How to Fix Unable to Install SharePoint Server 2013 Service Packs
Question details
The user is unable to install specific Service Packs for SharePoint Server 2013 due to a detection error during setup.
- Product
- SharePoint Server 2013
- Device & OS
- not provided
- Scenario
- Installing cumulative updates and Service Packs (KB2880552 and KB5002302) on a local SharePoint Server deployment.
- Observed behavior
- The installation process fails and displays the message 'An error occurred while running detection.'
Ensure you have administrative access to the Windows Server hosting SharePoint and locate your installation logs in the %temp% directory before proceeding.
Escalate to the Dedicated SharePoint Server Forum
Since this error involves on-premises SharePoint Server infrastructure rather than SharePoint Online, the most effective solution is to consult Microsoft engineers in the dedicated forum.
General Microsoft community forums primarily support SharePoint Online. Complex server-side patching errors like 'An error occurred while running detection' require specialized infrastructure support.
Press Win + R, type '%temp%', and locate the SharePoint setup logs generated during the failed update attempt.
Write down the specific Service Pack or Cumulative Update numbers that failed, such as KB2880552 and KB5002302.
Navigate to the official Microsoft Learn Q&A platform and search for the 'Office SharePoint Server Development' tag.
Click 'Ask a question', describe your server environment, paste the exact detection error message, and upload your installation logs for the support team to analyze.
Verify Prerequisites and Run as Administrator
Ensure the server environment meets the baseline requirements for the specific KB updates.
Enhance Your Daily Workflow with WPS Office
While SharePoint Server manages your enterprise infrastructure, your day-to-day document tasks require a reliable and efficient office suite. WPS Office provides a lightweight, comprehensive, and free alternative to Microsoft Office, ensuring seamless document creation without heavy resource demands.
- 1. Download the installer: Visit the official WPS Office website and click the Free Download button.
- 2. Install the software: Run the downloaded executable file and follow the quick on-screen setup instructions.
- 3. Start creating: Open WPS Office and easily manage Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and PDF files all within a single application window.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'An error occurred while running detection' mean during a SharePoint update?
This error typically indicates that the update package cannot verify the currently installed version of SharePoint on your server, or it cannot confirm that the necessary prerequisites for the patch are met.
Where can I find SharePoint 2013 update installation logs?
Installation logs for SharePoint updates are generally saved in the %temp% folder of the user account executing the installer. Look for files with an .log extension generated at the time of the update failure.
Is SharePoint Server 2013 still officially supported?
SharePoint Server 2013 reached the end of its extended support on April 11, 2023. Microsoft no longer provides regular security updates, bug fixes, or technical support for this version.
