Multiple Tentacles with different versions

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1

How would one go about to install multiple tentacles with different versions on a single computer? We attempted to install the new version of the tentacle but it uninstalled our previous version of the tentacle. The new install retained the old tentacle configuration but were were unable to successfully deploy to the new tentacle from the existing Octopus server.

The reason we require two different Tentacle versions is because we currently have two Octopus servers. One which is the older version (2.6.4.951) that deploys the current Production application, and the second one being the new version (3.4.5) which will be used to deploy our new architecture (not currently in Production).

Thanks in advance,
Arthur

2

Hi Arthur,

Thanks for getting in touch! Running two different versions of tentacle on the same machine is possible, but not something we provide full support for. It is definitely an advanced scenario.

You will need to install the tentacles manually without using the installer.

The process to do this is as follows:

  • On a different machine, run the installer
  • Copy the files from the installation directory (eg C:\Program Files\Octopus Deploy\Tentacle) to the server (eg c:\Tentacles\2.6)
  • Run Octopus.Manager.Tentacle.exe from that directory
  • Go through the wizard, installing in either the default instance or a named instance
  • Ensure the Tentacle can communicate with your server

Repeat the above process with the other version you wish to install, choosing a different directory and instance name. The manager UI will show both instances despite being different version.

If the first tentacle is already installed via the MSI, you may be able to follow the steps above for the second tentacle and get it to work, however this adds another element of complexity.

Open the Windows service manager and check the executable paths on the two Tentacle services that should now be installed on the machine. Each should point to their respective directories and executables.

You will not be able to use the auto-update functionality, so “lock” the version of the tentacle on the Connectivity tab of the machine details.

If you use the auto-update function or run the MSI, it will change all installed tentacle services to use the the same executable. If this does happen, you may be able to fix it using the re-install option on the manager UI, or manually changing the windows service.

Please try this out on a non-production server first until you are comfortable with the procedure.

Hope that helps!

Robert W

3

Hi Robert,

Thank you for your quick response. I performed the instructions as mentioned above and everything seems to be working fine so far. Two different Tentacle versions are installed on the machine and we are able to successfully deploy from the previous Octopus server. We’re working through configurations on the new Octopus server and will try deploying from the new environment soon.

Thank You,
Arthur

4

Hi Robert,

Just wanted to thank you for your help. We were able to successfully deploy the application from the two different Octopus versions. This is a great short term solution until we fully decommission the old Octopus server.

Thank You,
Arthur