs ...

Steve