Recover a lost confidential data passphrase

The Confidential Data Passphrase encrypts passwords that are used for accessing external systems (databases and LDAP).

When configuring the installation, you must enter the same passphrase that was used in the previous installation. If you do not know the passphrase, perform the following steps.

Note: This procedure can be performed whether you are installing 25.1 on the same machine as the existing installation, or on a new or separate machine, for example, if you are adding a node to a cluster. If you are not sure on which server machine to install 25.1, seeSuggested system configuration.

  1. On the machine where OpenText Application Quality Management is currently installed, navigate to the conf directory:

    OS Location
    Windows C:\ProgramData\Micro Focus\ALM\conf

    By default, the ProgramData folder is hidden. To show hidden files and folders, perform the relevant steps for your operating system.
    Linux /var/opt/ALM/conf

  2. Create a copy of the qcConfigFile.properties file

    If you are installing on a new server machine, place the copy on the machine where you plan to run the new installation. Place the file in the same location on the new machine.

    Tip: If the conf directory (Windows: ...\ALM\conf, Linux:  .../ALM/conf) directory does not exist on the new server machine, manually create it. In such a case, make sure that the new directory has the required permissions to be accessed by the configuration tool.

  3. Open the file and delete all information except for the line that starts with initstring.

  4. Save the copy. If you are installing on a new machine, skip to step 6.

  5. If you are upgrading on the same machine as the previous installation:

    1. Uninstall the current version. For information about uninstalling , see Uninstall. Uninstalling does not remove the existing qcConfigFile.properties file.

    2. Overwrite the existing qcConfigFile.properties file with the version you edited in step 3.

  6. When you run the installation, the wizard detects a previous installation and prompts you to accept the current settings. Accept the current settings. When the wizard reaches the Security page the previous Confidential Data Passphrase appears.