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Migrating your Koha Integrated Library System (ILS) to a new server or upgraded environment is essential for better performance, security, and long-term sustainability. But without a proper plan, it can lead to data loss or system errors. This guide walks you through the complete process of moving your old Koha database to a fresh installation.

Step 1: Backup Your Existing Koha Database

Before making any changes, ensure that your current Koha data is safely backed up. Use the following command on your existing server

This command creates a compressed backup of your koha_library database. Store this .xz file safely on a USB drive or external storage.

Step 2: Install Koha on the New System

Set up a fresh Koha environment on your new server. Follow the official Koha installation documentation for your specific Linux distribution. Make sure the Koha instance is named correctly (e.g., library) and all dependencies are installed.

 Step 3: Restore the Old Database

1. Open MySQL as root:

   sudo mysql -uroot -p


2. Drop the default database and create a new one:

   drop database koha_library;
create database koha_library;
quit;


3. Move your backup file to the home directory of the new server and extract it:

   unxz koha_library.sql.xz


4. Restore the backup into the newly created database:

   sudo mysql -uroot -p koha_library < koha_library.sql


Make sure that the database name matches the instance name configured in your Koha installation.

Step 4: Upgrade Koha Database Schema

Older database versions may not be compatible with the new Koha version. To fix this, upgrade the schema using:

This will apply any necessary changes and align your database with the latest Koha structure.

Step 5: Rebuild the Zebra Index

Zebra indexing enables search features in Koha. Rebuild the index using the command:

This ensures that bibliographic and authority records are correctly indexed and searchable.

Final Thoughts

Migrating Koha to a new installation doesn’t have to be complicated. With proper backups, clean installation, and careful restoration, you can maintain service continuity while benefiting from a modern setup. Always test your restored Koha system thoroughly before going live.