XGEN: Helpful Tips and Suggestions for Applying Exchange Server Service Packs (235978)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Exchange Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Exchange Server 5.0
  • Microsoft Exchange Server 5.5
This article was previously published under Q235978

SUMMARY

This article provides general information about applying service packs for Microsoft Exchange Server. This information can help you avoid problems that may arise during the installation process and help make the installation process as smooth as possible. The following topics are discussed:
  • Before applying a service pack
  • Applying a service pack

MORE INFORMATION

Before Applying a Service Pack

Before you apply a service pack for Exchange Server:
  • Stop all Exchange Server services. To stop a service:

    1. In Control Panel, double-click Services.
    2. Click the service you want to stop, and then click Stop. If a dialog box appears stating that additional services will be stopped, click OK. Otherwise, click Yes.
    NOTE: The Exchange Server services are normally stopped automatically while the service pack is being applied. However, in some cases, the Update program is unable to stop one or more services. Stopping the services before you apply the service pack may prevent this problem from occurring.
  • Verify that the server is not being monitored using Performance Monitor. The server may be monitored by an instance of Performance Monitor running on the same server, or on a different server on the network. If the server is being monitored, quit Performance Monitor.
  • Verify that the server is not being monitored using a server monitor. If the server is being monitored, stop the server monitor.
  • End any other connections to the server, such as Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) connections or connections made by e-mail clients, uninterruptible power supply (UPS) programs, or the Windows NT User Manager.

Applying a Service Pack

While you are applying a service pack, you may be prompted to overwrite an existing file on your hard disk. When this occurs, you should only overwrite the existing file if the new file is a later version. If the new file is not a later version, you should not overwrite the existing file.

In addition, a message may be displayed indicating that the Update program could not copy a file to your hard disk because an existing file is already open. When this occurs, you may be able to work around the problem by renaming the existing file on your hard disk, and then clicking Retry.

For information about problems that may occur if the server is being monitored using a server monitor while you are applying a service pack, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

177221 XADM: Errors Occur During Exchange Service Pack Upgrade

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:4/21/2005
Keywords:kbinfo KB235978
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