Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Added to Automatic Update

Service Pack 1 (SP1) for Windows 7 was released over two years ago.  Yet, there are many home computers that do not yet have it installed.

Windows 7 SP1 is a collection of security patches and non-security fixes, it also includes client-side support for RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory.  More importantly, Windows 7 computers without SP1 installed reach "end of support" on April 9, 2013.

Due to the importance of Windows 7 SP1, it is being added to Automatic Updates starting March 19, 2013.

How to Determine if You Need SP1

Many Security Garden readers are comfortable moving around their computer, but others are not as experienced.  For those readers who have no idea whether SP1 has been installed on their computer, here is how to find out.

1. Click Start and in the search box type winver
   
   
2. Double-click winver.exe in the Programs list in the search results.
3. About Windows will open.  Look for Service Pack 1 as highlighted in this image:
   
   

If you see Service Pack 1, you are all set. On the other hand, if SP1 is not installed, it is very important to get it installed.

Installing Windows 7 SP1

In addition to the information provided in the Microsoft help document Learn how to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1), linked below, note the following additional suggestions:

1. Make sure your computer is malware free.  Run an updated scan with your antivirus and anti-malware software program.
2. Back up important files to an external location (USB, CD, DVD, etc.)
3. Some security programs may interfere with the installation so it is suggested that you temporarily disable them.  Do not disable your Firewall.  If you are unsure how to disable your security software, see the instructions in How to disable your security applications  at the Tech Support Forum. 
4. If you are using a laptop, be sure to be plugged in to an electrical outlet rather than a wireless connection.

Problems Installing SP1 or other Windows Updates

In the event you have a problem installing the Service Pack, download and run the System Update Readiness Tool (SURT).  Have patience because the tool may take as long as an hour to run. 

Windows 7 32-bit (x86)		Download
Windows 7 64-bit (x64)		Download

Note:  To determine whether you have a 32-bit or 64-bit operating system do the following:

1. Click Start and type system in the search box.
2. Click system in the Programs list.
3. The operating system will be displayed as either a 32-bit Operating System or a 64-bit Operating System.

If, after running  SURT, you are still unable to install SP1, expert help is available at Sysnative.  Register for a free account and follow the instructions in the Windows Update Forum Posting Instructions topic.

References 

• Learn how to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)
• Windows 7 SP1 to start rolling out on Windows Update
• Windows 7 Support LifecCycle

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Resources

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 has been released to Windows Update!  Although Windows 7 SP1 does not include new features but rather is a collection of security patches and non-security fixes, it also includes client-side support for RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory.  RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory are two new virtualization features enabled in Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. 

Even if you have all offered security updates installed on your computer, you should still install the Service Pack.  The Service Pack will, at some point, be affected by the Microsoft Support Lifecycle for Windows 7 and future updates.  The additional changes in SP1 address minor usability issues as listed below:

Changes specific to Windows 7 include the following:

• Additional support for communication with third-party federation services 
• Improved HDMI audio device performance
• Corrected behavior when printing mixed-orientation XPS documents

Changes common to both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1:

• Change to behavior of “Restore previous folders at logon” functionality
• Enhanced support for additional identities in RRAS and IPsec
• Improved Support for Advanced Format (512e) Storage Devices

Additional details on the above changes are available in the the document "Notable Changes in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1.doc" available for download from Download details: Documentation for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (KB976932).

If you are now ready to install Windows 7 SP1, please take the following steps first:

1. Make sure your computer is malware free.  Run an updated scan with your antivirus and anti-malware software program.
2. Check Windows Update to ensure all Important updates have been installed.  Note that KB 976902, is a Pre-requisite for SP1: Description of the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 installation software feature update 
3. If you installed any of the pre-release versions of SP1, uninstall them before installing the final release version of SP1. 
4. Back up important files to an external location (USB, CD, DVD, etc.)
5. Some security programs may interfere with the installation.  Thus, it is suggested that you temporarily disable them.   If you are unsure how to disable your security software, see the instructions in How to disable your security applications  at the Tech Support Forum. 
6. If you are using a laptop, be sure to be plugged in to an electrical outlet.

Should you run into difficulties, the following documents and Knowledge Base articles have been published:

• Troubleshoot problems installing a service pack for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
• Error 0x800F0A12:  Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) installation error: 0x800F0A12
• Error 0x800f081f:  You receive exit code 0x800f081f when attempting to install SP1 for Win7/R2
• KB 2505743: Steps to follow before you install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 from the Microsoft Download Center 
• KB 2483139: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 language packs are available for computers that are running Windows 7 Ultimate Service Pack 1 or Windows 7 Enterprise Service Pack 1
• KB 2498452: You do not have the option of downloading Windows 7 SP1 when you use Windows Update to check for updates
• KB 2492938: Some programs have compatibility issues with Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2
• KB 2502370: "The following updates might need to be reinstalled" message when you try to install SP1 for Windows 7 or for Windows Server 2008 R2
• KB 2506014: Error when you install an update for Windows: "Error Code FFFFFFFE"
• KB 2510090: Installation of the Service Pack 1 update package for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 fails with "Service pack installation can't continue"

Additional information is available at these Microsoft sites:

• Windows 7 SP 1-- Microsoft Download Center
• Information about Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2
• System Readiness Tool (Can help fix problems that might prevent Windows updates and service packs from installing.)

Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Security, Information, Service Pack, SP1, Windows 7,

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Leaked "Official" Windows 7 Service Pack 1

It has been reported at several sites that the final Release to Manufacture (RTM) bits of both Windows 7 Service Pack 1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 are in the wild.  A popular support forum posted that they have the SP available for download, stating that they:

"can confirm, with accuracy, that this is the final, official, digitally signed version of Windows 7 Service Pack 1 which has been scheduled for imminent release to manufacturers (RTM), but has not yet appeared on Windows Update."

Whether due to the popularity of people anxious to be among the first to get the final SP release or other issues, the site appear has been having stability problems, with regular outages.  Even when the site has loaded the past couple of days, it has taken a long time and often only partially loads.

Edit Note:  I have just discovered that yet another popular site has the information posted.  This download link hosted on another P2P site.  My advice:  Don't do it!  Wait for the release by Microsoft to Windows Update.

Warnings:

• First and foremost, it is never recommended to download Microsoft software from any site other than directly from Microsoft.
  

• Second, the SP download being offered by the aforementioned site (no, I will not provide a link to the site) is being provided via uTorrent, a popular P2P (peer to peer) program. 
  
  With P2P file sharing, what means do you have of identifying or authenticating the source of the download? In addition, a file can be distributed among many hosts, and peers will provide for download the sections that they have already downloaded. This results in the distinct possibility of a distribution method in which malicious bits are mixed with with good files.

• Third, a Service Pack is essentially a collection of security and software fixes and enhancements for the operating system. Before a Service Pack is offered via Windows Update, your computer will be checked for missing prerequisites.  Installing the SP without the necessary prerequisites can result in a seriously damaged operating system, requiring a complete reinstall.

Why anyone would want to jeopardize the security and stability of their computer by installing software from an unauthorized source is beyond me.  A non-Microsoft site merely saying the download is "Digitally Signed by Microsoft Corporation" does not make it so nor does it mean the download is safe.

Be smart. Wait for the official release from Microsoft on Windows Update.


Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Security, Information, Service Pack, SP1, Windows 7,

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

End of Support: Vista SP1, XP SP2, Windows 2000

Windows Vista

Support for Windows Vista without any service packs installed ended on April 13, 2010. Even if you updated Windows Vista to SP1, it is time to install the SP2 update. Windows Vista SP2 includes support for new types of hardware and includes all of the updates that have been released since Windows Vista SP1. See How to Install Windows Vista SP2.

Windows XP

Support is ending for Windows XP SP2 and below on July 13th, 2010. There is, however, a solution for Windows XP users who are not in a position to upgrade to a new operating system. Windows XP SP3 includes all previously released updates and a small number of new updates. It won't significantly change the Windows XP experience. See How to Install Windows XP SP3.

Note:

There is no SP3 for the 64-bit version of Windows XP. If you are running the 64-bit version of Windows XP with SP2, you have the latest service pack and will continue to be eligible for support and receive updates until April 8, 2014.

Windows 2000

Support is also ending for Windows 2000 on July 13th, 2010. I seldom see many people in the forums with Windows 2000 installed on their computers. The few I see are on old computers that have been lovingly maintained by their owner. As they are painfully aware, end of support is rapidly approaching for all versions of Windows 2000. When their Windows 2000 computers are replaced, they are certainly going to have an adjustment to the newest Operating System!

Update: The following resource was recently published by Microsoft, Migrating User Files from Windows 2000 to Windows 7

, described as follows:

The Windows User State Migration Tool (USMT) version 4.0 does not support migrating user state from Windows 2000 to Windows 7—a challenge for organizations wanting to refresh many computers running Windows 2000 while moving users’ files. This white paper and its companion scripts help overcome this challenge by providing a solution that preserves users’ files during deployment.

Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Microsoft, Windows, Security, Updates, Vulnerabilities, Information, Service Pack,

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
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Windows Vista RTM Support Ended

Mainstream support for all copies of Windows Vista (Home Basic, Home Premium, Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate) ended on April 13, 2010, unless you have upgraded to Service Pack 1 or higher.

