Remediation of End-of-Life .NET Versions (6.x and 7.x) with LoadRunner Enterprise 2024 R3

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Applies To:

1. Product: LoadRunner Enterprise (LRE)
2. Version: 2024 R3 and later
3. Component: Application Server
4. Applicable Microsoft Components:
       • .NET 6.0.x (EOL)
       • .NET 7.0.x (EOL)
       • .NET 8.0.10 (Supported)

Issue:

During the installation of LoadRunner Enterprise (LRE) 2024 R3, the setup automatically installs .NET 6.0.15 as part of the bundled components. However, .NET 6 and .NET 7 have reached End-of-Life (EOL), and remediation is required to align with the latest supported versions.

Additionally, the LRE 2024 R3 Support Matrix specifies that .NET 8.0.10 is the supported version. In some environments, systems may be running .NET 8.0.4, which is an earlier build and not listed as the officially supported version.

Cause:

1. The LRE 2024 R3 installer package includes .NET 6.0.15 as a dependency by default.
2. As Microsoft has declared .NET 6 and .NET 7 End-of-Life, continuing to use these versions poses security and compliance risks.
3. The presence of older .NET versions may conflict with system hardening or security baseline policies.

Steps:

1. Verify Installed .NET Versions

• Open a command prompt and run:

   dotnet --list-sdks

   Confirm the presence of .NET 6.0.x, .NET 7.0.x, and .NET 8.0.x versions.

2. Install the Supported .NET Version

• Download and install .NET 8.0.10 from the official Microsoft website.

    Verify installation using:

     dotnet --list-sdks

3. Backup Environment Before Uninstallation

• Take a snapshot of the application server(s).
• Confirm that database backups are performed successfully (nightly or before making changes).

4. Uninstall End-of-Life Versions

• Go to Control Panel → Programs and Features and uninstall:
         • .NET 6.x
         • .NET 7.x
    Retain .NET 8.0.10 as the active runtime.

5. Validation on Test Server

• Perform the above changes first on a non-production/test server.
• Confirm all LRE components (Controller, Analysis, Data Processor, and Web interfaces) function as expected.

6. Post-Uninstallation Validation

• Restart relevant LRE services (if required).

• Validate login, scenario creation, test execution, and reporting functionality.

   

Additional Info:

Before implementing these changes in a production environment, it is strongly recommended to validate them in a test setup. Ensure all LoadRunner Enterprise services and integrations work as expected after removing older .NET versions.

Once verified, proceed with production deployment to maintain compliance with supported .NET frameworks and enhance system stability and security.

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