Installing Critical updates on Terminal Server in install mode fails

[Goon]

I have been trying to udate one of my terminal servers
with SP4 and the security patches. I put the machine in
install mode then hit windows update. Once I try to
install service pack 4 the machine prompts me "this update
can only be done in install mode". The problem I have is
the machine is in install mode. At that point it will not
let me hit ok but rather cancel. I have searched all over
for similer problems. No luck. Please help. Thanks Goon.

 

[lee]

I have seen the same error when trying to install a couple
of things. To get around it, I copied the installation
file to the hard drive then used Add/Remove Programs. You
will need to browse to the location of the file from
within Add/Remove Programs. It should work this way. Be
aware though that there have been many problems reported
with SP4 on Terminal Servers. There are some hotfixes
available. Do a search on this forum for SP4 and you will
find some of them.

 

[Vera Noest [MVP]]

The solution that Lee gives works, but the recommendation from the
TS FAQ at
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserver2003/community/centers/termi
nal/terminal_faq.asp
might be easier:

Q. When I attempt to update terminal services using Windows
update, I receive an error stating that I should be in Install
mode. How do I go begin install mode to install the updates
available on the Web?

A. You must use the command prompt to activate install mode. At
the prompt, type "change user /install" (without the quotes),
perform the upgrade. When the upgrade is complete, type "change
user /execute".

 

[lee]

That certainly is easier, however, since the original post
stated that the server was in "install mode" when the
install was attempted, I assumed that the user had already
tried the change user /install command. I guess I should
know better than to assume anything.

 

[Darren]

Have you tried downloading the network install of sp4 and
installing it locally that way? Thats how I did all of my
win2k servers. Much better that way because you can shut
down all of your services and get a clean install.

Darren