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Microsoft Issues Warnings About Windows Management Framework 3.0
Microsoft warned late last week that Windows Management Framework 3.0 doesn't play well yet with some versions of Exchange and Windows Small Business Server.
Installing this framework is the main way to get the PowerShell 3.0, which is the scripting language touted by Microsoft as an optimal means for automating IT processes. The framework supports enhanced management functions when used with Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 or Windows Server 2008 SP2.
Windows Management Framework 3.0, which was released in September, is now showing up in Microsoft's software distribution services. It's available through Windows Server Update Services, Microsoft Update and System Center Configuration Manager. The update can cause some problems right now, though.
For instance, Microsoft is saying that Windows Management Framework 3.0 isn't supported on any version of Exchange except Exchange 2013. According to an Exchange team blog post, the framework should not be used at all with Exchange 2007 or Exchange 2010 at this time. If installed with those versions of Exchange, rollups may fail to install subsequently or there may be a problem with running the Exchange management shell. Removing the framework update will fix those problems, according to the blog post.
Similarly, Microsoft is advising against installing this framework update with Windows Small Business Server 2008 Standard or Windows Small Business Server 2011 Standard, according to a server and management blog post. If Windows Management Framework 3.0 gets installed with those servers, it may cause problems, such as an inability to run the Exchange or the SharePoint management shells properly. Moreover, some wizards won't work properly.
For those organizations that have already installed this framework update with those Windows Small Business Server editions, Microsoft just recommends uninstalling the framework to restore functionality.
The framework is released according to two Knowledge Base article numbers. KB2506143 pertains to Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1, while KB2506146 applies to Windows Server 2008 SP2.
About the Author
Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.