What should an administrator do after applying a Service 2 patch if they realize that a Service 1.5 patch should have been applied first?

To address the situation of realizing that a Service 1.5 patch should have been applied before patching to Service 2, it is essential to revert back to the previous stable state, which is Service 1. By doing so, the administrator ensures that the system is in a known, functional configuration before applying the necessary updates.

Taking a snapshot before applying the Service 1.5 patch serves as a safeguard. In the event that the patch does not work as intended or if there are any unforeseen issues, the administrator can quickly revert to the state captured in the snapshot. This provides a layer of protection and allows for a smooth update process.

Applying the Service 1.5 patch after reverting ensures compliance with the intended patching sequence, which is crucial for maintaining system stability and adhering to best practices in patch management. Correctly applying patches in the right order helps prevent conflicts and issues that could arise from skipping versions or applying them out of sequence. Proper sequencing also ensures that any dependencies or requirements tied to a patch version are adequately met.