Following is a chart from the Microsoft Support Lifecycle website that helps explain what is lost when Mainstream support ends:

In order to access updates on Windows Update, it is important to update to Service Pack 1 (SP1) which extends Mainstream Support for Windows Vista to July, 2011. Following SP1 installation, upgrade to Service Pack 2 (SP2 requires SP1 installation first). SP2 support is currently supported until April 2012. After that date, Extended Support is only available to Windows Vista Business/Enterprise to 2017.

Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Security, Microsoft, Windows Vista, Support, Information, Updates

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Microsoft Office 2007 SP2

The Microsoft Office Sustained Engineering blog announced that distribution of Service Pack 2 (SP2) for the Microsoft Office 2007 system will begin via Automatic Update during the week of September 21, 2009.

A description of the Microsoft Office 2007 SP2 and Microsoft Office Language Pack 2007 SP2 is available in Knowledge Base Article 953195. For a list of all 2007 Office system SP 2 as well as Windows SharePoint Services 3.0 Service Pack 2 see Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 968170.

Additional information regarding the service pack is available in the Microsoft PressPass interview of Jane Liles, group program manager, Office Sustained Engineering: Office Service Pack 2 Q&A.

Download Link: The 2007 Microsoft Office Suite Service Pack 2 (SP2)




Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Beta

Mike Nash, Corporate VP, Windows Product Management, provided an update regarding Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) Beta in the Windows Vista Blog. Windows Vista SP2will be available for evaluation next Wednesday, October 29, by a small group of "Technology Adoption Program" customers.

Of interest to current and potential Windows Vista users is what is planned for inclusion in the service pack. The following information was provided:

"In addition to previously released updates since the launch of Windows Vista SP1, Windows Vista SP2 contains changes focused on supporting new types of hardware and adding support for several emerging standards:

• Windows Vista SP2 adds Windows Search 4.0 for faster and improved relevancy in searches.
• Windows Vista SP2 contains the Bluetooth 2.1 Feature Pack supporting the most recent specification for Bluetooth Technology.
• Ability to record data on to Blu-Ray media natively in Windows Vista.
• Adds Windows Connect Now (WCN) to simplify Wi-Fi Configuration.
• Windows Vista SP2 enables the exFAT file system to support UTC timestamps, which allows correct file synchronization across time zones."

The complete report is available at Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Beta. Additional information is available for IT Professionals in the Springboard Blog at First Look: Windows Vista Service Pack 2.

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

End of Support: Microsoft Office 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2)

According to the Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy, support has ended for Microsoft Office 2003 SP2. Security updates released after October 14th will support only Service Pack 3. If you use Office 2003, make sure you have updated to SP3.

As detailed in Microsoft Knowledge Base article 923618, Microsoft Office 2003 Service Pack 3 (SP3) included numerous significant new security updates. Office SP3 also includes updates previously released for Office 2003 and is an important update.

References:

• Microsoft Knowledge Base article 923618
• Microsoft Support Lifecycle Policy
• Office 2003 Service Pack 3 (SP3)
• Upcoming end of support for Microsoft Office 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2)

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Windows XP SP3 Hotfix

Early this month, I reported that Symantec had addressed the issues customers using Norton 2008 experienced when installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 or Windows Vista Service Pack 1.

Based on a post by dickw at LandzDown Forum, I learned that Microsoft has provided a hotfix for users who have installed Windows XP Service Pack 3 with an antivirus application still running during the installation, which could result in Device Manager not showing any devices and/or and Network Connections not showing any network connections.

The hotfix is available at Update for Windows XP (KB953979).

Before installing SP3, I recommend reviewing the following:

• Recommendations before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
• Windows XP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation

References:

• Update for Windows XP (KB953979 )
• Microsoft Knowledge Article KB 953979
• Microsoft repairs PCs crippled by XP SP3 update
  
  

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-030 Revised

For Windows XP SP2 and Windows XP SP3 only:

Microsoft identified quality issues with Microsoft Security Bulletin MS08-030, which was originally released June 10, 2008. The original version of MS08-030 did not effectively address the vulnerability MS08-030 was intended to address. The intended fix is in the Bluetooth stack in Windows that could allow remote code execution.

Microsoft has provided updated versions of the affected security updates and re-issued MS08-030. This is a critical update and it is recommended that it be re-applied as soon as possible.

Note: All other versions of the security update provide protection against the issues discussed in the security bulletin.

Refererences:

MSRC: MS08-030 Re-released for Windows XP SP2 and SP3
TechNet: MS08-030

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Norton 2008 Fix for XP SP3 and Windows Vista SP1

Symantec has addressed the issues customers using Norton 2008 have experienced when installing Windows XP Service Pack 3 or Windows Vista Service Pack 1. If you are using Norton 2008, please see FAQ: Upgrading to Windows XP Service Pack 3 or Windows Vista Service Pack 1 with your Norton 2008 product installed.

