Exclusive! Windows Server 2003 SP2 - Ask Experts!
This is Windows Server 2003 SP2 chat about technical SP2 issues. Underlined questions are mine!
Chat Topic: Windows Server 2003 SP2 RC build
Date: Thursday, December 07, 2006
Trine [MS] (Expert):
Q: Aside from the bugfix/hotfix rollups in SP2, what new features or services does it provide?
A: There is a doc on MSConnect also you can see ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Are there any known problems regarding SP2 and Team Foundation Server (SQL2005; WSS2)?
A: Currently there are none.
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: I have a doubt related to the MUI, To use the MUI I need download other file beyond the MUI in the site off connect?
A: There are no additional files required to use the MUI. But your system should have the original OS MUI pack installed. This small MUI pack is only an update for 3 components.
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q: Will the Windows Server 2003 with SP2 installed include new TCP/IP stack found in Windows Longhorn Server and Windows Vista?
A: No. Windows Server 2003 will continue to have the original stack shipped as part of Windows Server 2003 at RTM. We have added support for Scalable Networking Pack in SP2 though.
Trine [MS] (Expert):
Q: Aside from the bugfix/hotfix rollups in SP2, what new features or services does it provide?
A: Can you send mail to me and I'll look into this offline. *****@microsoft.com
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: The latest list of hotfixes in SP2 included 911030, which is related to clusters. There has since been another hotfix (923424) that fixes a problem induced by 911030. Is there a plan to include the later hotfix, or stay with the first one?
A: Yes. The fix will be included in SP2.
Chris [MS] (Expert):
Q: We're trying to get an RC Refresh build out on Connect before the holidays. Would people on the technical beta be able to look at that build and provide feedback?
Jeff [MS] (Expert):
Q: Windows Server 2003 SP2 RC build is last beta version before RTM?
A: We are planning a RC refresh build soon, and that is expected to be the last pre-release version.
Trine [MS] (Expert):
Q: What's new with Windows Server 2003 SP2 in comparison with SP1 and R2 releases? Any final adds for final SP2?
A: SP2 is a conventional SP unlike SP1 release which contained many new features. You can see our Technet site, ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Thanks Kamil, but which fix will be included, 911030 or 923424?
A: Both of them :)
Trine [MS] (Expert):
Q: Cano you provide a list of all hotfixes (KB articles), which are included in SP2 or is it covered in the TechNet SP2 section?
A: See, ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q: I'm not familiar enough with WDS, but will it "import" or work with RIS images already created?
A: Yes, the WDS.chm file in SP2 discusses this.
Trine [MS] (Expert):
Q: Can SP2 be applied to SBS2003 servers?
A: Yes
Corey [MS] (Expert):
Q: Hi, my questions were regarding new network stack changes , if any. Can you give me any details
A: ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q: Did anyone respond to my question about WDS being able to use or import existing RIS client images?
A: Yes. It is supported. The WDS.CHM file in Sp2 discusses this.
Corey [MS] (Expert):
Q: Hi, my questions were regarding new network stack changes , if any. Can you give me any details
A: Sorry, having some technical difficulties. There are a bunch of network stack changes. Quite a few bug fixes across the board including in WinSock, NDIS, NetBT, and TCP/IP. We also have a few DCRS, which are described here:
Corey [MS] (Expert):
A: ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Why SP2 RC is not include frmaework 3.0, Windows Defender and IE 7?
A: There is no plan to include these in SP2 since they are separate releases and SP2 just aims to service the existing OS.
Trine [MS] (Expert):
Q: Will the RC Refresh require uninstallation of RC before installation? My compliments on how easy it was to remove beta and install RC.
A: Yes, you should uninstall RC before installing SP2 RC refresh. --- and thanks.
Corey [MS] (Expert):
Q: I understand that the IA64 compiler QFEs will be included in SP2. We are beginning to see driver problems that appear to be related to these QFEs. Is anyone aware of IA64 hardware and application driver issues due to these QFEs?
