Typical steps I take before mass updating:
- Read the changelog and then the forum
- Wait a few monthS
- Test the updates in the lab
- Go on-site to the crucial machines and quickly replace them with machines that are already updated and ready for use.
- Update a dozen nearby clients first, using a process I'll explain later.
- After a month or two of nearby clients works, gradually update more and more machines over a greater radius, but never all at once.
To update CPEs
- Verify that everything is backed up
- Verify that there are no errors in the current files inside the device
- Delete the local log files and terminal history
- Verify that there is enough space, as per lab tests
- Reboot the machine regardless
- Copy the latest firmware and software to the CPE (yes, both)
- Apply the RouterBOOT update (no reboot needed)
- Apply the RouterOS update (which reboots automatically)
- Upon reboot, the machine is already updated; there's no need to reboot again.
- Export the configuration again and compare it with the previous one to check for unexpected discrepancies.