System Patching: Steps need to follow on SSAS Server before applying Windows Patches

 

Generally when we apply System Level patches we tend to reboot Machine / Server multiple times based on Patch requirement. In this blog I am trying to cover points we need to keep in mind while applying System Level Patches:

Reboot can cause SSAS Database Corruption (refer this link for more details), before applying a OS / System level  Patch or Rebooting Server on which SSAS Service is running (MOLAP / Tabular or Power Pivot Instance) refer steps as follow:

SQL Server Configuration Manager (Recommended)

1) Go to start and  Open SQL Server Configuration Manager (Run as Administrator)

2) Look for SQL Server Services and look for SQL Server Analysis Services on the right window

3) Right Click on SQL Server Analysis Services and Stop Service

4) Once the service is stopped successfully then apply Patch or Reboot Server and after reboot open SQL Server Configuration Manager to check if service came online (generally it does if Service is configured for Automatic start) if it doesn't come online then right click on SQL Server Analysis Services and start Service

Services.msc

If due to what so ever reasons you don't find SQL Server Configuration Manager or not able to open it due to any errors, in that case follow steps as follow:

1) Open Services.msc

2) Look for SQL Analysis Services, right click on service and stop services

4) Once the service is stopped successfully then apply Patch or Reboot Server and after reboot open Services.msc to check if service came online (generally it does if Service is configured for Automatic start) if it doesn't come online then right click on SQL Server Analysis Services and start Service

 

Note:

* You can follow these steps for all other SQL Services as well (Exception Clustered Services / Always On – follow SQL documentation for guidance)

*These steps can be followed for SSAS Service before applying any OS Patch or doing any Maintenance Task