Warning: This often breaks labs. Backup first:

/opt/unetlab/wrappers/backup_lab.pl -m

Then:

apt update
apt dist-upgrade -y

After reboot, you may need to reinstall qemu images and fix permissions:

/opt/unetlab/wrappers/fix_permissions.sh

Do not fall for shady third-party websites. Here are the official methods to get historical versions.

In the world of network simulation, EVE-NG (Emulated Virtual Environment) is a powerhouse. While most users strive to stay on the bleeding edge with the latest "Pro" releases, there is a significant portion of the community—students, researchers, and labs with specific hardware—that actively seeks old versions.

Whether you are looking to maintain a stable lab environment, require compatibility with legacy images, or simply prefer the Classic (Community) edition interface, here is everything you need to know about downloading old EVE-NG versions, updating them, and the risks involved.

Assign 8GB+ RAM (old versions need less). Boot. Default credentials: root / eve

Before diving into the download process, let’s diagnose the legitimate use cases for rolling back. Understanding why will help you decide if a downgrade or a fresh install of an old version is the right move.

Let's assume you have found an old ISO (e.g., EVE-ng-Community-v3.2.1-12.iso). You are currently on v5.x and want to roll back.

This is a destructive process. Do not attempt an "upgrade" using an old ISO. You must rebuild.

The only safe and recommended source for downloading EVE-NG images is the official EVE-NG website or their official GitHub repository.

Early EVE-NG versions supported older Intel Xeon CPUs lacking the VT-x with EPT features required for KVM acceleration. Similarly, if you are running on a legacy laptop for portable labs, v2.0.3-92 is often the last stable build for old Core 2 Duo processors.