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NTBackup Script Procedure

clustering — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:16:00 GMT

1) Copy robocopy.exe from the Resource Kit to something like c:\backup\tools. This is used in step 5 below.

2) Create a backup list using the GUI version. Save a system state only as night.bks, save all the drives and system state as night-all.bks. Make sure you use the backup directory path listed below in the script or modify to a SAN location.

3) Use the follow for the required .bat file

C:\backup\tools\nightlybackup.bat:

*** BEGIN BAT FILE ***

@ECHO OFF

REM

REM Build Date String yyyymmddhhmm

REM

for /F "usebackq tokens=2" %%i IN (`DATE /T`) DO Set TIMESTR=%%i%

for /F "usebackq tokens=1,2,3 delims=/" %%i IN ('%TIMESTR%') DO SET MONTH=%%i%

for /F "usebackq tokens=1,2,3 delims=/" %%i IN ('%TIMESTR%') DO SET DAY=%%j%

for /F "usebackq tokens=1,2,3 delims=/" %%i IN ('%TIMESTR%') DO SET YEAR=%%k%

for /F "usebackq" %%i IN (`Time /T`) DO Set TIMESTR=%%i%

for /F "usebackq tokens=1,2* delims=:" %%i IN ('%TIMESTR%') DO SET HOUR=%%i%

for /F "usebackq tokens=1,2* delims=:" %%i IN ('%TIMESTR%') DO SET MINUTE=%%j%

SET DIRSTR=%YEAR%%MONTH%%DAY%%HOUR%%MINUTE%

SET TIMESTR=

SET MONTH=

SET DAY=

SET YEAR=

SET HOUR=

SET MINUTE=

@ECHO Directory String %DIRSTR%

IF NOT EXIST “c:\backup\tools\nightlybackup.bat” GOTO SKIP

C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntbackup.exe backup "@\\DOMAINCONTROLLERNAME\c$\Backup_DCNAME\night-all.bks" /n "DCNAME.bkf" /d "Nightly" /v:yes /r:no /rs:no /hc:off /m normal /j "Nightly" /l:s /f "\\DOMAINCONTROLLERNAME\C$\Backup_DCNAME\%DIRSTR%DCNAME.bkf"

EXIT

:SKIP

C:\WINDOWS\system32\ntbackup.exe backup "@\\DOMAINCONTROLLERNAME \c$\Backup_DCNAME \night.bks" /n "DCNAME.bkf" /d "SS_Nightly" /v:yes /r:no /rs:no /hc:off /m normal /j "SS_Nightly" /l:s /f "\\DOMAINCONTROLLERNAME\C$\Backup_DCNAME\%DIRSTR%DCNAME.bkf"

EXIT

*** END BAT FILE ***

Comments and legend for the above batch file.

First I turn of echo

Next section builds the current date, we will use this to sort the backup and delete ones older than 7 days.

If not exist statement is useful if you store anything on a SAN drive. If they SAN is down normally the backup will fail, so I check before and then just run night to just backup the system state.

First backup runs a backup of the DOMAINCONTROLLERNAME (replace with a real name), creates a new file called DCNAME.bkf (replace with server name), next I label the backup Nightly, verify is then turned on, restricted access is NOT turned on – you may want it though (so /r:yes would turn it on), hardware compression is turned off, the backup type is set to normal, next the job name is set for backup reporting, next logging is set to summary, and finally the file name is created with the date and time stamp at the front (again for sorting and deleting older files later).

4) To schedule a task to automatically backup a machine. Go to Start-> Control Panel -> Scheduled Tasks -> Add Scheduled Task. During the configuration the following options are selected:

Scheduled Task Wizard

Next

Scheduled Task Wizard

Application

Browse

C:\backup\tools\nightlybackup.bat

Open

Scheduled Task Wizard

Type a name for this task

Perform this task

Nightly

Daily

Next

Scheduled Task Wizard

Start Time

Perform this task

Start date

3:15 AM

Every Day

(today)

Next

Scheduled Task Wizard

Enter the user name

Enter the password

Confirm password

Next

Scheduled Task Wizard

Open advanced…

Unchecked

Finish

5) Finally I use robocopy to clean up, so the backup won’t fill up the disk.

c:\backup\tools\robocopy c:\backup\ c:\backup\t *.bkf /MOV /MINAGE:10 rd /q /s c:\backup\t

I use Robocopy to look at the c:\backup and create a c:\backup\t folder (for temporary). I look for anything that ends with .bkf which is then Moved to the temporary (c:\backup\t) folder, if it is at least 10 days old. This process is done quietly and uses a sub directory of c:\backup\t.