A: The re-built binaries from the new IA64 compiler change will be included in SP2. In our testing, both internal and with external testing we have not found any problems. If you do see problems, please file bugs with us!
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q: Will "Network Level Authentication" be available to 2003 SP2 or later? Or will this only be available to Longhorn & Vista?
A: I am not familiar with Network Level Authentication. I cannot find any reference to it when searched on the internet either. Are you referring to "Network Access Protection" (aka) Quarantine?
Sam White [MS] (Moderator):
Q: "But your system should have the original OS MUI pack installed." The original OS MUI don't is found in the Win2k3 with SP2 Integrated, Connect does not liberate the version with the installed MUI?
A: The following link has information about how to obtain the MUI version of Windows. ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***.
How can I acquire Windows MUI?
The Windows XP/2000 MUI is sold only through Volume Licensing programs such as the Microsoft Open License Program (MOLP / Open), Select, and Enterprise agreement (or with a new computer as an OEM version at customer request). It is not available through retail channels.
Chris [MS] (Expert):
Q: Will final SP2 include features from Windows Longhorn Server?
A: No.
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: I cannot get to ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***, can you resend the link
A: You need to autenticate to connect site. The link is: ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Will RTM require a deinstall of SP2 Refresh?
A: We recommend to uninstall previous pre-RTM builds of SP2 before installing the next one. But the build-to-build upgrade is supported.
Chris [MS] (Expert):
Q: When W2K3 beta test will end, can I get invitation for Longhorn Beta Program?
A: Both beta programs are adminstered seperately, so you'll need to go through their program.
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Are there any known problems regarding SP2 and MOM 2005 or Operations Manager 2007?
A: Currently there are no known issues. We will be glad to hear your experience.
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q: "Windows Server 2003 will continue to have the original stack.." how long time? it's important for SE. I working with 2003 since end of 2001, but sp1, only, began correct & stabily working as WEB server. :-)
A: Let me clarify a bit. There are no current plans to change the fundamental way the stack was designed in Windows Server 2003. We did lot of bug fixes in SP1 and added some incremental features in SP1 and SP2. That is what i meant when I said it will have original stack. We will continue to fix issues reported by customers, but not change the design in fundamental ways, like we did for Vista.
Corey [MS] (Expert):
Q: My SP2 RC installation failed with "Can't build catalog". However it shows as installed on reboot. When I try to uninstall the uninstall fails as well... Will I be able to install the final over that to fix that? Any other solutions?
A: That is interesting and looks like a problem. How are you doing your installation? I would recommend going to connect and go to feedback to file a bug for this situation.
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q: Does SP2 includes Next Generation TCP/IP stack and new IPv6 generation?
A: No. SP2 does not include the next generation TCP/IP stack. The Vista stack is different in architecture compared to Win2003. One of the fundamental differences there is that in Win2003, we had 2 stacks: 1 for IPv4 and 1 for IPv6. In Vista there is just one stack that services both types of traffic. In SP2, there are just fixes to issues that were reported against the SP1 stacks.
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Are there any updates to Virtual Memory resources like SP1 introduced?
A: We have not taken any major changes in VM in SP2.
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Why Windows Media Player 11 is not available for W2K3 SP2?
A: It is a separate product release and in SP2 we aimed not to carry new features or new versions of the existing features. The foal of SP2 is to service the OS with introducing minimum feature change.
Sam White [MS] (Moderator):
Q: Will SP2 RTM be in same time of Longhorn Server release time?
A: These two things are not linked. The current plans are for Longhorn Server to RTM in the second half of 2007.
Trine [MS] (Expert):
Q: Will the SP2 detect non guneiue copy of Windows? Windows Server 2003 Evaulation on Microsoft Site , hackers were able to hack into time bomb and disabled the 180 days timer, will SP2 detect this?
A: Yes, SP2 will detect pirate copies of the OS.
Jeff [MS] (Expert):
Q: Thanks Corey. How do I get to connect to provide feedback? I have been searching to provide feedback, but I couldn't find it...
