Do you wait before applying Service Packs or upgrades?

Figure 1 - Even though managers and users might be pressing you to install a Service Pack - tell them to hold their horses!

After the 4 week period has expired perform the following tasks before installing the Service Pack:

• Do an search for any trending problem when updating to the new Service Pack
• Check for any known issues in the Microsoft KB with the Service Pack
• Read installation documentation
• Backup your system, or if you are using Hyper-V, take a snapshot
• Reboot before you are about to install a Service Pack

Following this rule should prevent disaster in the event that a Service Pack is troublesome.