Hello Friends, I need your advise on installing Microsoft Server updates on my Exchange 2003 box. We have a new Front End Back End setup and both the servers are installed on Windows 2003 SP2 box. Yesterday I visited Microsoft update site and scanned my servers and found that there are almost 10 updates (some of them are critical)whichneed to be installed on these boxes. I am little concerned about patching these servers during the day time when staff will be using them. Also, do I need to stop all the Exchnage services before patching them? What is the best way to update Microsoft servers and specially Exchnage servers? I need suggestion from all of you as we are new in Windows server world. This is our first install of windows server so I am talking all kind of precuations as I have heard so many bad things about patching and updates. Please suggest. Thanks in advance. Gigs

Gigs, I would recommend installing the patches after hours. Depending on which patches are being installed, the server will likely need to be restarted after it is patched. As for Exchange, you really dont have to stop the services before patching the server, but if you're like me I take every precaution and stop the services anyway. If the patch you are installing is for Exchange the install will stop the services for you if needed. Overall, the best way to install the OS patches is through the Windows Update website if you're only dealing with a couple of servers. If you begin to add more Windows servers to your network you might consider another method of patch deplyment such as Windows Update Service (WUS) or SMS. Hope this helps, and welcome to the Windows community!

Hello Dewd, Thanks a lot! Do I need to test all these patches before applying? Gigs