Applying Cumulative Update Packages

Hello there,

I just installed Sql Server 2005 and applied sp3 to it. Now I want to apply the cumulative update packages but Im not sure If I have to apply all of them or the last one is enough. If I apply sp3 i know i dont have to apply sp2 and sp1. but if I apply cumulative update package 7 does that mean i dont need to apply the first 6 packages? If I have to install all, inwhat order? Please advise.

Thanks!

asked Feb 16 '10 at 11:43 AM in Default

DaniSQL
4.8k ● 30 ● 35 ● 39

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2 answers:

A cumulative update package can be installed standalone - it's in the name really.

From MSDN:

Because the builds are cumulative, each new fix release contains all the hotfixes and all the security fixes that were included with the previous SQL Server fix release.

answered Feb 16 '10 at 11:48 AM

Matt Whitfield ♦♦
29.2k ● 56 ● 63 ● 87

Thanks Matt. Just want to make sure if applying CUP7 is enough.

Feb 16 '10 at 11:57 AM DaniSQL

Just be sure to read the warnings and disclaimers on CUs!

Feb 16 '10 at 12:13 PM Blackhawk-17

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+1 to what Matt says, plus this. Make sure you test the install on a system that does not contain your production data (or better still, contains a copy of your production data) prior to applying it to your production system. This should apply to any service pack or hot fix. You can't possibly be paranoid enough about these things.

answered Feb 16 '10 at 11:58 AM

Grant Fritchey ♦♦
64.9k ● 13 ● 20 ● 66

+1 - not seen one fail for a looooong time but you never know.

Feb 16 '10 at 12:00 PM Fatherjack ♦♦

Thanks Grant. Its a brand new server and there is no production data on it. But How can I test the install ? what signs should i look for if there is sth wrong?

Feb 16 '10 at 12:19 PM DaniSQL

Oh, you'll know, very quickly. In my experience it's one of two things, the server won't come online or one or more databases won't come online. With a new install and no databases, the number of errors is pretty radically reduced.

Feb 16 '10 at 12:35 PM Grant Fritchey ♦♦

Fatherjack, remember SQL Server 6.5 sp5 & sp5a? My scars still haven't healed. I install the sp's & cu's, but I'm very wary of them.

Feb 16 '10 at 12:35 PM Grant Fritchey ♦♦

You are right. The server wont come online and after I restarted it twice it comes online again. I havent added any databases to this instance yet. Do u thing it is safe to use it for production now?

Feb 16 '10 at 01:02 PM DaniSQL

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