WSUSScan.cab Release Info - Nov. 11, 2005

This is a general release information article relating to the availability of the WSUSScan.cab file, a subset of the Windows Update and Microsoft Update patch data that includes information about security updates, update rollups and service packs for Microsoft products. The WSUSScan.cab and its uses are described here:

https://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/library/en-us/wua_sdk/wua/using_wua_to_scan_for_updates_offline.asp

From a Systems Management Server, the data contained within the WSUSScan.cab is used by the SMS Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates in order to provide scanning and deployment information for the Software Update Management feature of SMS 2003 SP1. Typically patch data for Microsoft products is released the second Tuesday of the month at 10am. Once this content goes live, the WSUSScan.cab is generated. There is typically a delay in the delivery of this file due to the fact that it must be processed from live data and go through several steps before it can be posted to the Web. Typically these steps are:

  • CAB creation from live WU/MU content
  • General processing and evaluation of integrity of the file
  • Authenticode or Digital signing by a Microsoft certificate prior to public release

The above processes can take anywhere from 30-90 minutes.

For Tuesday, November 8, 2005, I will do my best to provide status on the CAB generation and availability for customers so that they can know when it is appropriate to synchronize or download the CAB for use in SMS. Please see below for latest status:

  • Pending release of live Microsoft Update content (scheduled for 10am)...
  • (10:00 AM PST) MU/WU content is live...WSUSScan.cab release is pending
  • (11:18 AM PST) WSUSScan.cab is still pending release, please stand by...
  • (11:29 AM PST) Catalog has made it through internal processes and should be released live shortly...
  • (12:18 PM PST) No word yet on the CAB although it has passed all internal reviews and should be posted any minute now...
  • (1:08 PM PST) Catalog release is live! CAB file digital signature time is November 08, 2005 10:31:03 AM...