AX-3.8 changes to backup dist usage

AX-3.8 includes all station security improvements in earlier 2013 security update releases (e.g. AX-3.7u1), along with additional platform security improvements. For related details, see Improvements to AX-3.8 digest authentication.

Improvements were also made when restoring AX-3.8 station backups with the platform Distribution File Installer, or when using the Station Copier with copied AX-3.8 stations. Unlike in the prior update releases, AX-3.8 station backup .dist files and config.bog (station copy) files are “more portable”, such that editing .dist files is typically unnecessary. And you can use the Station Copier to install a station copied from one AX-3.8 host to another AX-3.8 host without any “client password” re-entry or other editing.

However, note the following change in a station backup .dist made from a AX-3.8 host:

Platform credentials are no longer included in a station backup .dist of an AX-3.8 host (unlike in a backup .dist file for any AX-3.7u1 or earlier release JACE).

In some cases this may result in confusion when restoring a station backup made from a AX-3.8 host, as this varies from restoring a station backup made from a host running AX-3.7u1 or AX-3.7 (or earlier). Note that when restoring a station backup made from an AX-3.8 host:

If the host is running AX-3.8 prior to installing the backup .dist file, it will reboot from the restore with the same platform credentials that it had before (no change in platform credentials).
If the host is running any earlier (pre-AX-3.8) release prior to installing the backup .dist file, it will reboot from the restore with factory default platform credentials.

Note this always occurs if you install a “clean dist” file in the host (JACE) before installing an AX-3.8 station backup—even if you assign interim “non-default” platform credentials to the JACE first.