Installing Microsoft Service Packs

[Pete Q]

Is there some reason that your anti-virus controls should
be disbled when installing Mircosoft Service Packs?

I had heard that having virus controls enabled while
downloading the service packs may cause a problem.

Does anyone have more information on this?

I was surprised by this as I would then I would never
want to disable my anti-virus controls, even when
downloading a Microsoft service pack.

Any additional information would be appreciated.

 

[Jupiter Jones [MVP]]

Pete;
Anti virus as well as any other unnecessary applications should be
disabled while installing any application and especially Windows
Service Pack and patches.
You should already be getting them from a known secure source so there
is nothing to be gained with AV active.
Some antivirus components are known to cause issues as well as false
alarms with a download.
The result is sometimes a corrupted download that may cause other
problems.

 

[Roger Abell]

Anti-virus software does some things at a fairly low level
particularly with the filesystem. This fact, and its habit of
(slowing everything and) interrupting what it believes to be
suspect can disrupt/corrupt/ruin the patching that service
application is performing.
The traditional results have been worse than failed application
of the service, including systems that fail to boot.
MS fairly recently began a new effort with new programmatic
interfaces working with AV vendors to resolve the inherent
conflicts that can arise from their products. Until this effort
reaches a fruitful stage, following the advise of disabling AV
during application of service is the safe path.