Enjoy, let me know if you have any questions or issues.

Windows Server 2008 Failover Clustering Microsoft Official Curriculum is out!!!!

clustering — Fri, 09 May 2008 22:54:00 GMT

The Windows Server Failover Clustering Product Group is proud to announce the release of the first ever Windows Server 2008 Microsoft Official Curriculum course

Course 6423A: Implementing and Managing Windows Server 2008 Clustering

The course will be available in the channel May 15^th, 2008.

Special thanks go to the following to make this happen:

Elden Christensen

Ahmed Bisht

Chuck Timon

Mike Briggs

I have seen it, excellent work gang, this is truly an exciting day for Failover Clustering!!!

Life at Microsoft

clustering — Sat, 16 Feb 2008 21:00:00 GMT

As you might we aware of I recently joined Microsoft as a Senior Premier Field Engineer. While I don't work out of the Redmond campus, I have been there numerous times. Here is a great humorous look at life here at Microsoft:

http://on10.net/blogs/tina/Life-At-Microsoft/

Enjoy :)

New Clustering Blog from Microsoft

clustering — Fri, 11 Jan 2008 23:16:00 GMT

Ok, it is not new, but now it gets new posts weekly.

http://blogs.msdn.com/clustering/

They even mentioned this blog today http://blogs.msdn.com/clustering/archive/2008/01/10/7063069.aspx

Look to it for tons of great information.

114 Days until Windows Server 2008, Visual Studio 2008 and SQL Server 2008...

clustering — Mon, 05 Nov 2007 16:01:00 GMT

Are you ready for another OS version? February 27^th, 2008 is the public launch date. Microsoft has a Vista sidebar gadget to help you remember the date - http://www.wedsg.com/winclient/vistasidebargadget/download.htm They seem to love this date, the end of February as they have done it before. Could it be they know by wives birthday is Feb 28?

Free E-Learning for 2008 - https://www.microsoftelearning.com/eLearning/offerDetail.aspx?offerPriceId=127516 (requires Microsoft Passport login to get the free stuff).

Links to everything: http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/2008/default.aspx

Nice overview: http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/evaluation/overview.mspx

2008 Learning Portal: http://www.microsoft.com/learning/windowsserver2008/default.mspx

Clustering: http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/13c0a922-6097-4f34-ac64-18820094128b1033.mspx?mfr=true

File Server Clustering: http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/40bdcbc9-ce96-4477-8df3-7a20d4bc42a51033.mspx?mfr=true

Print Server Clustering: http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/40bdcbc9-ce96-4477-8df3-7a20d4bc42a51033.mspx?mfr=true

NLB: http://technet2.microsoft.com/windowsserver2008/en/library/40bdcbc9-ce96-4477-8df3-7a20d4bc42a51033.mspx?mfr=true

I love new OS releases and 2008 looks to be an excellent one!

Observations about the software industry today

clustering — Thu, 04 Oct 2007 19:42:00 GMT

Sometimes I think that the movie Conspiracy Theory should have been about the software industry today. What has become of it lately? Here is what I believe:

· I believe the Anti-Virus companies write all the viruses.

· I believe most software is way over priced.

· I believe we now alpha test software for vendors

· I believe we beta test when service pack 1 comes out.

· I believe 1.0 is not the standard to avoid, RTM (release to manufacturing/gold code) is.

· I believe we get the final, ready for the world product when service pack 2 comes out.

· I believe most software has too many features for 98% of the users.

· I believe all the added features cause 100% of the problems with software today.

· I believe it is better to update software then to design it properly to begin with.

· I believe we, the paying consumer, don’t complain enough so things are only going to continue to get worse.

· I believe you pay 10 times the cost of software in support costs and lost productivity when it does not function properly out of the box.

· I believe the world has become too computer savvy because of buggy software.

· I believe a computer should be just another asset at the office place, taken for granted like a stapler or pencil.

· I believe that a computer isn’t taken for granted because broken things always get attention and notice.

· I believe release dates are based upon dates on PowerPoint slides, not when the product is anywhere near being ready or bug free.

