Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates General FAQ

Q: Why is Microsoft releasing an update to ITMU?

A: This release is so that ITMU customers are able to utilize the new scan catalog format being released for Windows and Microsoft Update.

Q: Why is a new scan catalogue being released?

A: Because of the growth in the size of the catalogue and the size limitations of 64,000 archived files the catalogue is expected to be filled by March 2007. When the catalogue is filled customers will no longer receive the most recent security updates. To avoid this and to keep customers receiving the latest updates a new catalogue is being created.

Q: So why does ITMU require updating?

A: The existing version of ITMU leverages the current catalogue, file name Wsusscan.cab. The new version of ITMU will leverage the new catalogue, wsusscn2.cab. Wsusscn2.cab uses a different format than wsusscn.cab.

Q: Is this related to the recent potential performance fix outlined where an SMS 2003 client computer could stop responding when trying to perform a software update scan with ITMU on a computer that is running SMS 2003 with Service Pack 1?

A: No. The potential issue where an SMS 2003 client computer could stop responding when trying to perform a software update scan with ITMU had been previously resolved through modification of the catalogue and did not require an update to ITMU.

Q: Other than compatibility with the new catalogue are there any other improvements that will be included in the new version of ITMU?

A: Yes. ITMU will also contain several improvements related to scan duration. Microsoft anticipates approximately a 30% improvement in scan duration with the new version of ITMU.

Q: What is the release timeline for the new ITMU?

A: November 1, 2006 is the anticipated release date though the release date will coincide with the release date of the new catalogue, Wsusscn2.cab.

Q: What will need to be upgraded? The client or server component?

A: ITMU will need to be upgraded on the server. Clients will need to get an updated Windows Update Agent (WUA). During the installation of the updated ITMU, the client packaging for the updated WUA is created for customers to help streamline the process.

Q: Will the old catalog and previous versions of ITMU still work?

A: When the new file is released, the existing Windows Update offline scan file will continue to be updated whenever new security bulletins are released. However, older updates will be removed, over time, from each subsequently-published version of the Wsusscan.cab file. This will be done so that the file stays within the size limits. After March 2007 the existing scan file will no longer be maintained, and new updates can only be obtained from the new catalogue. The new version of ITMU will be the way that SMS customers take advantage of this new catalogue.

Q: How long do customers have to upgrade?

A: Microsoft encourages customers to upgrade to the new ITMU as soon as possible. However, after March 2007 customers could be at risk of not having the most recent security updates if they do not upgrade. Microsoft cannot guarantee the completeness of the old catalog due to the file limitations.

Q: What type of update information will be removed from the catalog and how do I find out what has been removed?

A: The following KB article is the definitive source for what is being removed on a monthly basis from the old wsusscan.cab: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/924513/

Q: If I have concerns, can I use the legacy software update scan tools that shipped with previous versions of SMS?

A: Although the legacy scan tools, like the Systems Management Server 2003 Service Pack 1 Scan Tools and the SMS Extended Security Update Inventory Tool, continue to be a functional set of software update scan tools, customers are encouraged to migrate to the most recent and up-to-date software update scan tool for SMS: ITMU. ITMU fully supports the wide range of Windows and Microsoft update service packs, update rollups and security updates for all languages of clients and servers. It is also the only software update scan tool that supports upcoming Microsoft products like IE7 and Vista. Going forward, ITMU is the software update scan tool of choice for Systems Management Server.

Q: How do I get the new ITMU when it is available?

A: It will be available at the Microsoft Connect site.