First published on CloudBlogs on May 19, 2015
We have received a few questions on
System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP2 and System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1...
and want to provide some clarification around these recent releases. Many of the questions stem from changes we have made to our engineering processes; with these service packs we have merged the code bases behind System Center 2012 Configuration Manager and System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager to achieve greater efficiency and product quality. There are still
distinct features
in the R2 product, but the common core is 2012.
Here are answers to some of the most common questions that we’ve seen:
-
What are the different files associated with this release?
-
SC2012_SP2_Configmgr_SCEP.exe
– This is the service pack bundle for
both
2012 and 2012 R2; it contains enhancements applicable to both products. You can use this to install a new 2012 SP2 site, upgrade an existing 2012 SP1 or 2012 R2 site, or install an evaluation install of 2012 SP2.
-
SC2012_R2_SP1_Configmgr.exe
– This bundle enables R2 features. It is for new installations, and only upgrades sites that run System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP2 to R2 SP1.
-
I currently have version
x
, or am planning a new hierarchy. How do I get to System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP2, or System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1?
-
How should I prepare for this upgrade?
-
The service packs are available on the Microsoft Evaluation Center, MSDN, and coming soon to the Volume Licensing Service Center (on 27
th
May) – which download should I use?
-
You can download these files from the most convenient location. If you are using the files on the Microsoft Evaluation Center, you can transition from the product evaluation to the full version of the product by using your existing product key.
-
Are the files on the Microsoft Evaluation Center suitable for use in production?
-
Yes. You can transition from a product evaluation to a full version of the product by using Site Maintenance and entering your existing product key.
-
How do I confirm that my upgrade was successful, and to the right product?
-
Following a successful installation there are messages that confirm the version displayed onscreen.
-
-
In addition, the Help-> About page in the Configuration Manager console will reflect the appropriate version.
-
Do I need a specific Cumulative Update (CU) as a prerequisite for upgrading to System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP2 or System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1?
-
There is no CU requirement before you upgrade. However, there is one specific issue involving installations that have over 10,000 deployments that can result in replication issues after upgrading. This issue is documented in the
release notes
and for R2 customers can be prevented by installing Cumulative Update 5 before upgrading.
-
Which version of the Windows ADK should I use with System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP2 or System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1?
-
System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP2 and System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1 use the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit 8.1. This version is required beginning with R2. If your sites currently run System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP1, before you run Setup, on the site server and on each computer that runs an instance of the SMS Provider you must uninstall the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit 8.0, and then download and install Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit 8.1.
-
For more information see
Prerequisites For Deploying Operating Systems in Configuration Manager
.
-
You can find the latest version of
the Windows Assessment and Deployment Kit 8.1
on the Microsoft Download Center.
-
If I need to recover a System Center 2012 Configuration Manager SP2 or System Center 2012 R2 Configuration Manager SP1 site, which of the two service pack files should I use?
-
Use the core service pack bundle - SC2012_SP2_Configmgr_SCEP.exe
As always, we appreciate your feedback.
The System Center Configuration Manager team
Configuration Manager Resources
This posting is provided "AS IS" with no warranties and confers no rights.