A: Hi Jens, once you login to connect.microsoft.com, and click on the SP2 link, you should see a "Feedback" link on the left side of the page.
Sarah - MS (Expert):
Q: is there any plan to add Media player 11 for windows 2k3 from SP2... just like in SP1 there was a upgrade to media player 10
A: No - WMP 11 will be supported on SP2 but not in it.
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Do you have any more info regarding the IPSEC enhancments in SP2?
A: Customers who implement Server and Domain Isolation today are forced to construct an isolation policy that contains a significant number of rules (i.e. often 300-500). These rules specify the subnets to isolate and rules for all the €˜special' cases (like Domain Controllers, DNS servers, etc). This design change reduces the filter set that needs to be managed from typically 400 filters to just 2 filters; it also removes the need for ongoing filter maintenance due to infrastructure changes (like adding new domain controllers or subnets etc).
Sarah - MS (Expert):
Q: is there any way to Use IIS 7.0 with Windows Server 2003 R2 after adding SP2 ?
A: IIS7 is only supported on Vista and LH server
Corey [MS] (Expert):
Q: Most important for me: I should be changed a password at DC under SP2, but my SPS server? which are on another server didn't accept this new password, but continueing used old password. What possible to do?
A: From the AD expert: Are you using ADFS to adminstrate your security? What are you using?
Sam White [MS] (Moderator):
Q: When Longhorn will be available in CPP?
A: This isn't really a chat about Longhorn Server. However, I can answer right now that there are no dates announced about any preview program for Longhorn Server at this time.
Corey [MS] (Expert):
Q: I have AD related question - is there any changes (maybe low lewel) in password storage metods or password / account policies in SP2? Or there is _absolutely_ no difference between SP1 and SP2 here?
A: From the AD expert: I do not believe there are any changes with regards to this.
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Will this be available in 2003 R2 or any 2003 TS product, or is there some other module needed to which is difficult to find? Thanks.
A: Which feature are you refering to?
Corey [MS] (Expert):
Q: Are any update in Domain Security in SP2?
A: From the AD expert: No large scale changes but there were a few code fixes here and there.
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Does sp2 provides any WOW 64 improvements for XPx64?
A: No major changes in WOW64 other than servicing the existing WOW binaries and WOW based features.
Christian (Moderator):
Just a heads-up on time here, we're now about halfway through today's chat. Keep those questions coming. Thanks!
Corey [MS] (Expert):
Q: Windows Vista is implementing new group policy objects. Is the schema for maintaining Vista Clients includet in SP2?
A: From the AD expert: There are no schema changes in SP2 for support Vista. The only Schema changes are the same as were in R2.
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Network Level Authentication (introduced in RDC 6.0): ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY*** It is also mentioned in the Windows 2003 Server 'Help and Support'
A: What would you like to know?
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q: Network Level Authentication (introduced in RDC 6.0): ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY*** It is also mentioned in the Windows 2003 Server 'Help and Support' (keywords: Network Level Authenti
A: As far as I know, there is no such support. I will need to reconfirm with the IPSec and RIS teams though after this chat. We will get back to you if the answer is different. Sorry I dont have many details on this currently.
Corey [MS] (Expert):
Q: "but not change the design in fundamental ways, like we did for Vista."
But Vista today have too many problem with connection by local network. It working some correctly under Win2003 AD, but in workgroup is very big problem with horizontal connection/
A: Could you clarify what your question is?
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q: Regarding IPSEC features. Any new cool way to deal with installing clients with i.e. RIS in a domain isolated environment?
A: As far as I know, there is no such support. I will need to reconfirm with the IPSec and RIS teams though after this chat. We will get back to you if the answer is different. Sorry I dont have many details on this currently.
Jeff [MS] (Expert):
Q: Is there a target release date for SP2
A: SP2 is planned to release early in 2007
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q: Network Level Authentication (introduced in RDC 6.0): ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY*** It is also mentioned in the Windows 2003 Server 'Help and Support' (keywords: Network Level Authenti
A: Sorry, posted wrong answer earlier to this one. Thinking about too many answers :)
Trine [MS] (Expert):
Q: On ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY*** The upgrade table lists the supported update paths to Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 Windows Server 2003 SP1 is listed as Not Supported but an upgraded Windows Server 2003 RTM t
A: Can you clarify the question, please.
