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sjhudson's avatar
sjhudson
Brass Contributor
May 15, 2020
Solved

Is it possible to install an Exchange CU using remote desktop via VPN?

Hi There, Like most people I am working from home at the moment. I need to install Exchange 2016 CU16 on our Exchange 2016 CU15 server. Is it possible to do this remotely using RDP via VPN? The CU1...
2016
Exchange Server
  • HidMov's avatar
    HidMov
    May 15, 2020

    Hi sjhudson 

     

    Yes, it is possible. Provided you sign in with an account that has the correct permissions, it will install. It won't mind if the user is on console or RDP.

     

    That said, there is an inherent risk having the RDP connection knocked out and not establishing meaning you are locked out of the server. If there is a blue screen or issues with the NIC's config during installation and it stops the computer responding to RDP, then you may not be able to reach the server. I always do remote installs where I know and test access to the server via Hyper V/vSphere or iDrac/iLO so if there is a problem I don't have to physically be on site to fi it.

HidMov's avatar
HidMov
Iron Contributor
May 15, 2020

Hi sjhudson 

 

Yes, it is possible. Provided you sign in with an account that has the correct permissions, it will install. It won't mind if the user is on console or RDP.

 

That said, there is an inherent risk having the RDP connection knocked out and not establishing meaning you are locked out of the server. If there is a blue screen or issues with the NIC's config during installation and it stops the computer responding to RDP, then you may not be able to reach the server. I always do remote installs where I know and test access to the server via Hyper V/vSphere or iDrac/iLO so if there is a problem I don't have to physically be on site to fi it.

  • SamErde's avatar
    SamErde
    Iron Contributor
    May 15, 2020
    To reinforce HidMov's answer: I have done almost all of my Exchange 2010 and 2016 CUs remotely using a VPN connection. If your servers are virtualized, you can use the hypervisor's console instead of RDP, which gives you extra flexibility and visibility if any issues do occur. Good luck!

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