Exchange Server 2007 MCP Exams – Notes from the field

clustering — Wed, 03 Oct 2007 21:22:00 GMT

I love taking Microsoft exams because I learn so much. I learn what Microsoft feels are the important product features that everyone show know. I learn different ways to do common tasks within the product, let’s face it sometime we only know as much as our peers. I also learn exactly where I stand on the product, and what I really need to work on.

As I get older though I am either getting smarter or lazier, take your pick. I simply don’t study for the exams anymore. Sorry, but I don’t. I take the exam to learn the question format, style, content, and lastly to gage what if anything I need to study. I recently did this for the 3 (yes I said 3) exams that relate to Exchange Server 2007. I would now like to break down what took place without breaking my NDA.

70-236 TS: Exchange Server 2007 Configuration

This is a fun exam. Honest, it is. I would recommend this as the second exam in this series. I walked in to take my practice version and almost pasted. Lots of PowerShell (Exchange Management Shell - EMS). I failed my first attempt by 2 questions. I needed more Edge server information. I need to learn more PowerShell cmdlets, like anything test-*. I did not feel the test was worded poorly nor had any long questions. Either you knew it or you blew it.The second time I took this I studied:

test-* cmdlets

Microsoft Search service repair

DR repair and movement of Hub Transport logs

Edge Configuration cmdlets

General EMS syntax
I passed my second attempt because of the above and the fact that I could relax knowing I had plenty of time to take the exam and concentrate on the PowerShell questions. All and all it’s a fair exam. My only problem is that I suck at PowerShell/EMS, honestly. After the exam I wanted to recreate some of the cool ones the test went over and I could not do the syntax. It is one thing to see 4 or 5 various ways to attempt to do a command, easy pick the one that works. Now, try and do that without the spoon feeding. The help files are ok, but I need more examples to choose from, like on the exam.

70-237 Pro: Designing Messaging Solutions with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

This exam is trying to test if you fully understand all the concepts of Exchange Server 2007 design. I passed with flying colors on my first attempt – without a lick of studying. The questions were very cut and dry, with usually only 1 glaring answer. I would definitely start by taking this exam! It is a very fair exam.

70-238 Pro: Deploying Messaging Solutions with Microsoft Exchange Server 2007

OUCH! Make this your last exam and do yourself a favor, study! This one got to me, deep inside it hurt, and badly. My first attempt I failed by 3 questions, but I did not feel I was really that close. This is a wonderfully well rounded exam. From soup to nuts you need to learn it all to have any chance. This is a VERY wordy exam; several questions were a good two pages. Tons of reading. I took 90% of the time to complete it. Time was an issue and I pushed myself at the end, I regret doing that.The second time I took it I studied:
· Edge Configuration

· Backup/DR scenarios – incremental vs. differential

I passed my second attempt and almost jumped for joy when I read the word passed. You need to know Exchange from top to bottom for this exam. I had Novell questions, Security Configuration Wizard, GPO, IPSec, VPN, IBE, Hosted Services, and tons of CCR vs. LCR vs. SCC questions. I found the wording VERY difficult. As a clustering MVP I still had a very difficult time with the HA questions. I knew every word, but not the way it was worded. This is a VERY wordy exam; several questions were a good two pages. Tons of reading. I took 95% of the time to complete it. 95%! Dang! Time was not really an issue though, because I knew I would finish with a few minutes to spare. The timing is very close, but you will finish.

So what does it all add up to?

In the end, assuming you pass all three exams, you get two new classes of certifications. MCSE is gone (long live the MCSE), it has been replaced by MCITP – Microsoft Certified IT Professional (all three exams are required). Any certification with IT in it is silly in my eyes. MCP has really been replaced with MCTS – Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist. After your pass the 70-236 exam you are a TS. Here are the official titles cut from my official Microsoft Transcript.

Microsoft Certified IT Professional

Microsoft Exchange 2007 Messaging Solutions Administrator

Microsoft Certified Technology Specialist

Microsoft Exchange 2007: Configuration

Hello Microsoft Certification, the product is called Microsoft Exchange SERVER 2007. I think you left off a word. Strange! And what gives with the Solutions Administrator, I take a Design and Deploy exam but I can only administer? Sounds more like an Architecture cert to me.Anyways, I am done rambling here, good luck on your exams, study and enjoy! Drop me a line when you pass them.

