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SBS2011 - Failed service pack

Hi,

I have been updating windows on SBS 2011 and encountered a failed service pack update during the installation. The server now states 'Failure configuring service pack, reverting changes'.

It has been stating this for the last 3 hours. Is it best to leave it to finish, or force the machine off and power back on again?

Thanks

Philip Elder

Is that Windows Server 2008 R2 service pack?

Philip

supportguy360

ASKER

In all honesty i am unsure, the updates were left to run on the server using the recommended updates from microsoft.

supportguy360

ASKER

i imagine it is the 2008 SP

Philip Elder

Ew ...

We have an SBS 2011 Standard Setup Guide here: http://bit.ly/p3YbXO

Note the section on how we update that server.

Running whatever is waiting all at the same time is a certain recipe for disaster.

Is this a new deploy or a migration?

EDIT: BTW, SBS 2011 is based on Server 2008 R2 code.

Philip

supportguy360

ASKER

It is an existing install and simply opted to install recommended updates on the server.

Am i best powering down the unit manually and restarting?

Philip Elder

Very risky. Have the backups been tested and known good?

Log into a desktop on the domain as domain admin (assuming Win7):
Start --> mmc [CTRL+SHFT+ENTER]
UAC --> Yes/Continue
Add/Remove Snap-In
Computer --> Remote --> SBS Server Name
OK

Navigate to the Event Logs node and have a look if you can. What is it hung up on?

Philip

supportguy360

ASKER

I have gone into MMC and Add\remove snap in. What am i locating within there please? if i RDP onto the server directly as myself (a domain admin) i simply get the service pack failed and reverting changes message. Thanks

Philip Elder

After starting MMC you can click File --> Add/Remove Snap-In.
Select Computer and then choose ANOTHER and put the SBS server name in there.

That may allow you to remotely connect to the Event Logs on the server.

Philip

supportguy360

ASKER

Thanks.

I have been through the system logs but cant see any warnings or errors, only information level alerts. These are showing services as stopping and starting, i have even found the DHCP service to be running according to the logs.

everything within the logs appears to be normal. strange.

I am working remotely from the server but can still vpn into it, connect to my mailbox and browse the shared folders on the server. i can even send emails from my account hosted on the server.

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Philip Elder

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supportguy360

ASKER

I have attempted the above. The cursor is flashing on the cmd line and looks as though it is trying to process the request. I am also doing a continuous ping of the server to see if it drops off.

I will let you know if this works. Thanks

supportguy360

ASKER

The cursor is still flashing and able to ping the server. I have attempted to RDP onto it and an error is now coming up stating it cant be connected to.

Philip Elder

Give it some time to work through it's configuration.

Are the logs still able to be read?

Philip

supportguy360

ASKER

If i try to access the logs now it just states 'trying to connect' then hangs.

I will give it some time and check on it again. Many thanks for your help, i will let you know the outcome.

Philip Elder

Yes, let it go.

Backups good?

One patch NOT to install: http://bit.ly/19npEoJ (KB2785908 on SBS Diva)

Maybe a fix if things stay hung up: http://bit.ly/13zuhFJ (Pending.XML on SBS Diva)

Philip

supportguy360

ASKER

Thank you so much for your help with this. The server is now up and running again, i will look into the posts you have provided above. Thanks again.

supportguy360

ASKER

Absolutely superb support.

Philip Elder

So the Shutdown command did indeed bring the server down gracefully?

Welcome. :)

Philip