How to upgrade from 6.5.0 to 6.5.4 firmware version on Gen6.

Due to 6.5.0 being an old firmware, it is not possible upgrade the firmware version to v6.5.4 from v6.5.0 directly. The only possible option is deploying a new virtual machine, applying the existing configuration, and swapping the new firewall in place of the existing firewall.

STEP 1. Make sure to have the settings backed up from existing (old) NSv. Note your serial number and Authentication code (You will need this to register the new firewall later in Step 4).

STEP 2. Deploy latest available Gen 6 NSv and update it to the latest v 6.5.4 firmware. 

KB: How to deploy SonicWall NSv 6.5 version on Azure?

Deploy the new VM in the same Resource Group RG, to a new (but temporary) Virtual Network and subnet.

NOTE: Please check below KB in order to deploy a GEN6 based on 6.5.4: 

Pay attention to:

TIP: All names of objects must NOT already exist in the Resource Group. 

STEP 3. De-register the old NSv from within the web mgmt.

KB: Can a NSv 200 instance of 30 days free trial be converted to a production license of any NSv model?

STEP 4. Login to the new NSv and register it. Wait for it to reboot.

STEP 5. Stop both NSVs VM's in Azure portal.

STEP 6. Remove all Interfaces from the NEW NSv (These interfaces can be deleted now if required).

STEP 7. Next de-attach all interfaces from old NSv and attach them to the new NSv. When attaching the old NSv's X0, X1 and other interfaces to the New NSv, it is very important to keep them in the same order. Once the Interfaces from the OLD NSv have been attached to the NEW NSv, it uses the same IPs that the OLD NSv had.

STEP 8. Start and login to the NEW NSv. Then import old settings file into new NSv.

STEP 9 (Optional) Remove Unused resources within Azure created as part of the NSv Deployment process, such as unused Public IP, Network Interfaces, Virtual Networks, Managed Disks. The OLD NSv Resource can also be removed at this point.