There are things that I do in managing my computer systems that I would classify under the category of “trusted habits”. For example, whenever I am updating a server, I always reboot it before installing updates. Or, I generally install any .Net updates separate from other Windows security patches.
Another trusted habit of mine is to install Exchange related rollups or service packs on their own, manually. That is, I don’t use WSUS or WU/MU to automatically install Exchange updates.
As an example, let’s take a quick look at applying Update Rollup 10 for Exchange 2007 SP3, which was released in February 2013 (see KB2788321).
Before proceeding, make sure you do my three essential pre-requisites:
- Backup your server
- Reboot Your Server
- Disable any anti-virus software running on your server
Even though WSUS/MU properly informs me that Update Rollup 10 is available, I won’t use WSUS/MU to install it.
Instead, go to KB2788321 this link, and download and save the 64 bit version of RU10 to your desktop or Download folder.
Right click on the downloaded file, click Apply, then click Open, and wait a few minutes while it computes space requirements.
Please note: If you get an error message about insufficient permissions or privileges, DON’T PANIC.
Just open up an elevated command prompt, and locate/run the download file from there.
Click Next, when prompted, to begin the installation, and accept the License Terms. Wait while it generates the required .Net files, then click Next. The installation will proceed, and may take 30-40 minutes to complete.
Once the rollup has been installed, go ahead and reboot your server, and then check and verify that all of the appropriate Exchange services have started, and delete the rollup file you downloaded.
