to reboot or not reboot

[pdwight]

We have been having a discussion on whether MS recommends rebooting servers
(and, if so, how often). It is my contention that a well-configured server
does not need to be rebooted (not including installation of patches or other
software).
However, I would like the opinion, if you care to, of others on the list.
My apoligies if this questions has been asked and answered already.

 

[Pegasus \(MVP\)]

We have been having a discussion on whether MS recommends rebooting servers
(and, if so, how often). It is my contention that a well-configured server
does not need to be rebooted (not including installation of patches or other
software).
However, I would like the opinion, if you care to, of others on the list.
My apoligies if this questions has been asked and answered already.

A well-configured server does not need periodic rebooting.
However, if you have some application running on it that has
a memory leak then you may run out of memory after a given
period. Rebooting the server regularly would clear this
condition. If the application was well-written then this would
not be necessary . . .

 

[pdwight]

Thanks, my sentiments exactly. The I/S director is of the opinion that
servers should be rebooted irrespective of what's running on them.

 

[Scott Harding]

In theory you should never need to reboot a server. In reality with all the
patches/hotfixes etc. this is usually not the case. If something is causing
the system to slow or become unresponsive and a reboot fixes it than the
app/service is causing the issue.