Cloning a Work 365 Instance
Applies to: Work 365
Audience: System Administrators
Issue
Duplicating a Work 365 environment, such as copying a production environment to a sandbox, requires careful execution to ensure the cloned instance operates correctly and is properly configured.
Resolution Steps
1. Backup License Information
✅ Navigate to the Work 365 License page within System Settings of your current environment.
✅ Copy the license XML; this will be required later in the target environment.
2. Clone the CRM Database
✅ Duplicate the CRM database from the source environment to the destination environment.
? Note: This step involves CRM-level operations and is outside the direct scope of Work 365.
3. Delete Specific Configuration Records
✅ In the target environment, access the Configuration entity.
✅ Delete records where the "Name" field matches any of the following:
- Work365
- Work365.ApiCredentials
- Work365.DefaultSalesTaxService
- Work365.DefaultTaxService
- Work365.Payments.DefaultPaymentsProcessor
- Work365.Portal.WebsiteUrl
- Work365.ProductService.ProviderSelection
- Work365.ProviderSettings
4. Perform Consent for Dynamics 365
✅ Initiate the consent process for Dynamics 365 in the target environment.
✅ This action will also trigger the upgrade process.
5. Post-Upgrade Actions
✅ Once the upgrade is complete:
✔ Disable all automatic connectors.
✔ Rename existing connectors to prevent confusion.
6. Recreate Necessary Connectors
✅ Set up automatic connectors as needed, including:
- Providers
- Payment Processors
- Accounting Connectors
- Tax Services
7. Configure Settings via Work 365 Admin Hub
✅ Within the Admin Hub, configure the following settings:
- Work365.DefaultSalesTaxService
- Work365.DefaultTaxService
- Work365.Payments.DefaultPaymentsProcessor
- Work365.Portal.WebsiteUrl
- Work365.ProductService.ProviderSelection
- Work365.ProviderSettings
8. Update License in the Target Environment
✅ Navigate to the License page for Work 365 in the target environment.
✅ Manually update the license using the XML copied in Step 1.
Important Considerations
⚠ Ensure all configurations and settings are thoroughly reviewed in the cloned environment to confirm they align with the intended setup.
⚠ It is recommended to perform these steps during a maintenance window to minimize potential disruptions.
Conclusion
By meticulously following these steps, you can successfully clone a Work 365 instance, ensuring that the new environment is properly configured and fully operational.