In recent times, many system administrators have encountered issues with kb5028980 not applicable on 2012, a security update that is crucial for addressing various vulnerabilities. However, some users running Windows Server 2012 have reported that this update either fails to install or shows up as “not applicable.” This article is designed to guide you through potential causes and solutions to fix this issue, ensuring your system remains protected and up-to-date.
Understanding KB5028980 and Its Importance
Before delving into why kb5028980 not applicable on 2012 may not be applicable on Windows Server 2012, it’s essential to understand what this update entails. This security patch is part of Microsoft’s regular patch cycle, aimed at addressing vulnerabilities in the system kernel, fixing bugs, and improving overall system performance. Installing such patches is crucial to:
- Mitigate security risks like malware, ransomware, and unauthorized access.
- Improve system performance by fixing known bugs.
- Ensure compliance with organizational security policies and standards.
While updates generally install smoothly on most systems, Windows Server 2012 has unique configurations that may cause compatibility issues, especially with certain newer patches like KB5028980.
Possible Reasons Why KB5028980 Is Not Applicable on Windows Server 2012
There are several factors that might prevent kb5028980 not applicable on 2012 from being applicable to Windows Server 2012. Here are the most common ones:
1. Incorrect OS Version
One of the main reasons the update might show as “not applicable” is if you’re not running the correct version of Windows Server 2012. It’s essential to confirm whether your system is running Windows Server 2012 or Windows Server 2012 R2, as updates are often version-specific.
- Solution: Check your OS version by opening the Command Prompt and typing
winver. This will show the exact version and build number of your OS. Make sure kb5028980 not applicable on 2012 is meant for your specific build.
2. Missing Previous Updates
Another reason KB5028980 might not install is if your system is missing prior updates. Many patches are cumulative, meaning they rely on previous updates to be installed first.
- Solution: Verify whether you’ve installed previous security updates and cumulative patches leading up to KB5028980. You can do this by navigating to Control Panel > Windows Update > View Update History. Install any missing prerequisite updates before attempting to apply KB5028980.
3. Incompatibility with Custom Configurations
Organizations often implement custom configurations on their servers, such as group policies, custom firewalls, or third-party security tools. These configurations can interfere with Windows updates and cause them to be marked as “not applicable.”
- Solution: Temporarily disable custom group policies or firewall rules that might be blocking the update. If you are using third-party security software, check its settings to ensure it isn’t conflicting with the update process.
4. Corrupted System Files
Corrupted system files can lead to issues with installing updates, especially major security patches like kb5028980 not applicable on 2012 not applicable on 2012. This may occur due to incomplete installations of previous updates or from malware infections.
- Solution: Run System File Checker (SFC) and DISM (Deployment Image Servicing and Management) tools to repair any corrupted files. Here’s how:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Type
sfc /scannowand press Enter. Let the scan complete. - Next, run
DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealthto ensure your system image is not corrupted.
Once these tools complete their tasks, restart your server and attempt the installation again.
Workarounds for Installing KB5028980 on Windows Server 2012
If the standard troubleshooting methods don’t work, you can try the following workarounds to get KB5028980 installed on Windows Server 2012:
1. Manual Installation from the Microsoft Update Catalog
Sometimes, automatic updates fail to detect patches correctly. In these cases, downloading the update manually from the Microsoft Update Catalog may solve the issue.
- Solution: Visit the Microsoft Update Catalog and search for kb5028980 not applicable on 2012. Download the appropriate version for Windows Server 2012, and run the installer manually. Follow the on-screen prompts and restart your server after installation.
2. Use Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA)
Another method to install the update is through the Windows Update Standalone Installer (WUSA), which can bypass certain system restrictions that might be causing the failure.
- Solution: After downloading the update from the Microsoft Update Catalog, open Command Prompt as an administrator. Use the following command to install the update manually:bashCopy code
wusa.exe C:\path_to_update\update_file_name.msu /quiet /norestart
Replace C:\path_to_update\update_file_name.msu with the correct path where the update file is saved. This will install the update in the background without prompting for user interaction.
3. Reset Windows Update Components
In some cases, resetting the Windows Update components can resolve the issue. This involves clearing the SoftwareDistribution folder and resetting update-related services.
- Solution: Follow these steps:
- Open Command Prompt as an administrator.
- Stop the Windows Update services by running these commands:arduinoCopy code
net stop wuauserv net stop cryptSvc net stop bits net stop msiserver - Next, delete the SoftwareDistribution folder by running:mathematicaCopy code
ren C:\Windows\SoftwareDistribution SoftwareDistribution.old - Restart the Windows Update services:sqlCopy code
net start wuauserv net start cryptSvc net start bits net start msiserver
Preventing Future Update Issues on Windows Server 2012
Once you’ve successfully installed kb5028980 not applicable on 2012, it’s essential to take steps to prevent similar issues in the future. Regular maintenance and proactive measures will ensure that your system remains secure and up-to-date.
1. Regularly Check for Updates
Ensure that your server is regularly checking for updates and installing them in a timely manner. Set up automatic updates if your organizational policies allow it, or schedule regular manual checks to avoid missing critical patches like KB5028980.
2. Keep System Drivers and Software Up-to-Date
Outdated drivers and third-party software can cause conflicts with Windows updates. Regularly updating your drivers, BIOS, and other software components ensures compatibility with the latest security patches.
3. Monitor System Health
Use monitoring tools to track system performance and detect any anomalies early on. Keeping an eye on system health will allow you to address issues before they become major problems, such as corrupted system files or misconfigurations that might block updates.
Conclusion
The kb5028980 not applicable on 2012 issue on Windows Server 2012 can arise from various factors, including incorrect OS versions, missing prerequisite updates, custom configurations, or corrupted system files. By following the troubleshooting steps and workarounds outlined in this article, you should be able to resolve the problem and ensure your system stays protected with the latest security updates.
