Problems updating SQL 2016 with service pack 3 - no option to update current install

[TwistedHelixis]

Wanted to update our SQL 2016 (express) SP2 with SP3, but the MS service pack download from this page - https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/topic/kb5003279-sql-server-2016-service-pack-3-release-information-46ab9543-5cf9-464d-bd63-796279591c31 seem to want to install the full version of SQL 2016 express, not just the service pack.

 

When I run the update, I get the options page of, basic SQL 2016 (with SP3) install, or custom install of SQL 2016 (with SP3) install.

 

Nowhere does it list update current SQL install with SP3, so I backed out and didn't go any further.

 

Anyone already installed this service pack.

 

Should I just enable optional updates in Windows update and let that do the update?

 

Any help will be very appreciated.

Edited January 9, 2022 by TwistedHelixis

[3s-gtech]

 

Should I just enable optional updates in Windows update and let that do the update?

 

IME, yes. That’s how I maintain our SIMS install.

[howartp]

Similar to above, we have SQL and Exchange updates set to Not Approved by default, then approve them as and when I want them to go on.

 

So it's not automatically updating SQL/SIMS at random, it's doing it when I want it to.

[TwistedHelixis]

Just in case, this is the direct link to the correct SQL 2016 (all versions) service pack 3 update package only - https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/download/details.aspx?id=103440

 

Think I will just turn on optional updates when I am ready, then do the updates and turn it off again after.

[dapaulio]

FYI ESS do not support sims on SQL 2016 sp3. Latest they support is SP2. i found this out as i had an active ticket with capita and during this ticket my database was on SP2. when i realised that sp3 was available i thought i would update it and save myself the hassle of them coming back to me saying update the server

So happened that i updated my server out of support.

Fortunately my support ticket was at a third tier support and was logical enough to come to the conclusion that the issue i was having was not because of SP3 given he knew i was having the issues on SP2 and continued to help me but warned me that future tickets may be unsupported due to this.

I was shocked that it wasnt supported and asked why but the reason seems unknown. could be an oversight on the documentation or there could be an issue with it but unknown at the time. im waiting further feedback on this as i may need to roll back the SP

[howartp]

FYI ESS do not support sims on SQL 2016 sp3. Latest they support is SP2.

Erm, don't tell me that!!!

 

(For anyone else wondering, check SQL Management Studio > Connect to the SQL instance. At the top of the tree it will say eg "SERVER\INSTANCE (SQL Server 13.0.6300.2)" - 6300.2 is SP3, anything less is SP2)

 

Just looked for the current Tech Roadmap but they've withdrawn the Autumn (Nov 2021) roadmap and are publishing Spring 2022 'shortly'.

[dapaulio]

Erm, don't tell me that!!!

 

(For anyone else wondering, check SQL Management Studio > Connect to the SQL instance. At the top of the tree it will say eg "SERVER\INSTANCE (SQL Server 13.0.6300.2)" - 6300.2 is SP3, anything less is SP2)

 

Just looked for the current Tech Roadmap but they've withdrawn the Autumn (Nov 2021) roadmap and are publishing Spring 2022 'shortly'.

 

FYI Technical Roadmap December 2021.pdf

[howartp]

Sorry, yes - I had that but was meaning it's now withdrawn so the latest (SP2) support in that document may no longer be up to date.

[dapaulio]

o right yeah, I did question it at the time as i was shocked why SP3 wasnt supported and they replied they werent sure but if the documentation says it not then its not

[TwistedHelixis]

ESS do not support sims on SQL 2016 sp3

 

Just read on MS site, they advice to upgrade to a newer SQL version if you have issues but ESS don't support newer SQL versions, lol.

 

Apparently rolling back might not be a nice experience either.