server automatically reboots after windows updates

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server automatically reboots after windows updates

JD1018

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Points: 839
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June 23, 2015 at 7:03 am

#319389

Hi there,
The database server is rebooting at various times automatically after a windows update. Our admin people are telling me this is ok and that sql is doing a clean shut down. We used to have a maintenance window were all the servers where restarted monthly but that seemed to have changed. I can't see this as being a good idea, is this ok?
Thank you!
-Karen

Viewing 8 posts - 1 through 7 (of 7 total)

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Jack Corbett SSC Guru Points: 184394 More actions · Answer 1

I wouldn't say it is a good thing. SQL Server is probably doing a clean shut down, but if the reboot is happening when users are trying to work they are probably getting errors they don't expect. Also, if your apps aren't written to handle disconnection gracefully who knows what the applications are doing when the reboots occur. I know I have a third-party application I support that has services that connect to the database and they do not handle a disconnection gracefully and processes that are supposed to run automatically don't if we don't shut down the service before SQL Server is shut down.

Jack Corbett
Consultant - Straight Path Solutions
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Steve Jones - SSC Editor SSC Guru Points: 736212 More actions · Answer 2

If Windows sends a shutdown, SQL will usually perform a clean one. I haven't seen issues with Windows patches causing issues, but if you're worried, check the error logs and verify a shutdown.

Definitely agree with Jack that you need to understand how clients handle this. Most are fine, but users sometimes get upset.

Joie Andrew One Orange Chip Points: 27360 More actions · Answer 3

Hi there,
The database server is rebooting at various times automatically after a windows update. Our admin people are telling me this is ok and that sql is doing a clean shut down. We used to have a maintenance window were all the servers where restarted monthly but that seemed to have changed. I can't see this as being a good idea, is this ok?

Seeing as the sysadmins are so nonchalantly saying this is okay it sounds to me less that the server is rebooting randomly and more like someone is applying patches outside of scheduled maintenance windows and telling Windows to restart when patching is finished.

Joie Andrew
"Since 1982"

Jeff Moden SSC Guru Points: 1004354 More actions · Answer 4

karend211 34657 (6/23/2015)
Hi there,
The database server is rebooting at various times automatically after a windows update. Our admin people are telling me this is ok and that sql is doing a clean shut down. We used to have a maintenance window were all the servers where restarted monthly but that seemed to have changed. I can't see this as being a good idea, is this ok?
Thank you!
-Karen

I don't see it as being a good idea if the windows updates aren't announced well ahead of time or don't occur during (as you said) a maintenance window. I have to tell you that if the "admin people" were to bounce a server in an unannounced fashion in the middle of some critical development or a batch job, I would introduce them to a new and hotter version of hell.

--Jeff Moden

RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.

Helpful Links:
How to post code problems
How to Post Performance Problems
Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

Steve Jones - SSC Editor SSC Guru Points: 736212 More actions · Answer 5

I'm torn here. Windows people need to ensure things are protected, and I'd appreciate them letting me know if things get booted, but if it doesn't affect me or the business, I don't complain too much. I might let them know there's a chance the db might get affected, and if so, they'd be responsible. CC a manager, and you might get more timely notifications.

Or at least it's off your plate to worry about.

Jeff Moden SSC Guru Points: 1004354 More actions · Answer 6

Steve Jones - SSC Editor (6/24/2015)
Or at least it's off your plate to worry about.

Heh... I'm a DBA... it doesn't matter what anyone else does, it's part of my job to protect both the data and the server even if people don't think so. 😉

While I do absolutely accidents do happen, if someone just flat-out violates the trust that I normally take great strides to establish in a bi-directional fashion in any company that I work for, a serious amount of time is spent in the proverbial woodshed introducing said person or persons to the physics involved in high velocity pork chops. 😉

--Jeff Moden

RBAR is pronounced "ree-bar" and is a "Modenism" for Row-By-Agonizing-Row.
First step towards the paradigm shift of writing Set Based code:
________Stop thinking about what you want to do to a ROW... think, instead, of what you want to do to a COLUMN.

Change is inevitable... Change for the better is not.

Helpful Links:
How to post code problems
How to Post Performance Problems
Create a Tally Function (fnTally)

Summer90 SSC-Dedicated Points: 32891 More actions · Answer 7

We have a formal change control process where ANYTHING that changes including windows patches or restarts HAVE to be approved by the application owner and a DBA if it is SQL Server.