ClusterHelp dates for 2008 and Copenhagen update

clustering — Mon, 27 Aug 2007 14:53:00 GMT

Russ and I will be in Copenhagen, Denmark September 3-6, 2007 (yes just a week away) and we still have a few spots open in the course. If you would like to attend use the link the left (under ClusterHelp). I am really looking forward to it. Russ will be lecturing and I will assist in the labs, thus both of us supporting what we wrote :)

If you can't make Denmark, we have courses in NYC scheduled through 2008 now, just added today:

Jan. 21-24, 2008

May 12-15, 2008

Oct 13-16, 2008

Come on out and enjoy one of these great cities with me!

15 Rules of IT

clustering — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 16:54:00 GMT

1) If a computer or system is working on Monday, something has gone wrong and you just don't know about it.

2) When you don't know what you're doing, document it.

3) Computer errors must be reproduce-able, they should fail the same way each time.

4) First call tech support, then panic.

5) Experience is directly proportional to the number of systems/computers ruined.

6) Always keep a backup of your data, and hope everyone else does the same.

7) To write a program really well, have your wife/husband/Mother/Father test it.

8) If you can't get the system to match the Statement of Work (SOW), redo the SOW.

9) In case you experience doubt, make it sound convincing.

10) Do not believe in miracles--rely on them.

11) The technical term is H.O.S.E.D. (Hardware Or Software Error Detected), use it often and amaze your friends.

12) When it starts working; and hopefully it will, you fixed it in case anyone asks.

13) No troubleshooting experience is a complete failure. At least it can serve as a negative example.

14) Any expensive piece of software will break before any use can be made of it.

15) Team work is essential, it allows you to blame someone else.

This is an original post, feel free to reproduce as long as you give credit.

New Windows Server 2008 Failover Clustering Course

clustering — Sun, 03 Jun 2007 01:53:00 GMT

IF you are not coming to Tech Ed to listen to me speak about it, this is the next best thing:

Course 6051: Implementing High Availability and Virtualization in Windows Server 2008 (Beta)

2 Hours of learning for a very low price.

New Clustering Blog in Town

clustering — Mon, 07 May 2007 15:11:00 GMT

http://msmvps.com/blogs/jtoner/

John Toner the long time clustering and Geo-Clustering Guru has a blog now. This is truly exciting news...

Dell PowerEdge 2850 Hardware issues

clustering — Mon, 30 Apr 2007 13:43:00 GMT

Dell we have a problem.

It has come to my attention that ALL DELL PE2850's have a hardware issue. It seems the dudes at Dell really messed up some firmware updates. If you are not running BIOS A06 and BMC 1.68 or higher download Dell's Server Update Utility 5.1.1. (http://support.us.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?releaseid=R136532) or later (I have only tested 5.1.1 though). Get 5.2 here http://support.us.dell.com/support/downloads/format.aspx?releaseid=R146351

So what happens if you are running the bad version? CPU IERR EO7F0 on every CPU in the machine at the same time. And then you get the famous Dell amber flashing light. Every OS locks up without processors, no really they do. If you call Dell Support (which I have done), you get greeted by a tech that says "Hi, welcome to Dell support. Please update your firmware and BIOS.". DOH!

Windows Server Codename "Longhorn" Beta 3 is out

clustering — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 21:00:00 GMT

But if you want to test failover clustering....

Standard SCSI based clustering will no longer work (yes I tested it, no go).

Rocket Division StarWind will be the product you want to use to test Failover Clustering. http://www.rocketdivision.com/wind.html You will have to wait until the June 2007 time frame while they make it work with Beta 3.

FalconStor iSCSI Storage Server http://www.falconstor.com/en/solutions/?pg=Products&sb=iSCSI I am not sure when they will support it.

Microsoft bought StringBean (http://www.stringbeansoftware.com/downloads_update2_0.asp) which has a great WinTarget program. The program is now part of Windows Unified Data Storage Server and it called Microsoft iSCSI Software Target. That one works today, if you are lucky enough to have a copy.

IT Pro TOWNHALL recap

clustering — Sun, 29 Apr 2007 20:31:00 GMT

April 18th I was invited to Microsoft http://msmvps.com/blogs/clustering/archive/2007/03/27/it-pro-townhall-with-steve-ballmer.aspx for the first every IT Pro Townhall event. We were not allowed to take pictures, so I don't have any of those, but we could take notes. Here are my random notes and thoughts:

We started the daily with an early breakfast. Looking around the room everyone had one thing on their mind, how did I make the cut with all these smart people? It was a who-is-who of the IT industry.

