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| One of the key strategies for the maintenance of networked servers is to ensure that the system is properly updated with software updates from the server vendor. This is especially important for software updates that address security issues. HP ProLiant Storage Servers and HP StorageWorks All-in-One Storage Systems are no exception. To ensure that the file and print serving functions of these products are not compromised or interfered with, customers need a strategy for patching these products on a timely basis.
HP ProLiant Storage Servers, HP StorageWorks All-in-One Storage System and most legacy HP StorageWorks NAS servers are based on the Microsoft Windows Server 2003 operating system (the specific OEM version is titled "Windows Storage Server 2003" and “Windows Unified Data Storage Server 2003”). Therefore, customers of these products are directed to use Windows Server 2003 software updates to patch their systems.
Some legacy HP StorageWorks NAS servers are based on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. Customers of these products are directed to use Windows 2000 Server software updates to patch their systems.
The following information outlines the strategies and recommended practices for applying Microsoft software updates, specifically security patches, service packs and hot fixes to HP ProLiant Storage Servers and HP StorageWorks All-in-One Storage System products.
Note: This statement also applies to all legacy HP StorageWorks NAS products. Unless otherwise noted, this includes all products based on the Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2003 and the Microsoft Windows 2000 Server SAK. Wherever HP ProLiant Storage Server and HP StorageWorks All-in-One Storage System products are referenced, HP StorageWorks NAS products are implied as well. |
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A variety of mechanisms are available to the server administrator to install high priority updates from Microsoft. Some of the most popular mechanisms are Microsoft tools such as Windows Update or Microsoft Update, Windows Server Update Services (WSUS) and Microsoft Baseline Security Analyzer. Refer to the following link for more information about updating Microsoft Windows Storage Server 2003:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsserversystem/wss2003/techinfo/plandeploy/patchmgmt.mspx
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Security patches |
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| Software updates that address security issues in an operating system are by far the most important type of software patch for networked servers. When security flaws are discovered within an operating system, worms and viruses that exploit those flaws are not far behind. Therefore, security related software updates are normally very sensitive to timing. Microsoft specifically distinguishes Critical Security Patches from all other types of software updates and publishes them on a monthly basis to make it easier for customers to keep their systems secure.
Recommendation: Customers of HP ProLiant Storage Servers are encouraged to apply Microsoft “High Priority” updates as they become available.
HP supports all security patches to legacy HP StorageWorks NAS servers based on Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. Continue using the guidelines specified in the “Installation Instructions” and “Notes” sections of the “HP StorageWorks NAS - Microsoft Service Packs and Security Bulletins” posting at the following website:
http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?objectID=c00047273&locale=en_US
Note: After 1/1/2008, the information contained on the above and following website will no longer be updated for HP ProLiant Storage Server products: http://h20000.www2.hp.com/bizsupport/TechSupport/Document.jsp?locale=en_US&taskId=125&prodSeriesId=306532&prodTypeId=12169&objectID=c00056831 |
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Not all Microsoft software updates are recommended by HP to be installed on ProLiant Storage Servers. Following is a list of the type of updates available from Microsoft and HP's recommended process regarding them. |
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| Update Type |
Description |
Automatically Selected for Installation? |
HP Recommendation |
| High Priority |
Software changes to address deficiencies in the security of the system |
YES |
Install as soon as they become available * |
| Software, Optional |
Minor defect fixes and enhancements to existing features |
NO |
Do NOT install ** |
| Hardware, Optional |
Minor defect fixes and enhancements to existing features of low level device drivers |
NO |
Do NOT install **
(HP print driver updates exception)
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| * Please consult HP for guidance before installing any Service Packs to ensure that they are tested and compatible with your specific configuration. For more information or to locate your local HP Service and Support contact information, please go to http://www.hp.com/support.
** Non-Critical and Driver Updates are usually rolled into Service Packs. Unless a customer is experiencing specific problems that need immediate attention, these updates should not be installed individually. Instead, the customer is advised to wait for a comprehensive Service Pack to obtain these updates.
Important: Occasionally, Microsoft software updates are found to have adverse reactions to elements of HP ProLiant Storage Server, or associated software components that may be installed on the server. In such cases, the anomaly will be reported through a Customer Advisory from HP. Customer Advisories appear in the troubleshooting page of a given product. To find the troubleshooting page, navigate as follows:
- Launch hp.com from a browser (http://www.hp.com/).
- Select the Support & Troublehooting link.
- Select See support and troubleshooting information, and enter the product name (such as ProLiant DL 380 Storage Server, or StorageWorks NAS 9000s).
- When the support page for the product appears, select the Troubleshoot a problem link.
- The troubleshooting page appears. Customer Advisories appear under "useful documents."
Customers can also subscribe to receive notifications of new advisories, thus keeping abreast of new guidance as it becomes available. Customers can subscribe to advisories at the following website:
http://www.hp.com/united-states/subscribe/gateway/?jumpid=go/subscribe-gate1
Note: Some legacy HP ProLiant Storage Server products were shipped with the Windows Update and Automatic Update features disabled. This configuration was a feature of a legacy security patch process that has since been retired. HP recommends re-enabling Windows Update and Automatic Update on the ProLiant Storage Server.
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To ensure that the file and print serving functions of networked servers are not compromised or interfered with, customers need to have a strategy for patching these products on a timely basis. This paper outlined the strategies and best practices for applying Microsoft software updates, specifically security patches, service packs and hot fixes to HP ProLiant Storage Servers and HP StorageWorks All-in-One Storage System products.
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