On August 14th, we announced the removal of the MS13-061 Security Update for Exchange Server 2013 due to an issue where the patch changed settings for the search infrastructure, placing the content index for all databases into a failed state. As of today, we have released updated security updates for both Exchange 2013 RTM CU1 and Exchange 2013 RTM CU2.
Download links for MS13-061:
As always, we recommend you test updates in a lab environment that closely mirrors your production environment prior to deploying in your production environment.
Questions & Answers
Q: What was changed in these patches?
A: The registry settings for the search infrastructure outlined in KB 2879739 are preserved during patch installation.
Q: Was this patch tested in your on-premises environment prior to release?
A: Yes, we tested this in our Exchange Dogfood environment prior to release and validated that the search settings were retained upon installation.
Q: What happens if I uninstall the security update (or any other interim update I receive from Microsoft for Exchange 2013)?
A: You will need to follow the steps identified in KB 2879739, otherwise your search infrastructure will be broken.
Q: Wait, I thought you fixed that issue; why do I have to follow KB 2879739 if I uninstall?
A: This has to do with the way the search infrastructure is installed during the Cumulative Update. Unfortunately, this issue cannot be corrected via a patch file; we have to address it in a cumulative update. We are planning to address this in CU3.
Q: If I uninstall a patch and then install a new patch, do I still have to follow the steps in KB 2879739?
A: Yes.
Q: Will I need to follow KB 2879739 every time I install a patch?
A: No; the installation of a new patch without uninstalling the previous patch will not introduce this behavior.
Ross Smith IV
Principal Program Manager
Exchange Customer Experience
