I have just updated to MacOS Server 5.2 (from 5.1) won't let me log into my server saying that I need a previous version of Server as this version (5.2) cannot update.
How can I roll back to 5.1?
iMac (21.5-inch Mid 2011)
I just had this problem as well "This version of server does not support upgrading the server data on this volume." I had Server version 3.1.2 on Mavericks 10.9.5 and I just updated my OS to Sierra 10.12.4.
I followed the following directions from the link Jeffrey provided (Upgrade and migrate data on your macOS Server - Apple Support)
Update your server without the data
- Move Server app and /Library/Server to the Trash. This removes your Server data.
- Install the newer versions of the OS and macOS Server.
- Launch Server app and re-enter your macOS Server settings. Re-enter your settings the next time you launch Server app.
Use these if you can’t install an interim version that allows you to install the later version you want.
After relaunching, I got the same message. I then deleted the app and the folder again and restarted my computer and now it seems to be working.
Hope this helps.
I just had this problem as well "This version of server does not support upgrading the server data on this volume." I had Server version 3.1.2 on Mavericks 10.9.5 and I just updated my OS to Sierra 10.12.4.
I followed the following directions from the link Jeffrey provided (Upgrade and migrate data on your macOS Server - Apple Support)
Update your server without the data
- Move Server app and /Library/Server to the Trash. This removes your Server data.
- Install the newer versions of the OS and macOS Server.
- Launch Server app and re-enter your macOS Server settings. Re-enter your settings the next time you launch Server app.
Use these if you can’t install an interim version that allows you to install the later version you want.
After relaunching, I got the same message. I then deleted the app and the folder again and restarted my computer and now it seems to be working.
Hope this helps.
Same problem:
I have a mid 2012 MBP OS X 10.12.3, trying to install server 5.2, first install on this machine and repeatedly get: "This version of Server does not support upgrading the Server data on this volume. To upgrade your Server data, you will need to install an older version of Server and OS X."
There is no data. on the volume, /library/server does not exist.
Hi,
This might shed some light on your troubles:
Upgrade and migrate data on your macOS Server - Apple Support
To road to succes seems to be a bumpy one when upgrading or migrating...
Goodluck
Jeffrey
The error:
Unable to set up Server.
This version of Server does not support upgrading the Server data on this volume. To upgrade your Server data, you will need to install an older version of Server and OS X.
I have the same problem with a customer server. After their migration to El Capitan they are now not able to use the server as a server and have to copy files from their file server to a USB stick and carry them to their workplace. Mail is not working as well.
Any solution other than downgrading to an earlier version of the OS, which is not possible, would be highly appreciated.
I am trying to figure out a way - as I am also having to use hard drives to transfer data.
So far no way to downgrade.
I have formatted the host and started again - getting the same issue. So no fix until I get hold of apple - if they answer their phone...
Hi Mike any update on this one?
Hi Jehlojj,
Yes, I found that there was left over 'folder structure' from the previous version of OS X which Server 5.2 was not understanding.
How I fixed the problem:
First I re-downloaded Sierra and created a bootable USB flash disk (8Gb), you can follow the instructions here: Create a bootable installer for OS X - Apple Support - it is a bit technical but if you follow the Path for El Capitan (obviously replacing El Capitan with Sierra in terminal).
e.g. (please double check the code for yourself!)
sudo /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app/Contents/Resources/createinstallmedia --volume /Volumes/MyVolume --applicationpath /Applications/Install\ macOS\ Sierra.app
The process does take a while to copy but worked perfectly - from there you can redownload Server and it sets up as normal 🙂
Please let me know if this sorts out your problem too
Hi MikeN246
Just tried this. But it did not work for me.
I followed this procedure:
- created a bootable USB hard disk partition (according to the method explained on the Apple support page)
- installed Sierra again
- tried to install Server again, but it failed, got the same "unable to set up server" message
- checked whether the Libary/Server was empty and it was
Should I delete the Server download and start with a fresh download from the app store?
multiple deletes/installs/uninstalls solved this nightmare
Just updated to MacOS Server says I need a previous version of server as can't update
