# Preparing to upgrade

Upgrading your database occurs the first time the new Derby software connects to the old database.

Before you connect to the database using the new software:

1. Back up your database to a safe location using Derby online/offline backup procedures. For more information on backup, see the Java DB Server and Administration Guide.
2. Update your CLASSPATH with the latest jar files.
3. Make sure that there are no older versions of the Derby jar files in your CLASSPATH. You can determine if you have multiple versions of Derby in your CLASSPATH by using the sysinfo tool. To use the `sysinfo` tool, execute the following command:

       java org.apache.derby.tools.sysinfo

   The `sysinfo` tool uses information found in the Derby jar files to determine the version of any Derby jar in your CLASSPATH. Be sure that you have only one version of the Derby jar files specified in your CLASSPATH.

Parent topic: Upgrades
Related tasks
Upgrading a database
Soft upgrade limitations