FQDN change for windchill server, internal IP remains the same, what issues to expect?

[RandyBos]

Version: Windchill 12.0

Use Case: We are moving our servers, therefore the FQDN will change. Can I expect some issues with the Creo licenses, Flexlm server or windchill licences?

Description:

We are moving our servers, therefore the FQDN will change.
Can I expect some issues with the Creo licenses, Flexlm server or windchill licences?
Which actions should I take?
Server is reachable via VPN, the internal IP addresses will stay the same.

[TomU]

Creo licenses and the corresponding FlexLM service are based on the MAC address of the network adapter, not the FQDN, so I don't suspect you will need to do anything with those as long as the MAC address does not change.

Windchill is much more dependent on the FQDN.  At a minimum you will need to configure Windchill to use the new URL.  Depending on what is changing, you may be able to get away with just configuring Windchill to use an alias.  Worst case, you may need to run the rehost utility with the 'rename' method to update the host name, domain name, etc.  Don't forget to purchase and install new SSL certificates if HTTPS is configured.

• https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS230074
• https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS178849
• https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS366967
• https://www.ptc.com/en/support/article/CS21652

[RandyBos]

Thanks Tom! 
I'll check if the MAC address will change. 
the URL used for windchill will remain the same. internal IP addresses will also remain the same. 
But looking at certificates, there is maybe something hanging on the certificates. Do you know how I can find out where the certificates of the FQDN and used windchill can be found and are binded to? 

[TomU · Accepted solution]

The certificate should be tied to the Windchill URL, so you may not need to do anything with that if the URL isn't changing.  The certificate gets added to the Apache config and also the Java key store (jssecacerts).  You can view the certificate from the browser by clicking on the lock icon at the beginning of the URL, or you can view the certificate itself from Apache's 'conf' folder.  It's most likely called 'server.crt'.

Even if the Windchill URL is not changing, if the server's name or it's FQDN are used in any Windchill configurations (properties, JSON files, etc.), you may still need to run the rehost utility in 'rename' mode.

[anursingh]

Hi @RandyBos,

I wanted to see if you got the help you needed.

If so, please mark the appropriate reply as the Accepted Solution. It will help other members who may have the same question.
Of course, if you have more to share on your issue, please pursue the conversation. 

Thanks,
Anurag 

[RandyBos]

Thanks Anurag, just did. For sure the answer helped me.