SP2010: Service pack and Cumulative update install procedure.

Hi, 

Here is how it should be done according to me...

Assuming Service Pack 1 has not been installe

• Install Foundation SP1
• Install Server SP1 
• Install Project SP1

The update packages has changed(on August 2011) and after that you don't need to install the foundation update and then Server. You only have to install Server SP1 if you are running server and same for project server but must of the people seems to still do Foundation, then Server...i Play it safe with this.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/sharepoint/ff800847.aspx

Then you need to choose the CU you want to install.

There was some issues on SP1 so you have to go at least to June 2011 CU.

Some people like to stick to this update but this is your call.

When the choice is mine i go to Dec 2012 CU.

You don't have to install all the CU's prior to the one you are installing. Each CU contains the previous CU's after the latest service packs 

You can download the CU you want and apply it.

So continuing from above:

• Install Foundation December 2012 CU (Version you are happy with)(After August 2011 not needed)
•  Install Server December 2012 CU (Version you are happy with)
• Run the Configuration wizard
• Prob not needed but restart your server
• Run (get-spserver $env:computername).NeedsUpgrade
• If True is returned above goto next step.
• Run from bin dir as administrator: PSConfig.exe -cmd upgrade -inplace b2b -force -cmd applicationcontent -install -cmd installfeatures

And this should be it.

You don’t have to run the wizard between setups.

You will have to decide what CU is going to work for you.

You only need to install the CU that you want to use. No need to install all the CU’s before it. They are included in the CU you choose.

If you have web apps i think there are some more steps...Double check this.

More then one WFE & App Server:

Wizard also needs to be run on each Server one by one. Run it on App server first and then repeat on each WFE.