Upgrade to the Latest Windows 2003 Service Pack

Microsoft always recommends that you keep your Windows operating system updated and install the latest service pack. There are various ways of upgrading your Windows Server 2003 installation to the latest service pack revision.

Background

• Microsoft release service packs in order to incorporate all the latest patches, drivers, bug fixes and operating system enhancements. It is best to install them so that your computer or server runs properly and securely. In addition, third party software and support often require you to be using the most recent service pack.

Deployment

• The most recent service pack for Windows Server 2003, as of October 2010, is Service Pack 2. It is possible to download the service pack for manual installation from the Microsoft website. Another option is to use the built-in Windows Update functionality, which should download and install the service pack automatically.

Testing

• If you have a number of Widows 2003 servers, it is sensible to deploy the service pack on one server initially, test functionality and check for problems, prior to deploying the update across your infrastructure. It is best to apply these updates while users are not logged on to the servers.