Chris [MS] (Expert):
Q: ok i had my server crashed and had to do a reinstall. when i did the reinstalled i was not able to install from cd as of right now i have now working copy of the bata how do i go about downloading it agin. sorry if dose belong here.
A: You should be able to get the latest bits from MS Connect.
Corey [MS] (Expert):
Q: Are there any new or updated WMI classes in SP2?
A: From our WMI expert: We don't know of any specific ones from the WMI team and it is unlikely other components have published any WMI classes.
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q: Will there be any updates regarding the Vista web enrollment problems towards 2003 Certificate services webpages?
A: I am not sure which problems you are specifically talking about. However, we did take a change in Sp2 to support the scenario of Vista clients doing web enrollment against Sp2 machines
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Is there a list of the Code fixes we can look @? "Are any update in Domain Security in SP2- No large scale changes but there were a few code fixes here and there."
A: You can find the list of hotfixes that will be carried by SP2 under KB914962. Unfortunately we do not have a compiled list on SP class fixes that we can currently provide.
Chris [MS] (Expert):
Q: May I know answer about non guniue copies of Windows Server 2003, Will SP2 detect it?
A: Yes, SP2 will detect pirated copies.
Sarah - MS (Expert):
Q: Are there any way to use the Scheduler 2.0 on SP2?
A: It should work fine - are you having issues with it? If so, please file a feedback report on Connect so we can investigate. Thanks
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: The latest list of hotfixes in SP2 included 911030, which is related to clusters. There has since been another hotfix (923424) that fixes a problem induced by 911030. Is there a plan to include the later hotfix, or stay with the first one?
A: Both of the fixes will be in SP2 RTM.
Trine [MS] (Expert):
Q: though not necessarily related, I am confused by the way Microsoft is marketing and selling Windows 2003 server. 2003 R2 contains additional features that are not included in SP2, but 2003 license holders cannot upgrade to R2, even with SA?
A: Please would you send mail to me and I'll look into this. *****@microsoft.com
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q:
Network Level Authentication (introduced in RDP 6.0): ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***
It is mentioned in the Windows 2003 Server 'Help and Support' (keywords: Network Level Authentication).
Will this be available in 2003 R2, SP2, or any 2003 TS product, or is there some other module needed to implement this which is difficult to find? Thanks.
A: Hi, I am currently looking into the answer for your question. Sorry i am not familiar with NLA that much, hence i am trying to find someone who can help answer the question and give me more relevant data
Christian (Moderator):
Another heads-up on time everyone - we have 15 minutes left.
Jeff [MS] (Expert):
Q: hope this is not out off scope
A: Is this in response to another question?
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Windows Server 2003 SP1 is listed as Not Supported but an upgraded Windows Server 2003 RTM that was upgraded using Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1 Standalone Update to Windows Server 2003 SP1 is supported upgrade to SP2 is this a misprint?
A: I am not sure I understood where you are refering to but let me try to answer: Upgrade from RTM and SP1 to SP2 is supported. Upgrade from R2 to SP2 is also supported. Does this answer your question? From RTM to Sp1 upgrade is also supported by SP1 Standalone Update.
Trine [MS] (Expert):
Q: But I've shown that hackers could replace a file in i386 folder before setup and hence the 180 days timer will be disabled and the copy will become original as Microsoft delivers a unique product key for setup and activation, I hope SP2 to detect this one!
A: Thanks, I'll look into this issue with the piracy team.
Chris [MS] (Expert):
Q: What's features will SP2 provide for Web hosts based on Windows Server 2003?
A: There are no new features specific to web servers. SP2 is a conventional SP unlike SP1 release, which contained many new features. You can see our Technet site, http://www.microsoft.com/technet/windowsserver/sp2.mspx
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: Another Question: Since I upgraded my hardware to 64-bit, how is the transition from the 32-bit versio to 64-bit?
