SQL Server 2008, Cumulative Updates and... Slipstream
I've posted some time ago about Slipstream of Service Packs on SQL Server 2005 - which was and is still not available - so basically with 2005 it is not possible to have the Update/SP and the RTM included together in a single package.
This was a feature which most administrators were looking forward to as it allows to save time and complexity during installs.
Now question is - what about SQL server 2008?
Answer is unfortunately the same - no slipstream I'm afraid - BUT (underlined J) it is possible to fix your SQL Server 2008 setup before you actually... run the setup itself.
As you all know, it is possible to fall into errors from the very beginning, at setup time - you know, when it is one of these lucky days...
SQL server 2008 allows you to take immediately advantage of fixed setup fixes, and you should always consider to use this new ability as it can save you a lot of time, effort and... headaches!
For detailed information - have a look to this article from Bob Ward:
How to fix your SQL Server 2008 Setup before you run setup
Also - when patching your SQL Server - consider first having a look to this very interesting article:
Welcome to SQL Server 2008 Patching
https://blogs.msdn.com/psssql/archive/2008/09/26/welcome-to-sql-server-2008-patching.aspx
- Beatrice Nicolini -