How does the windows patch scanner work

[MGM]

Say I have a Windows 2003 server all patched. Then it crashes and we have do
a repair on the server using original meda. Is the windows "patch manager"
smart enough to analyize all the files to figure out what needs to be
updated? Or does it just read some earlier created DB and assume all is well.

 

[Roger Abell [MVP]]

"MGM" <MGM@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:41E054AA-6589-4F76-B097-D29D12568A1F@microsoft.com...
> Say I have a Windows 2003 server all patched. Then it crashes and we have
> do
> a repair on the server using original meda. Is the windows "patch manager"
> smart enough to analyize all the files to figure out what needs to be
> updated?

yes

> Or does it just read some earlier created DB and assume all is well.

no

If you were to look into the wsus cab file that is downloaded when
patch state is analyzed you will see the specific items that must be
satisfied for each patch in order for it to be considered applied.
If a patch is indicated as applicable to the Windows version and
installed products and the machine does not meet the criteria that
are indicated then the patch is considered to be needed.