Using an existing content directory from a previous installation
The content directory stores content installed with the portal as well as user-generated content. The content directory remains on the machine after you uninstall Portal for ArcGIS.
When you install Portal for ArcGIS, you're prompted to specify the portal's content directory. If the setup detects an existing content directory, the installation will prompt you to use it. You have the option to specify a new content directory or use an existing directory from a previous installation.
Using an existing content directory from a previous installation
To use an existing content directory from a previous installation, select the directory in the setup by following the steps in Installing Portal for ArcGIS.
Note:To re-use content directories from versions earlier than 10.2, please contact Esri Professional Services.
If the existing directory is from a shared network directory, you will not be able to specify it in the setup. This is because the Portal for ArcGIS service is configured to run under Windows' native LocalSystem account by default. The LocalSystem account cannot access network locations. To learn more, see The Portal for ArcGIS account.
Instead, you can configure your portal to use the existing content directory after the installation has completed. To do this, you'll need to need to change the account running the Portal for ArcGIS service and update your portal to use the existing directory. For full instructions, see the topics below: