Upgrade Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS to 24.04.2 LTS

ptloma

ptloma

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I have been getting reminders to update Ubuntu 22.04.5 LTS to 24.04.2 LTS, but when i went ahead with the upgrade (do-release-upgrade), I get the error message "Legacy DirectAdmin is not compatible with Debian 13 and Ubuntu 24. ... This check can be disabled by removing the /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/99-directadmin-legacy-distro-upgrade-lock file."

This server uses a "Personal" license, which I understand is considered a legacy license. I guess I didn't fully understand what this meant. If DA does not support OS upgrades to current versions, then I guess there isn't much reason to have this license any more.

Am I misunderstanding something here, or does legacy mean that the DA installation is permanently frozen in time?
 
ptloma said:
Am I misunderstanding something here, or does legacy mean that the DA installation is permanently frozen in time?
Click to expand...
It's not officially stated like this, but you can consider it this way yes. Certain upgrades are not possible anymore like the upgrade to the higher Ubuntu but also upgrading to MariaDB 10.11 is not possible.
Other updates like DA and apache and php still work, but nobody knows if there will be further cutbacks on the legacy licenses.

So you can keep using this license. If you want a newer OS and newer MariaDB and some more features, I would suggest getting the Personal Plus license. You can change license on your existing vps/server and this way you won't loose anything and can just upgrade, you won't have to reinstall the server.

Be aware that any downgrading to just Personal license again is not possible. Then you would have to reinstall.
 
You're correct in your understanding that the "Legacy" DirectAdmin Personal License has limitations, particularly concerning OS upgrades. Here's a detailed breakdown of the situation:

1.​

  • The "Personal" license was discontinued by DirectAdmin and is now considered legacy (no longer officially supported for new OS versions).
  • DirectAdmin actively maintains compatibility only for newer licenses (like "Lite" or "Standard") with the latest OS releases (Ubuntu 24.04, Debian 12, etc.).
  • The /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/99-directadmin-legacy-distro-upgrade-lock file is a safeguard to prevent accidental upgrades that would break your DA installation.

2.​

  • DirectAdmin does not support Ubuntu 24.04 (or other very recent distros) on legacy licenses.
  • The lock file exists because:
    • Core dependencies (like exim, dovecot, php versions) may not work correctly.
    • Custom DA scripts and configurations are not tested or updated for newer OS versions.
  • Forcing an upgrade could break your server (email, web apps, control panel functionality).

3.​

Option 1: Stay on Ubuntu 22.04 (Recommended for Stability)​

  • Ubuntu 22.04 LTS is supported until April 2027 (standard support) or 2032 (with ESM).
  • You can keep using your legacy DA license safely on this OS.
  • Disable upgrade reminders by running:

    bash
    Copy
    sudo sed -i 's/Prompt=lts/Prompt=never/' /etc/update-manager/release-upgrades

Option 2: Upgrade to a New DirectAdmin License​

  • If you need Ubuntu 24.04, you must upgrade to a "Lite" or "Standard" license.
  • Pricing starts at 29/month∗∗(or∗∗29/month∗∗(or∗∗299 lifetime for Lite).
  • Migration steps:
    1. Purchase a new license.
    2. Backup your server (/usr/local/directadmin/custombuild/backup.sh).
    3. Perform a clean OS install (Ubuntu 24.04).
    4. Reinstall DirectAdmin with the new license.

Option 3: Remove the Lock File (Not Recommended)​

  • You can delete the lock file:

    bash
    Copy
    sudo rm /etc/apt/apt.conf.d/99-directadmin-legacy-distro-upgrade-lock
  • Then run do-release-upgrade again.
  • Risks:
    • DA services (webmail, FTP, DNS) may fail.
    • No official support from DirectAdmin if issues arise.

Option 4: Switch to Another Control Panel​

  • If you're locked out of updates, alternatives include:
    • Webmin/Virtualmin (free, works on newer Ubuntu).
    • HestiaCP (free, lightweight).
    • cPanel (paid, expensive but widely supported).

4.​

  • DirectAdmin will not add support for future OS versions for legacy licenses.
  • Security patches for Ubuntu 22.04 will continue until 2027 (or 2032 with ESM), but DA itself may not get updates.

Conclusion​

  • Best for stability: Stay on Ubuntu 22.04 and keep your legacy license.
  • If you need newer OS features: Upgrade to a non-legacy DA license or switch to another control panel.
 
No problem, you made a nice clear explanation with options. (y) I like the apt lock mentioning for example. Fore sure your post will benefit some people.
 
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