Perforce version server won't start because of exceeded user count limit and version mismatch
<p>I discovered today that my Perforce server was not accessible and, after a lot of digging around, I think the server must have automatically upgraded the p4 server programs.  Right now p4d isn't running so I can't do anything with it.</p>

<p>This server was setup for a team of University students when they provided a free 20 user license.  It seems they've dropped that option, and I don't see any option to revert back to a version that is under that license.  I can live with the new 5 user limit if need be, but only if I can get past the situation that I find myself in.</p>

<p>Below are the commands and responses that have me in a bind.  As you see, I'm in a circular problem.  I can't run p4d because the license count is exceeded.  I can't run the server in maintenance mode bacause the db needs to be upgraded, and I can't run the upgrade because I don't have enough licenses.</p>

<p>My first preference would be to downgrade to the version that was running just fine.  If that's not possible, then deleting some users so I can at least get things working would also be acceptable.</p>

<p>The server is running Ubuntu 14.04LTS</p>

<p>Thanks for any help.</p>

<pre><code>root@ubuntu14-server:/opt/perforce/servers/p4test# p4d
Perforce server error:
        Warning! You have exceeded the usage limits of Perforce Helix. Version 16.1 allows up to five users without commercial licenses. You may continue your current usage with previous versions of our software.

        Try deleting old users with 'user -d'.
        License count: 11 users used of 5 licensed.

        For additional licenses, contact Perforce Sales at sales@perforce.com.
root@ubuntu14-server:/opt/perforce/servers/p4test# p4d -n
Perforce server error:
        Database is at old upgrade level 23.  Use 'p4d -r /opt/perforce/servers/p4test -xu' to upgrade to level 25.
root@ubuntu14-server:/opt/perforce/servers/p4test# p4d -r /opt/perforce/servers/p4test -xu
Perforce server error:
        Warning! You have exceeded the usage limits of Perforce Helix. Version 16.1 allows up to five users without commercial licenses. You may continue your current usage with previous versions of our software.

        Try deleting old users with 'user -d'.
        License count: 11 users used of 5 licensed.

        For additional licenses, contact Perforce Sales at sales@perforce.com.
</code></pre>

<p>/var/log/dpkg.log from two weeks ago shows the update happening:</p>

<pre><code>2016-10-11 20:41:01 upgrade perforce-p4dctl:amd64 2015.1-1227227~trusty 2015.2-1443805~trusty
2016-10-11 20:41:01 status half-configured perforce-p4dctl:amd64 2015.1-1227227~trusty
2016-10-11 20:41:04 status unpacked perforce-p4dctl:amd64 2015.1-1227227~trusty
2016-10-11 20:41:04 status half-installed perforce-p4dctl:amd64 2015.1-1227227~trusty
2016-10-11 20:41:04 status half-installed perforce-p4dctl:amd64 2015.1-1227227~trusty
2016-10-11 20:41:05 status unpacked perforce-p4dctl:amd64 2015.2-1443805~trusty
2016-10-11 20:41:05 status unpacked perforce-p4dctl:amd64 2015.2-1443805~trusty
2016-10-11 20:41:06 install helix-p4dctl:amd64 &lt;none&gt; 2016.1-1446835~trusty
2016-10-11 20:41:06 status half-installed helix-p4dctl:amd64 2016.1-1446835~trusty
2016-10-11 20:41:07 status triggers-pending ureadahead:amd64 0.100.0-16
2016-10-11 20:41:07 status half-installed helix-p4dctl:amd64 2016.1-1446835~trusty
2016-10-11 20:41:08 status unpacked helix-p4dctl:amd64 2016.1-1446835~trusty
2016-10-11 20:41:08 status unpacked helix-p4dctl:amd64 2016.1-1446835~trusty
</code></pre>