Panel Discussion #1 – Next generation of the Web and its implications on IT Professionals; both as consumers and in the enterprise

First up was a session on Web 2.0 with Bill Veghie (Microsoft), Chris Jones (Microsoft) and Craig Barnes (Attensa)

· Chris Jones @ Microsoft – does not know what it means. Applications are more interactive.

· RSS, dash boards, combination of data that was simply not possible before, integration, blogging, Google/Yahoo are bringing spreadsheet content to the web, both online/offline, AJAX, face book

· Stating Wikipedia as fact, not a great Web 2.0 idea.

· Collaboration

· Interoperation and credentials

· Tracking data back to an original source, audit

· Community, social networking, social information tagging - Richer

· Reputation based system – Mark Minasi

· Data is not information – Jesper Johnanson

Panel Discussion #2 – The Evolution of the IT Professional Community

The second session had a panel with Dave Sanders (Culminis), Beth Quinlan (BQ), Kevin Kline (PASS), Lee Benjamin (Exchange Guy Consulting).

· Hands on lab, virtualization, connecting people and products

· Relationships – ties it all together

· User Groups

· Developers and IT Pro are the real community

Panel Discussion #3 – Data Center trends, Virtualization and Managed Services

This session had an interesting panel - Bob Muglia (Microsoft), Ron Markezich (Microsoft), Dan Holme (Intelllliem), Mark Minasi (MR&D)

· Smaller amount of IT professionals, more people running core business

· Consolidation of storage, pooling resources

· Microsoft is living all the products in Dog Food

· Everything can be virtualized – Bob Muglia we will hit that point in the future

· Check Alert to Ticket ratio, Microsoft using MOM is 1.5

· Virtualized another egg shell – Jesper

· IPSec & Server Roles – powerful security

· Microsoft does this for Energizer – LCS, Exchange, etc.

· Microsoft should dog food its own licenses

· Does this phase our IT Pros? No, it empowers them to fix issues and solve problems

· Assumption was 5 years ago 100% of IT Pro would be off shore, that is not the case today

· Slimmer product suites, maybe limit Exchange features just calendaring and Internet email

Keynote – Steve Ballmer

· What is Microsoft?

o Broad horizontal technologies

§ Desktop

§ Enterprise

§ Online information and commerce

§ Modern consumer electronics

o Two classes of people

§ Have an IT department

§ They count on Yahoo or Hosted Services

· Web 2.0 – CRM, like the Xbox live – PC live and what that means to us

· Vista slow adoption and any lessoned learn that would help with future products like Longhorn – “it has meet my expectations”

· What do you think about User Groups – do not under invest in user groups, that would be a mistake and should be rectified.

· “If you don’t have world class email, you are sorta dead!”

· SteveB@Microsoft.com email me, I will try and get back with you in a week

We are supposed to get a Podcast of the day's events, if we do I will share (if I am allowed).

How to create a fresh Windows Server 2003 SP1 without install Service Pack 2 (SP2) and still use Windows or Microsoft Update

clustering — Fri, 27 Apr 2007 19:13:00 GMT

Problems:

1)      You need to install a new machine with Windows Server 2003 or R2. You are required to install SP1 because SP2 is not support by your software or hardware vendor.
2)      You have a Windows Server 2003 SP1 or R2 machine that you need to update, but you don’t want SP2 – yet.
3)      You don’t have a WSUS or all post SP1 patches on a CD/DVD

Answer:

Install your OS with SP1 or R2. Run Windows Update and you will see this screen:

Expand the + next to Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (32-bit x86) and the screen now shows:

Notice that the Don’t show this update again option is grayed out. Select the Select and install other updates radio button as seen here:
Notice that the Don’t show this update again option is now not grayed out. Select it:
Now the easy step, close your browser and run Windows\Microsoft Update again. It should look something like this:
Now go on and install all the pre SP1 updates J If you need to install SP2 in the future, download and install it or click on the Restore them now\Restore hidden updates link. Sometimes the answer is very simple.

