Windows Server 2008 servers will no longer boot if prerequisites aren’t installed before applying the out-of-band KB4539602 update released by Microsoft on February 7 to patch a wallpaper bug. After being deployed on machines running Windows Server 2008 or Windows Server 2008 R2, the boot file will be deleted and the servers will no longer boot according to user reports, with dozens of servers being unable to boot as a result.
What Should You Do?
If you are having this issue, you must first fully deploy the latest SHA-2 enablement packages released by Microsoft. These include:
- Servicing stack update (SSU) (KB4490628) that is dated March 12, 2019 or a later SSU update installed. For more information about the latest SSU updates, see ADV990001 | Latest Servicing Stack Updates.
- SHA-2 update (KB4474419) that is dated September 23, 2019 or a later SHA-2 update installed and then restart your device before you apply this update. If you use Windows Update, the latest SHA-2 update will be offered to you automatically. For more information about SHA-2 updates, see 2019 SHA-2 Code Signing Support requirement for Windows and WSUS.
BMT Managed Service clients will have this issue resolved. If not a client, you can learn more about this update here: https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/microsoft/windows-server-2008-servers-don-t-boot-after-kb4539602-update/ or contact us for assistance.
