Exchange 2013 SP1 was released on 2-24-14 and promises to resolve the frustrating Windows XP compatibility issues that affected both Outlook and Public Folders for XP users on Exchange 2013 CU3.
I have installed Exchange 2013 SP1 on one major customer so far and have had no issues thus far. Exchange 2013 SP1 is a major update to Exchange 2013 and requires changes to AD and the AD Schema.
It took me approximately 3-4 hours to upgrade two Exchange 2013 Servers from CU3 to SP1. Plan your maintenance windows accordingly.
Exchange 2013 SP1 install/upgrade checklist:
- Download Exchange 2013 SP1 from Microsoft
- Prepare the AD Schema for Exchange 2013 SP1
- Upgrade Exchange 2013 to SP1
**Warning 3-21-14**: if you have third party software that integrates with the Exchange Transport Service (Spam Filter, Fax, etc) then SP1 may break the integration. You will need this post SP1 patch: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/2938053
**Update 6-2-14**: Exchange 2013 CU5 is now available and contains the Transport fix mentioned above.