Patching SQL Server 2005 past SP3?

  • Hello,

    I was just wondering what's the best thing to do in terms of patching SQL Server 2005 past SP3 as "Cumulative Update Package 9" is currently available.

    When I went to go download this cumulative update package, I got a rather verbose warning from Microsoft saying to only apply it if specifically needed for an issue cited by Microsoft. MS email excerpt here: "WARNING This hotfix has not undergone full testing. Therefore, it is intended only for systems or computers that are experiencing the exact problem that is described in the one or more Microsoft Knowledge Base articles that are listed in "KB Article Numbers" field in the table at the end of this e-mail message. If you are not sure whether any special compatibility or installation issues are associated with this hotfix, we encourage you to wait for the next service pack release."

    We're running some SQL clusters with x64, and I'm weary of updating to the latest and greatest per this earlier post: http://www.sqlservercentral.com/Forums/Topic444831-149-1.aspx

    I can't seem to find any specific issue in the cumulative updates to warrant an upgrade to "Cumulative Update Package 9".

    Any advice on this? Just stay with SP3? My apologies if this has been answered before, I just couldn't find it.

    Thanks!

  • That's Microsoft standard warning on all hot fixes and CPs. They don't want to take responsibility for Bad Things happening to your server if you put something on it that disagrees with its digestion. @=)

    My advice is to keep a copy of that CP in case you need it in the future, but not to actually apply it unless you're experiencing problems as per the update documentation.

    Brandie Tarvin, MCITP Database AdministratorLiveJournal Blog: http://brandietarvin.livejournal.com/[/url]On LinkedIn!, Google+, and Twitter.Freelance Writer: ShadowrunLatchkeys: Nevermore, Latchkeys: The Bootleg War, and Latchkeys: Roscoes in the Night are now available on Nook and Kindle.

  • I agree with Brandie. That disclaimer is there for a reason.

    There is a post SP3 security fix you should apply, especially if you run reporting services, MS09-062

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  • test, test, test. If you need it, give it a go. If not, hold off. I wouldn't blanketly apply this to all systems.

    I heard from MS the other day that SP4 is slated for Q4, so that will contain this patch, with additional testing.

  • SP4? Whoohoo!

    And here I thought they weren't planning any more SPs for 2k5.

    Brandie Tarvin, MCITP Database AdministratorLiveJournal Blog: http://brandietarvin.livejournal.com/[/url]On LinkedIn!, Google+, and Twitter.Freelance Writer: ShadowrunLatchkeys: Nevermore, Latchkeys: The Bootleg War, and Latchkeys: Roscoes in the Night are now available on Nook and Kindle.

  • Awesome, thanks guys 🙂

    Good to know another SP is on the horizon

  • Steve Jones - Editor (6/3/2010)


    I heard from MS the other day that SP4 is slated for Q4, so that will contain this patch, with additional testing.

    Woot

    Jason...AKA CirqueDeSQLeil
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