A: There is no direct migration from 32-bit to 64-bit. You will need to clean install the OS.
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: What is the last security bulliten that will be included with SP2?
A: The last one that is released before SP2. :)
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q:
Network Level Authentication (introduced in RDP 6.0): ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***
It is mentioned in the Windows 2003 Server 'Help and Support' (keywords: Network Level Authentication).
Will this be available in 2003 R2, SP2, or any 2003 TS product, or is there some other module needed to implement this which is difficult to find? Thanks.
A: Hi. Sorry I am unable to find an answer to your question as I am unable to locate someone from the RDP team to help answer this with certainty. We will answer this question post the chat session when we post the transcript of the chat.
Kamil [MS]
(Expert):
Q: Are there any WOW 64 improvements for XPx64?
A: We have not taken any major changes for WOW64 mechanism other than taking fixes to service WOW64 binaries.
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Q: In the list of changes is listed, that you made 'Performance Improvements for SQL Servers'. Can you give us some details what is changed and in which scenarios we'll take note of it?
A: The fix helps those SQL workloads that show a high kernel time and atleast some of it is due to network traffic. The optimization fixes a bug within the sockets API where winsock would signal an internal event even if SQL didn't provide it one and nobody was waiting on that. Signalling that event would cause a dispatch event that required holding the system wide dispatch lock. This lead to unnecessary spinlocks and excessive kernel time.
Christian (Moderator):
Okay, we have a few minutes left for today's chat. If you have any last minute questions, please submit them asap. The Experts will answer as many questions as they can in the time remaining. Thanks!
Chris [MS] (Expert):
Q: Will we find Windows Live OneCare to support Windows Server 2003?
A: Currently, Windows Live OneCare can be installed only on PCs running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 (SP2). It is a client-based service only. See ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***.
VikasR[MS] (Expert):
Q: Isn't there a way of "exporting all of my settings" that could be assinilated into the 64-bit version? If not...please put this on my "FEATURE REQUEST" section!
A: There are a lot of settings in Windows. I am not sure which ones you are referring to. However, there is no easy way to export "all" your customizations in one shot today.
Sarah - MS (Expert):
Q: As I understand, WDS uses WinPE. For WinPE to run on some configurations, it needs to be customized (additional drivers/sacsvr for headless systems)? Wat version WinPE? Where do I get it? Can it use the same drivers as WinPE 2005?
A: WDS functionality can be divided into two main areas, Legacy RIS functionality and new WDS functionality. Both areas are available on Server 2003 SP2 and, based on the configuration mode of the server, both may be active at the same time.
Via legacy RIS functionality (aka OSChooser) you can deploy Windows PE 2005. Nothing changes here from RIS.
Via the new WDS functionality you can deploy Windows Vista Windows PE (aka Windows PE 2.0). This image can come in one of two forms.
1. The image found in the file boot.wim on the Windows Vista DVD. This image contains the setup binaries and the WDS Client application.
2. A custom Windows PE image. This image is created using the toolset as found in the Windows Automated Installation Kit (WAIK). This is a free download and already available - ***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***
In either case, tools within the Windows AIK will help you add drivers and customize your image. See the documentation in the Windows AIK for more details.
Christian (Moderator):
Well that wraps it up for today's chat. Thanks to everyone for participating, and also thanks to the Experts for being here to answer everyone's questions.
Christian (Moderator):
We will be posting the transcript from today's chat here in the next few days: <***LINKS REMOVED FOR PRIVACY***>
Jeff [MS] (Expert):
Q: Thank you team!
A: Thanks all for participating
Sam White [MS] (Moderator):
Thanks for coming out today.
Kamil [MS] (Expert):
Thanks everyone for joining us today! Please keep pounding RC and let us know what you think about the product! Cheers!
Christian (Moderator):
If you posted a question that didn't get answered then you can find the answer in the transcript.
Christian (Moderator):
Have a great day everyone!