[islanman]

Hi folks,

I've searched the forums on this issue, and have a few things that I'd like to clarify with the experienced folks.

We have BES 4.1.2 (Bundle 47) running with Exch2k3 SP1. Both servers are running Windows 2003 SP1. We want to upgrade to Exch2k3 SP2 and Win2k3 SP2 on both boxes. I also want to upgrade to BES 4.1.4, with the latest MR patch (MR 5?).

Is this the right order to proceed with our upgrade/patching?

0. Backup BES/Exch boxes, databases, configurations, etc
1. Install BES 4.1.4 patch on BES. Install Win2k3 SP2 on BES.
2. Install Exch2k3 SP2 on Exch2k3. Install Win2k3 SP2 on Exch.
3. Copy CDO.dll from Exch2k3 to BES, ensure proper perms, etc.
4. Install latest BES MR patch on BES.


Can anyone provide guidance/pitfalls/caveats to my approach???

Thanks in advance.

[rehilliard]

I'd install exch sp2 on bes to update any management files and then eyeball the cdo versions to see if they differ. I don't think exch sp2 updates cdo.dll...but it's been a whille.

[GrandsireTriples]

The serivce pack of Exchange 2003 SP2 will update the CDO.dll in the \exchsrvr\bin dir.

If the BES has a long history and dates back to when CDO.dll had to be installed in the \system32 dir (Exch 5.5 days but also BES 4.0.0 days) this will not be updated by Exchange SP2.

If your BES is on a recent build of software then you can delete the CDO.dll in \system32 and re-register CDO.dll in the \exchsrvr\bin dir with the usual >regsvr32 cdo.dll after that when security fixes and service packs are applied to MS Exchange then they will update CDO.dll

Also note that some of the BlackBerry service packs need your to reboot the BES a couple of times after the service pack just to get the mail flowing. Stopping and starting the services also works.

One further note on service packs always backup the database 1st. If you wreck the database then you are in big trouble.

[hdawg]

Originally Posted by islanman

Hi folks,

I've searched the forums on this issue, and have a few things that I'd like to clarify with the experienced folks.

We have BES 4.1.2 (Bundle 47) running with Exch2k3 SP1. Both servers are running Windows 2003 SP1. We want to upgrade to Exch2k3 SP2 and Win2k3 SP2 on both boxes. I also want to upgrade to BES 4.1.4, with the latest MR patch (MR 5?).

Is this the right order to proceed with our upgrade/patching?

0. Backup BES/Exch boxes, databases, configurations, etc
1. Install BES 4.1.4 patch on BES. Install Win2k3 SP2 on BES.
2. Install Exch2k3 SP2 on Exch2k3. Install Win2k3 SP2 on Exch.
3. Copy CDO.dll from Exch2k3 to BES, ensure proper perms, etc.
4. Install latest BES MR patch on BES.


Can anyone provide guidance/pitfalls/caveats to my approach???

Thanks in advance.

I would do this:

1) Backup
2) Upgrade to Exchange 2003 SP2 on both servers; and then apply all Exchange hotfixes. Then make sure the version of cdo.dll and mapi32.dll match
3) Make sure messages are flowing and calendar changes are syncing both ways
4) Apply SP4
5) Spot check to make sure everything is working
6) Apply MR5
7) more detailed spot check as you're done with your BES upgrades at this point
8) Install Windows Server 2003 SP2
9) Full functionality test

good luck

[islanman]

...to all for the advice.

I haven't gotten a chance to do the upgrade yet, but when I do, I'll post here with the update.