IBM Support

Support statement for base Microsoft Windows 2003 install without SP1 - Servers

Troubleshooting


Problem

Running the base installation of Windows 2003 may result in unpredictable behavior.

Resolving The Problem

Source

RETAIN tip: H186891

Symptom

Running the base installation of Microsoft Windows 2003 may result in unpredictable behavior.

Affected configurations

The system may be any of the following IBM servers:

  • IBM System x3800, Type 8865, any model
  • IBM System x3850, Type 8863, any model
  • IBM System x3950, Type 8872, any model
  • IBM System x3950 E, Type 8874, any model
  • IBM eServer xSeries 260, Type 8865, any model
  • IBM eServer xSeries 366, Type 8863, any model
  • IBM eServer xSeries 460, Type 8872, any model
  • IBM eServer xSeries MXE 460, Type 8874, any model

The system is configured with at least one of the following:

  • Microsoft Windows 2003 Server, any model
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 x64 Edition, any model
  • Microsoft Windows 2003 Server EE x64, any model
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Datacenter Edition, any model
Solution

Installing Microsoft Service Pack 1 or later is strongly recommended.

Workaround

System firmware was last tested with Microsoft Windows 2003 Service Pack 1. The tested operating system version are publicly available on IBM's ServerProven web site. If the customer chooses not to apply SP1, it will not invalidate the warranty or negate support but it will put the customer in a best effort support condition. IBM will support servers on a best effort basis that contain downlevel microcode or network operating system.

Best effort means that when problem determination implicates that the issue is likely caused by known problems within applied code levels or a combination of downlevel and up-level code which have not been tested by IBM, then IBM's resolution is to install updates to reach a tested condition as part of problem resolution. Naturally IBM encourages customers to use tested configurations whenever possible. IBM Customer Support has worked with customers that have run without SP1 with no apparent problems.

Please engage your IBM Customer Support Manager to review your Customer Support Plan so you can fully utilize IBM's robust Service & Support programs. The plan gives details on IBM's change management program and recommended support practices.

Additional information

IBM strongly recommends a customer has a program of change management to update servers to current microcode levels. This program will provide our customers the best assurance of compatibility with new options or network operating system upgrades. In addition these updates often provide feature enhancements that improves the customer's investment in IBM Products. IBM provides periodic UpdateXpress CDs and free software to push updates to IBM Servers over the customer's network. IBM also provides registration for email notification so the customer knows when updates are released. These programs facilitate the change management for customers so they receive the best return on their investment in IBM equipment.

Document Location

Worldwide

Operating System

System x:Windows Server 2003

Older System x:Windows Server 2003

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Document Information

Modified date:
29 January 2019

UID

ibm1MIGR-64754

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