Exchange 2010 upgrade (SP2)

[_Bat_]

Hi all

 

I'm going to be upgrading my exchange infrastructure from 2010 RU5 to 2010 SP2 (missing SP1). I've chosen SP2 because SP3 hasn't been out long enough yet for my liking. I currently have one CAS and three mailbox servers. It's the first time I've performed an exchange upgrade.

 

How long does it take each server to upgrade? Are there any caveats that I should be aware of? Can I upgrade my CAS first, and leave it running for a few days in coexistence with the not yet upgraded mailbox servers?

 

Thanks

Edited May 3, 2013 by _Bat_

[FN-GM]

30 mins each. I would update the CAS server first.

 

Do you have DAG's setup?

[_Bat_]

Do you have DAG's setup?

 

Not yet, although this is one of my tasks for after the upgrade.

[Domino]

be aware, if you've Forefront for exchange running you'd be best of stopping the service before the upgrade.

 

 

I can't remember if they fixed it, but earlier upgrades used to hose the transport service if it was upgraded with FEP running.

[FN-GM]

If you do that (setup DAGS) , obviously you would need to add another CAS server or it would be pointless doing it

 

Do you not have an edge server?

[_Bat_]

If you do that (setup DAGS) , obviously you would need to add another CAS server or it would be pointless doing it

 

Do you not have an edge server?

 

No edge server, but I plan on setting up both a CAS array and DAGs after the upgrade.

[_Bat_]

Can an upgraded CAS (2010 SP2) coexist well with pre-upgraded mailbox servers (2010 RU5)?

[Domino]

The recommendation is to keep everything patched to the same level. I wouldn't wanna risk it.

[TheScarfedOne]

be aware, if you've Forefront for exchange running you'd be best of stopping the service before the upgrade.

 

 

I can't remember if they fixed it, but earlier upgrades used to hose the transport service if it was upgraded with FEP running.

 

Yep, still nerfs it nicely if you don't....

[apeman]

There is an active directory scheme upgrade in SP1, SP2 and SP3 so look into this first.

 

You also need to make sure all your exchange servers have access to the internet (not good) else the update will sit there timing while its trying to verify the certificate the update was signed with or read this as a work around.

Configuring Exchange Servers Without Internet Access - Exchange Team Blog - Site Home - TechNet Blogs

 

To be honest if i were you i would hold off until your next half term / end of term and go straight to SP3. SP1 was the biggest update and most people call that the RTM, SP2 doesn't add many extra features just bug fixes

 

Also if you are using the exchange powershell at lot of commands changed, updated or were removed in SP1 to check any commands before running them.