My Tech Ed Session time is on the web

clustering — Fri, 20 Apr 2007 17:57:00 GMT

SVR306

Top 10 Microsoft Windows Server Codename "Longhorn" Failover Clustering Enhancements over Windows Server 2003 Clustering, Based on Best Practices

6/6/2007 10:15AM-11:30AM

Be the very first to learn about Windows Server codename "Longhorn" Failover Clustering. Are you using Windows Server 2003 Clustering? Are you following best practices? In this session we explore Windows Server codename "Longhorn" Failover Clustering by comparing it to Windows Server 2003 Clustering based on current best practices. The session begins with hardware configuration issues, concerns, and best practices—then and now. Next, we explore operating system configuration issues, concerns, and best practices. Then, we move on to the cluster service, and finally applications. After this session you will look forward to deploying Windows Server codenamed "Longhorn" Failover Clustering.

Look for a few excellent demos of Beta 3. I will also be at the Microsoft clustering/HA booth answering questions, handing out ClusterHelp.com flyers, etc.

Before you run off and install Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2)...

clustering — Tue, 10 Apr 2007 19:59:00 GMT

Of course read my other blog posts on SP2, but also go and download this - Hotfix Scan Tool for Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 Deployment. Its a simple install, then you run it by doing this:

From the command prompt type:

cscript c:\windows\system32\HotfixScanTool.vbs

The output should look like this:

Microsoft (R) Windows Script Host Version 5.6

Detecting if any updates in the Block installation list were installed on the system...

No updates in the block installation list were detected.

You can proceed to install Windows Server 2003 SP2

Feel free to install SP2 (if you have tested it and full vendor support).

Microsoft MVP for another year

clustering — Sun, 01 Apr 2007 08:50:00 GMT

I just got done playing Xbox 360 and before I go to bed I thought I would check my email and the hockey scores. Here is what the email said:

Congratulations! We are pleased to present you with the 2007 Microsoft® MVP Award!

The Microsoft MVP Award is our way of saying thank you and to honor and support the significant contributions you make to communities worldwide. As a recipient of Microsoft’s Most Valuable Professional award, you join an elite group of technical community leaders from around the world who foster the free and objective exchange of knowledge by actively sharing your real world expertise with users and Microsoft. Microsoft salutes all MVPs for promoting the spirit of community and enhancing people’s lives and the industry’s success everyday. To learn more about the MVP Program, visit: www.microsoft.com/mvp.

Your extraordinary efforts in Windows Server - Clustering technical communities during the past year are greatly appreciated.

This is my 4th year in the program. Nice, thank you Microsoft.

Microsoft has pulled all Pre Windows Server 2003 (R2) SP2 patches off the web

clustering — Fri, 30 Mar 2007 17:57:00 GMT

Install a new machine today. Install R2. Run Windows/Microsoft Update. Notice that the list is very short.

Internet Explorer 7
Service Pack 2
Malicious Software Update Tool

Dang, that is a serious move. If you want the DST patch, you will have to install SP2 on a new machine. Since all post SP1 patches are in SP2, they have been pulled.

Bold move!

Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 – the good, the bad, and the ugly

clustering — Thu, 29 Mar 2007 19:14:00 GMT

By now you are aware that SP2 is out for Windows Server 2003 and R2. I have already seen quite a few posts in the public newsgroups where people are not aware of a few things.

The Good

It is a really good idea to backup your system before you attempt any major update or service pack. Remember your backup is only as good as your restore. Or as Geoff N. Hiten SQL MVP and SQL God says “Until you test a backup by restoring, you don't have recovery plan, you have a recovery hope.”

Another good idea, read the readme or release notes. They can be found here Release Notes for Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2.

Next and maybe most important is to check with your hardware vendor before installing. They might not support it yet. For instance Dell says they don’t have any reported issues, but EMC (A Dell partner) does not support it yet.

The Bad

You will have to take an outage to install this on your cluster. Please read How to install service packs in a cluster. Please note that this document has not been updated for SP2 yet. I won’t bring up the mess everyone had to deal with on Dell’s for SP1 (see http://www.dell.com/downloads/global/power/ps2q05-20050113-Callaway.pdf or better yet http://msmvps.com/blogs/clustering/archive/2005/06/28/56167.aspx).

The Ugly

I remember growing up as a kid and going to Circus World and getting a small usually square white box with question marks all over it. They sold these for $1.49 - $2.99. The more you paid, the better the crap they put in. Installing Service Packs from just about any vendor is exactly like this. You really never know what they have changed, thrown in, made better or worse.

Always test a service pack install on a test cluster. Bad things happen when you test with production servers.

Good luck and keep me posted on your experiences.