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Chapter 23: Special MaintenanceKernel UpgradeThe kernel upgrade process is the replacing of operating system level files (the kernel files)with updated versions of these files. Special notes on the kernel version: It is now independent of the R/3 release. The kernel is backward compatible, which means that a user could be running aRelease 3.0F with a 3.1I kernel. If you are on a release before 3.1I, review documentation to determine which kernelversion is applicable to your release.You must remember the R/3 release and kernel version you are running. After the kernelis upgraded, apply kernel patches for the upgraded version of the kernel. Do not applykernel patches for the old version of the kernel.When getting which patches, remember that your R/3 release stays the same, regardless ofwhich version your kernel changes to. On rare occasions, a SAP note instructs you to applya fix based on the R/3 release of the system; not the kernel version.All servers in a system must be on the same version of the kernel.Kernel upgrades are normally done to fix “bugs” or other problems in the kernel. Somekernel upgrades provide enhanced functionality.To upgrade the kernel:1. Review all applicable documentation: Kernel instructions SAP notes Upgrade manual2. Always first perform the upgrade on a test server.3. Obtain the new kernel from: SAPSERV4This route is more current than getting the kernel via CD (see chapter 13, Retrievingfiles from SAP, SAPSERV4). Distribution CD (if provided)23–40Release 4.6A/B