SQL Server 2016 SP2: Critical Update KB4564903 Addresses Key Issues

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Microsoft has released a critical update, KB4564903, for SQL Server 2016 Service Pack 2 (SP2). This update is designed to address several key issues and enhance the stability and performance of SQL Server 2016 SP2 instances. It is highly recommended that users running SQL Server 2016 SP2 apply this update to ensure their systems are running optimally and securely. This article will delve into the specifics of this critical update, outlining the improvements and fixes it delivers to users.

Key Improvements and Fixes in KB4564903¶

This cumulative update focuses on resolving specific issues reported by users and identified through internal testing. The update includes enhancements to the SQL Engine and updates to components related to R integration within SQL Server. Two notable areas of improvement are related to the Query Store functionality and the R Services setup process. Understanding these improvements is crucial for administrators and database professionals to effectively manage and maintain their SQL Server 2016 SP2 environments.

Enhanced Query Store Management¶

One of the significant improvements introduced in KB4564903 is an enhancement to the Query Store functionality. Query Store is a valuable feature in SQL Server that provides insights into query performance over time, enabling administrators to identify and address query performance regressions. However, in certain scenarios, there might be a need to immediately turn off the Query Store.

Prior to this update, turning off Query Store might have involved a more gradual process. KB4564903 introduces a new option, FORCED, within the ALTER DATABASE command, allowing for the immediate deactivation of the Query Store. This new capability provides administrators with greater control and responsiveness when managing the Query Store in their SQL Server databases.

The FORCED option, when specified in the ALTER DATABASE command, ensures that the Query Store is turned off immediately by aborting any background tasks associated with it. This is particularly useful in situations where immediate deactivation is required, such as during troubleshooting or maintenance operations. The syntax for using this new option is as follows:

ALTER DATABASE {YourDatabaseName} SET QUERY_STORE = OFF (FORCED)

Note: Replace {YourDatabaseName} with the actual name of your database.

This enhancement provides a more forceful and immediate method to disable the Query Store, which can be beneficial in various administrative scenarios. Database administrators now have a more efficient way to manage the Query Store lifecycle as needed.

R Services Update and Improvements¶

Another key area addressed by KB4564903 is the update to R Services within SQL Server 2016 SP2. R Services allows users to execute R scripts within the SQL Server environment, enabling advanced analytics and machine learning capabilities directly within the database. This update focuses on improving the setup and configuration process for R Services, ensuring a smoother and more reliable experience.

The update includes an upgrade to RSetup.exe to version 9.4.7.515. This updated setup executable is responsible for installing and configuring the necessary components for R Services. The new version of RSetup.exe downloads updated CAB files: SRS_9.4.7.958_1033.cab and SRO_3.5.2.777_1033.cab. These CAB files contain the necessary installation packages for R Services.

This update includes the installation of a new version of R, specifically R 3.5. Furthermore, the setup process is configured to make R 3.5 the default version for new installations of R Services. This ensures that users benefit from the latest features and improvements available in R 3.5.

In conjunction with the updated CAB files, KB4564903 also includes an updated RegisterRext.exe. This executable is used for registering and configuring R extensions within SQL Server. The updated RegisterRext.exe now accepts two new command-line options: /configure and /cleanup.

• /configure: This option allows administrators to configure R 3.5 as the default version of R for SQL Server R Services. This is useful for ensuring consistency and leveraging the features of R 3.5 across the SQL Server environment.
• /cleanup: This option enables administrators to clean up unused old R runtimes from existing installations. Over time, older versions of R might accumulate on the server. This cleanup option helps to remove these unused runtimes, freeing up disk space and simplifying the environment.

To utilize these new options and manage the R Services configuration effectively, Microsoft provides detailed instructions at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?linkid=2133077. Following these instructions ensures proper configuration and cleanup of R Services components.

These updates to R Services streamline the installation and configuration process, making it easier for users to leverage the powerful analytical capabilities of R within SQL Server 2016 SP2. By updating to the latest versions of R components and providing enhanced configuration options, Microsoft is ensuring a more robust and user-friendly experience for those utilizing R Services.

Importance of Applying KB4564903¶

Applying critical updates like KB4564903 is essential for maintaining a healthy and secure SQL Server environment. These updates often contain not only bug fixes and performance improvements but also security patches that address potential vulnerabilities. By staying up-to-date with the latest updates, organizations can mitigate risks and ensure the reliable operation of their database systems.

For users of SQL Server 2016 SP2, KB4564903 is a recommended update that addresses specific issues and enhances functionality in key areas like Query Store management and R Services integration. The improvements in Query Store control provide administrators with more flexibility and responsiveness, while the R Services updates ensure a smoother and more reliable experience for users leveraging R-based analytics within SQL Server.

In conclusion, SQL Server 2016 SP2 Critical Update KB4564903 is an important release that brings valuable improvements and fixes to the platform. Database administrators and professionals are encouraged to review the details of this update and apply it to their SQL Server 2016 SP2 environments to benefit from the enhanced stability, performance, and manageability it offers. Keeping your SQL Server instances updated is a crucial aspect of maintaining a secure, efficient, and reliable database infrastructure.

We encourage you to share your experiences with this update or ask any questions you may have in the comments below!