Can a large CBS log interfere with installing windows updates ?

Question

Hello all,

First time poster, long time Stalker ...

I have a question for the more experienced sysadms out there ..

To give some background...a client I manage is patching its servers through the Patch Management module of a particular system called "Qualys".
Recently a particular patch job failed and after i investigated some of the logs of that system / software , i came to realize the problem is with the OS not that particular piece of software.

When attempting to install the patches, most of the time the installer would just freeze up and nothing would happen (always gave any attempt a good 20min waiting).

I wanted to have a look at the CBS logs to see if i can spot anything out of place. Alas the file itself is a whooping 38 gigs in size.
After more research on why that particular thing is happening and how to deal with it (and i did find answers and resolution)... a question crossed my mind...

As the CBS log file is supposed to store info on the installed components through an Windows Update ..

Is it possible that at the time of the patch installation, the install itself fails because it cannot access / write properly to that gigantic CBS log file ?

Sorry if its a dumb que : junior guy here @_@

Answer 1

Simplest solution is to stop the Windows Modules Installer (TrustedInstaller) service and delete the \cbs.log Then a new file will automatically be created.

--please don't forget to upvote and Accept as answer if the reply is helpful--

Answer 2

To add to DSPatrick's answer, that mean too that the server got a problem in is update routine. Please check inside the log to see if an error happen.

Such error happened to me as the Windows Updates failed to install an update and was tring to undo/redo the job, thus filling the log enormously.

You will surelly have to clean the Software Distribution folder and make sure the server update correctly. (as if hes stuck on undo in example, you can be stuck in a reboot)

Answer 3

A text file should not be able to interfere with Windows updates.

However nearly anything can happen.

The CBS.log file can be renamed in case you want to perform detailed troubleshooting.

A copy and paste of the last few days can be performed.

This few day file can be zipped and moved to another computer for troubleshooting.

Alternatively the CBS.log can be deleted.

Then new sfc /scannow, dism/ online /cleanup-image/restorehealth, Windows updates, etc. can run again to view a new CBS.log file.

Either the CBS.log rename or deletion alone can confirm whether a text file can interfere with Windows updates.

If other steps are performed simultaneously then it could be less confirmatory should an update be successful.

There are other methods to perform Windows updates.

If the upgrade assistant was used another method is an in place upgrade repair with the latest Windows iso..

The in place upgrade repair may provide more granularity if there is a failure to upgrade.

.
.
.
.
.

Please remember to vote and to mark the replies as answers if they help.

On the bottom of each post there is:

Propose as answer = answered the question

On the left side of each post there is /\ with a number: click = a helpful post
.
.
.
.
.