Overview
This article describes how to install or upgrade GFI MailEssentials to the latest version. Note that a new license key is required when upgrading to a new major version. If upgrading over the same major release, license key upgrades are not required.
Information
Prerequisites
Before running the installation wizard, ensure that:
- You are logged on using an account with administrative privileges.
- The machine where GFI MailEssentials is going to be installed meets the specified system requirements. For more information refer to System requirements.
- Configure your firewall to allow GFI MailEssentials to connect to GFI servers. For more information refer to Firewall port settings.
- Disable third-party antivirus and backup software from scanning folders used by GFI MailEssentials. For more information refer to Antivirus and backup software.
- If installing GFI MailEssentials on an email gateway or relay/perimeter server, configure that machine to act as a gateway. For more information refer to Installing on an email gateway or relay/perimeter server.
- Ensure the server has no pending reboots after attempting to install Windows updates.
- Save any pending work and close all open applications on the machine.
A successful MailEssentials installation or upgrade normally terminates by immediately launching the post-install wizard automatically. This can also be confirmed by looking at the installation log file for possible installation errors.
The MailEssentials installer creates a verbose log file that details all the actions taken during the installation process. This log file also includes any errors generated during the installation or upgrade and should be the first check done while troubleshooting a failed installation. The installation log file is stored in the user's Temp folder.
Failure diagnosis should start by examining the installation log file to understand the root cause. A successful installation will have Exit code 0 as the last line the installation log file. Any other value indicates a failed installation which should be analyzed further using the installation logs.
Installation Procedure
If upgrading GFI MailEssentials from a previous version, refer to this procedure on Upgrading GFI MailEssentials.
When upgrading to a new major version, you will need a new license key. If upgrading over the same version, license key upgrades are not required. Refer to this linked article on Obtaining a GFI MailEssentials subscription.
After reading the above guides, you can download the latest GFI MailEssentials release from any of these locations:
How to run the GFI MailEssentials installer: Installation Procedure
Important:
- Before launching the installation, right-click on the installer > Properties > Unblock and click Apply.
- You can prevent future blocks of GFI installers by adding *.gfi.com to the Trusted sites in your internet browser.
- Always run the installer as an Administrator.
- If the installer fails and logs "Error 0xfffffffe" prefixed errors, this occurs when the server has a reboot pending, e.g., when the server recently installed Windows updates (or has pending updates) and requires a restart.
- GFI MailEssentials 2014 R2 and newer versions use a subscription model for licensing. For more information, refer to Subscription Licensing Changes.
- If the installation fails, depending on the GFI MailEssentials version you are upgrading to, try stopping the SMTP or the Microsoft Exchange Transport service before launching the installer.