1. Back up the Notes data directory on your server (for example, C:\NOTES\DATA). This directory includes DESKTOP.DSK, all ID files (including the server ID and certifier IDs), LOG.NSF, NAMES.NSF, MAIL.BOX, and any other Public Address Books or Domino Directories located on the server.

2. Back up the contents of any directories or databases pointed to by links (DIR files) from your data directory.

3. Back up the NOTES.INI file for the server. On a Domino 4.6 server, the default location for the file is the system directory (for example, C:\WINNT40). On a Domino 5 server, the default location for this file is the data directory.

4. Back up any other Notes databases (NSF files) or Notes templates (NTF files).

5. (Optional) When you upgrade a Domino 5 server running the LDAP service, the Lotus Domino 6 installation program deletes the Domino 5 SCHEMA50.NTF template and schema database, SCHEMA50.NSF. Lotus Domino 6 replaces the database with a new one created with a new template, SCHEMA.NTF. If you want to keep the Domino 5 schema database, rename it before you upgrade, then move the file to a directory outside of the Notes data directory path.

6. Continue to one of the following tasks:

If you are upgrading an administration server, see the topic Preparing to upgrade a Domino Administration server.

If you are upgrading a Domino 4.6 MTA server, see the topic Preparing to upgrade a Domino 4.6 MTA server.

If you are upgrading a Domino 5 mail server, see the topic Preparing to upgrade a Domino 5 mail server.

For all other servers, see the topic Shutting down the Domino server.