In an ironic twist worthy of a sitcom, Microsoft has once again stepped into the spotlight regarding its flagging Exchange Server update saga. The tech giant recently resumed the rollout of a security update for Exchange Server that had been halted earlier due to reports of broken transport rules, effectively disrupting email flow for numerous users. It seems that keeping the wheels of communication turning has proven to be a bit more challenging than expected for the Exchange team.
What makes this situation even more amusing is that, while Exchange Online users remained relatively unscathed, those running hybrid or fully on-premises versions of Exchange Server felt the brunt of the fallout. Some users found that their Data Loss Prevention (DLP) rules stopped functioning altogether. Picture system admins frantically restarting services every half hour in a desperate attempt to restore normalcy. As one user cheekily pointed out on Reddit, “I can get rid of my scheduled task which is restarting the transport services every 30 minutes,” to which Microsoft’s own Scott Schnoll replied, “Yes, but you shouldn't have been doing that in the first place.” Ouch!
For users who had installed the original SUv1 without issues, Microsoft has recommended that they also install the replacement version. But those who utilized Windows Update to install the original will receive the new SUv2 automatically. Interestingly, Microsoft has decided to delay the automatic release of the SUv2 until December, ensuring that servers do not risk being automatically updated over the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday—a strategic decision that undoubtedly saved a few turkey dinners.
With Exchange’s vital role as a communication backbone for many businesses, a disruption like this can have real-world consequences—lost sales, miscommunications, and a significant impact on productivity. The question that lingers is: What steps will Microsoft take to ensure that future updates roll out smoothly without putting users at risk? After all, if first impressions count, then ensuring a smooth email experience should be at the top of the priority list.
For those in charge of on-premises systems, now is the time to assess and prepare for the new SUv2. Be proactive: keep informed about updates, read community feedback, and always have a rollback plan. After all, in the world of IT, it’s better to be safe than sorry—and perhaps a bit less like the Exchange team right now.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s hope the next rollout of patches will go off without a hitch!
Source: The Register Microsoft patches the patch that broke Exchange Server
The Background Story: A Buggy Rollout
Originally released in November 2024, the Security Update (SU) was intended to fix critical vulnerabilities within the Exchange Server. However, shortly thereafter, users reported that the update had inadvertently shattered transport rules—essentially the guidelines that govern the flow of emails—leading to chaos in communication. Imagine trying to send an important email only to find that it vanished into the digital ether—frustrating, to say the least!What makes this situation even more amusing is that, while Exchange Online users remained relatively unscathed, those running hybrid or fully on-premises versions of Exchange Server felt the brunt of the fallout. Some users found that their Data Loss Prevention (DLP) rules stopped functioning altogether. Picture system admins frantically restarting services every half hour in a desperate attempt to restore normalcy. As one user cheekily pointed out on Reddit, “I can get rid of my scheduled task which is restarting the transport services every 30 minutes,” to which Microsoft’s own Scott Schnoll replied, “Yes, but you shouldn't have been doing that in the first place.” Ouch!
The Exciting New Version: SUv2
Fast forward to the resumption of the update rollout. Microsoft did not provide precise details on the specific fixes included in the re-released update, dubbed the November 2024 SUv2, but indicated that it addresses the prior issues. One can only assume that extensive debugging and perhaps a few late-night brainstorming sessions led to this latest iteration.For users who had installed the original SUv1 without issues, Microsoft has recommended that they also install the replacement version. But those who utilized Windows Update to install the original will receive the new SUv2 automatically. Interestingly, Microsoft has decided to delay the automatic release of the SUv2 until December, ensuring that servers do not risk being automatically updated over the U.S. Thanksgiving holiday—a strategic decision that undoubtedly saved a few turkey dinners.
The Implications of a Tough Lesson Learned
This saga poses an important takeaway for all Windows and server users: even the most massive tech firms can face hiccups with updates, especially when they rush to address security flaws. The implications stretch beyond simply fixing bugs; they underscore the necessity for rigorous testing protocols before updates are unleashed to the unsuspecting user base.With Exchange’s vital role as a communication backbone for many businesses, a disruption like this can have real-world consequences—lost sales, miscommunications, and a significant impact on productivity. The question that lingers is: What steps will Microsoft take to ensure that future updates roll out smoothly without putting users at risk? After all, if first impressions count, then ensuring a smooth email experience should be at the top of the priority list.
Conclusion: A Call for Vigilance
Despite the chuckles that may arise from this farcical episode, users should remain vigilant. Keeping systems updated is crucial, but it’s equally important to monitor the impact of those updates. Whether it’s a security patch or a major system upgrade, thorough testing, communication, and support can mean the difference between a seamless process and a troubleshooting headache.For those in charge of on-premises systems, now is the time to assess and prepare for the new SUv2. Be proactive: keep informed about updates, read community feedback, and always have a rollback plan. After all, in the world of IT, it’s better to be safe than sorry—and perhaps a bit less like the Exchange team right now.
Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s hope the next rollout of patches will go off without a hitch!
Source: The Register Microsoft patches the patch that broke Exchange Server