Steps to Upgrade SAP Kernel (UNIX, Linux Environment)

The kernel upgrade activity was completed on UNIX, Linux environment. The steps will be similar as on Windows environment – the differences will be the kernel directory / no saproot.sh required.

Preparation

Go to transaction code SM51, click on Release Notes to check the current kernel version.

Part I: Kernel Download, Backup & Transfer Process

1. Download the necessary Kernel Patch from http://service.sap.com

Downloads -> SAP Support Packages -> Entry by Application Group -> SAP NetWeaver -> SAP Netweaver -> SAP Netweaver <version> -> Entry by Component -> <select component> -> <select your system version> -> #Database independent

(this is the part I. In the same step, select your database to download the part II of the package).

Additional note:
The packages should be similar like this, Database Independent, SAPEXE_xxx-xxxxxx.SAR – Kernel Part 1 and DB2_UDB SAPEXEDB_xxx-xxxxxx.SAR – Kernel Part II.

2. Create a new directory folder and transfer the two packages inside.

# mkdir /new_kernel

Additional note:
You can transfer using WinSCP.

Create a new folder to store the packages.

3. Backup the old kernel to other location

# cp -pR /sapmnt/SID/exe/* /old_kernel

Additional note:
Default location for kernel is in /sapmnt/<SID>/exe

Part II: Kernel Upgrade Process

1. Login to the system as <SID>adm and go to /<new_kernel> directory to uncar the two packages.

# SAPCAR -xvf SAPEXE_xxx-xxxxxx.SAR
# SAPCAR -xvf SAPEXEDB_xxx-xxxxxx.SAR

2. Stop the SAP system and saposcol (still in <SID>adm mode)

# stopsap R3
# saposcol -k

Additional note:
Before stopping the SAP system, please make sure the logged user, batch jobs are alerted.

3. Login to the system as root and copy all the extracted kernel packages into /sapmnt/<SID>/exe

# cd /new_kernel
# cp -pR * /sapmnt/SID/exe/

4. After all the packages copied, run the following commands

# cd /sapmnt/SID/exe/
# ./saproot.sh SID

5. Switch user to <SID>adm and start the SAP system and saposcol as well.

# saposcol
# startsap R3

Part III: New Kernel Test

1. Go to transaction code SM51, click on Release Notes. Check the latest kernel number.

Additional note:
Otherwise, you can check the kernel at System -> Status -> Kernel