In the latest round of updates I had issues with getting KB948109 to install. It would run then fail with an error only SQL experts might be able to figure out:

Event Log Error: Product: Microsoft SQL Server 2005 Express Edition - Update
'GDR 3068 for SQL Server Database Services 2005 ENU (KB948109)' could not be
installed. Error code 1603. Additional information is available in the log
file C:\Program Files\Microsoft SQL Server\90\Setup
Bootstrap\LOG\Hotfix\SQL9_Hotfix_KB948109_sqlrun_sql.msp.log.

Of course the log itself was as cryptic so figuring out the problem was not going to be easy. I found that making two changes finally allowed this update to install correctly and the answer could be either of my "fixes" so either try them together or one at a time.

First off I had a HPWebJet Admin SQL instance which I had set to disabled as I don't use the tool except once every 2-3 months. I turned it from Disabled to Enabled in Services:

Then I also applied HotFix 951217, Cumulative update package 8 for SQL Server 2005 Service Pack 2. This actually appeared to fail to install but after a reboot I was able to finally apply KB948109 and so far it's not been offered up again.

Well no sooner do I suggest AIT screwed up their DNS with a Redhat update and I see they have had their domain hijacked and pointed elsewhere:

Your WHOIS Search Result:

aitcom.net

The Data in THE NAMEIT CORPORATION WHOIS database is provided by THE NAMEIT CORPORATION for information purposes, and to assist persons in obtaining information about or related to a domain name registration record. THE NAMEIT CORPORATION does not guarantee its accuracy. By submitting a WHOIS query, you agree that you will use this Data only for lawful purposes and that, under no circumstances will you use this Data to: (1) allow, enable, or otherwise support the transmission of mass unsolicited, commercial advertising or solicitations via e-mail (spam); or (2) enable high volume, automated, electronic processes that apply to THE NAMEIT CORPORATION (or its systems). THE NAMEIT CORPORATION reserves the right to modify these terms at any time. By submitting this query, you agree to abide by this policy. Domain Name: aitcom.net Registrar: THE NAME IT CORPORATION DBA NAMESERVICES.NET Registrant Contact Name: AIT Hostmaster Address: 421 Maiden Lane Fayetteville, NC 28301 US Email Address: hostmaster@aitcom.net

But pulling up the site itself what do we get, certainly not AIT:

I posted a few days back on several technical list asking if anyone hosted on AIT was having issues. As a follow up on that I thought I would give you my 2 cents on what happened and the end results in case anybody ever thinks of hosting with AIT. As background for the non-techie AIT is a Domain and Web Hosting Provider where you setup your website and email. They typically only sell through resellers so you may pay HostSource for your website but they in turn buy or rent services from AIT and there is nothing keeping the average user from becoming a "reseller" even if it's just for their own website.

Sometime Friday or Saturday AIT started doing some updates. They admit they did updates although they won’t say what.

AIT System Status Page: Announcements

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT:  AIT is currently undergoing an upgrade to most fully managed shared and dedicated web hosting systems.  The upgrade is being scheduled and operated to be non-service affecting.  The upgrade includes new IBM and EMC equipment.  During the upgrade, there could be times of increased latency.  While we anticipate this latency being minor, we want to inform our customers to be aware of potential changes to their service.  If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 1-877-209-5184.

AIT runs Redhat and Redhat released an update to Bind which reset all DNS servers to caching only thus screwing anyone who runs their own internal DNS servers, AIT or any hosting provider please raise your hands. Come Saturday to Tuesday sites started reporting missing websites and emails. Checks of email showed email was being delivered but was never making it into the POP boxes. The problem mirrors exactly the type of errors one would expect if AIT did install the Redhat update and did not catch the DNS reset. After upwards of 5 days AIT appears to have got a handle on this and email is flowing, websites are back HOWEVER any email sent during the down period has been lost, not bounced but it’s gone and AIT says cannot be retrieved! That’s up to 5 days of emails!!!

http://it.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/07/18/1210257&from=rss

"Red Hat's response to update bind through RHN, patching the DNS hole, made a fatal error which will revert all name servers to caching only servers. This meant that anyone running their own DNS service promptly lost all of their DNS records for which they were acting as primary or secondary name servers.

If you would like to get AIT's take on what really happened email their CEO. If you get a response that explains what they did any better than what I think they did please comment back. (If your looking for a replacement provider please let me know.)

With a generous layover in Houston I had time to wander around and in my walkabout I stumbled across an area with several people all working in their notebooks. As Houston does not have free wifi but rather Boingo I wondered why everyone was sitting in one spot. Well grabbing a seat and having over an hour to kill I pulled out my Tablet and there it was, free wifi. Seems the Continental Presidents Club was broadcasting just a bit to far and I had great access from the area highlighted in the map below.

Give it a try if you get stuck in Houston sometime, there are also some power outlets nearby as well: