> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.elastiflow.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.elastiflow.com/additional-resources-reference-articles/faq/upgrade_debian_fail_file_overwrite.md).

# .deb Upgrade Fails File Overwrite

### SYMPTOM

Upgrading NetObserv Flow to the latest version on Debian-based distributions, e.g. Ubuntu, reports an error trying to overwrite a file. For example, in some cases, it cannot overwrite `/etc/elastiflow/app/appid.yml`.

### PROBLEM

The existing installation of NetObserv Flow contains file(s) that have changed, and the Debian upgrade command will not automatically overwrite the file(s). Sometimes, these files are package files and can be safely overwritten. In other cases, the file or files contain user-defined data or parameters, and a backup of the file must be restored after the upgrade.

### SOLUTION

1. Backup your `/etc/elastiflow` directory.
2. Use `--force-overwrite` when running the install command.


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