Version

Argent Advanced Technology 5.1A-2004-A

Date

Tuesday, 30 June 2020

Summary

When upgrading Argent AT server to version 5.1A-2004-A, Windows server might restart without prompt while installing VC++ Runtime 2015-2019 Redistributables

Sometimes, the reboot can happen twice, one for 32-bit runtimes, and one for 64-bit runtimes

This Microsoft issue has been addressed in Argent AT 5.1A-2007-A (C2)

Technical Background

Argent AT is compiled with VC++ 2015 Update 2, which requires VC++ Runtime 14.0.24215

Microsoft decided that all VC++ versions after VC++ 2015 share the same VC++ Runtime

The latest version is 14.26.28720

When newer VC++ Runtime is installed, the old version (provided it is VC++ 2015 or later) is replaced

This is completely different from earlier versions of VC++ such as VC++ 2005, 2008, 2012, etc

That’s why multiple VC++ Runtime earlier than 2015 can be installed side by side, while only one copy later than and including 2015 can be installed

Argent AT server generally is a dedicated server

In the most common scenario where different versions of VC++ Runtime have been installed is that user has installed SQL Server Management Studio

Recent versions install VC++ 2015-2019 Runtimes

Argent AT setup program used to detect only installation of specific versions of VC++ Runtime

When a newer version of VC++ Runtime is installed, if user tries to upgrade Argent AT, setup program will try to install bundled VC++ Runtime 14.25.28508.3, which is included in Argent AT 5.1A-2004-A and later

Unfortunately, the installation might cause server to reboot without prompt

Because there are both x86 and x64 VC++ Runtimes to install, server can reboot twice

Argent AT 5.1-2007-A has been enhanced to solve this Microsoft problem

The setup program now scans all the installed VC++ Runtime versions instead of specific ones

Because Argent AT server must have at least VC++ Runtime 14.0.24215 installed, Argent AT server won’t need to install new VC++ Runtimes

As a result, Argent AT server should not reboot when being upgraded to 5.1A-2007-A or later

Resolution

Upgrade to Argent Advanced Technology 5.1A-2007-A or above