Issue
MEMCM was no longer downloading servicing updates. Service updates stuck in downloading state. Site server running on Windows Server 2012, MEMCM build was stuck at v2103..
Planning/Research
Upon investigating, it seemed likely the issue was related to the Windows Server version. Further, Windows Server 2012 needs to first be upgraded to Windows Server 2016. Note: WS 2012 R2 can be upgraded directly to WS 2019.
I’ll include links I found useful at the end of this post. I did note on most upgrade scenarios, a recommendation to remove WSUS from the server prior to the upgrade and keep the SUSDB database. No one is using WID, right? Check that you are on the latest supported SQL Server version for the server build.
Checklist
Prior to running any upgrade, my recommendation is to create a checklist. Here’s mine.
- Document file content locations for Content Library and WSUS updates.
- Verify backups of server VM, all DB’s
- Remove WSUS from server (may need a reboot)
- Run Windows Server 2016 setup, upgrade option, choose desktop experience and keep current settings/data
- Post Upgrade, run the post upgrade step > Roles and features, add WSUS
- Run MEMCM site reset
Difficulties/Solution
Post upgrade I had difficulties adding the WSUS role back. After a little trial and error, and one link I found (in resources), I needed to choose the option of adding the SUSDB. My concern at the time was it was going to over-write the SUSDB. Of course, I had a backup, but I didn’t want to restore this unless I had too. it turns out that this step did not over-write the database. Several services did not start and were set to manual startup mode (details in resources). Another issue I found was Server 2016 required a few additional features added for everything to install properly (link in resources).
One reboot later, the MEMCM console was properly functional, and the service updates showed that build v2111 and hotfix was ready to install. No more stuck on ‘downloading’ issues.
Ended up not needing a MEMCM site reset.
Resources
https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/windows-server/upgrade/upgrade-2012-to-2016
Steve Thompson [MVP] 