This solution will address one or more of the following issues::

• Windows Device Manager is empty
• Missing Wireless network adaptors or other hardware devices
• Unable to connect using a wireless adapter

If you have already installed XP SP3 or Vista SP1 Symantec has developed a tool to remove the registry entries that were added during the Windows XP Service Pack 3 or Windows Vista SP 1 upgrade.

For Norton 2008 subscribers who have not yet installed the service packs, install Symantec's LiveUpdate solution first. This prevents the issues from occurring. Ensure that you run LiveUpdate and restart your computer before installing the Service Pack.

See FAQ: Upgrading to Windows XP Service Pack 3 or Windows Vista Service Pack 1 with your Norton 2008 product installed.

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Windows XP SP3 Available on CD

After over eight years, I was finally able to obtain a reasonable broadband connection, leaving behind all those many years of dial-up. However, I know a lot of people still use dial-up to connect to the internet, some because it is the only means available and others based on financial considerations.

I know that downloading updates on dial-up can be painful at best. Fortunately, Windows XP users can now obtain Service Pack 3 on CD. I do not know the cost of the CD for other regions. For the United States, it appears to be $3.99 USD.

From TechNet:

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3)

Updated May 6, 2008

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) is now available for download and install via Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center. Windows XP SP3 includes all previously released updates for the operating system, in addition to a small number of new updates. Windows XP SP3 will not significantly change the Windows XP experience.

Installation media and documentation on disc for Windows XP SP3 may sometimes refer to Windows XP SP2. Windows XP SP2 installation guide instructions apply to Windows XP SP3.

Before installing SP3, I recommend reviewing the following:

• Recommendations before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3
• Windows XP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation

Order the Windows XP Service Pack 3 CD:
Asia | Europe and Africa | North America | South America

via Security Ticker

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

What's in Windows XP SP3?

What is in Windows XP Service Pack 3? Just take a look at Microsoft KB Article 946480, "List of fixes that are included in Windows XP Service Pack 3", published today. That is a some list.

Have you ever wondered why people who analyze HijackThis logs and propose fixes for malware removal at some time during the process also instruct the person receiving help to install the latest service pack? The reason is that, in addition to other patches and fixes, Service Packs include all of the security updates issued since either the time the software was released or last the Service Pack.

Our goal is not only to help get the infected computer clean but also provide suggestions to help the computer owner keep it that way. Having Service Packs installed is one step in that process.

List of Fixes in Windows XP Service Packs:

Windows XP Service Pack 3: Microsoft KB Article 946480
Windows XP Service Pack 2: Microsoft KB Article 811113
Windows XP Service Pack 1a: Microsoft KB Article 324720

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

XP SP3 Failure with Spyware Doctor 5.5 or earlier

It was reported in Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 951403 that "Spyware Doctor 5.5 or earlier versions of Spyware Doctor may cause Windows XP Service Pack 3 to stop responding when you try to install or to uninstall the service pack". Fortunately, the solution only requires disabling Spyware Doctor 5.5 (or earlier versions) during the install or uninstall process of Windows XP SP3.

Once again, the reminder to see the instructions at Recommendations before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3 before installing SP3 or, for that matter, making any major system change. Another good read is Harry Waldron's instructions in Windows XP SP3 - Read all prerequisites for a successful installation.

Considering the headaches with a damaged install, isn't it worth the extra time to prepare first?

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Windows XP SP3 and the Reboot Loop

Many people are aware of the issue with SP3 on OEM (original equipment manufacturer) machines with an AMD chip on an image that was originally Intel-based. The Microsoft Update Product Team blog describes the problem in More on Windows XP Service Pack 3...

"The problem is a registry value, present on images created w/ Intel processors, that causes a driver (intelppm.sys) to load at boot. When intelppm.sys attempts to load on an AMD-based system upon the install of SP3, it causes a blue screen and the continuous reboot."

Although the Update Product Team reports that a filter will be added to block SP3 from affected systems and are investigating a fix (See Edit Note below), Jesper has a complete explanation of the problem as well as a tool he has created to easily repair affected computers. You can find it at "Does your AMD-based computer boot after installing XP SP3?".

Please note that SP3 is not on Automatic Updates yet. It is, however, available from Windows Update. Also remember that Microsoft is providing free, unlimited installation and compatibility support for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) through April 14, 2009. Additional information is available at http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131


Edit Note 12 June 2008:

See *Update for Windows XP (KB953356)*

Locale: English

Deployment: Windows Update, Microsoft Update, Automatic Updates, WSUS, and Catalog

Classification: High Priority, Non-Security

Target platforms: Windows XP

Approximate file sizes: ~ 509KB

Description:

Install this update to resolve an issue in which your computer may
restart continuously after you upgrade to Windows XP Service Pack 3 on
systems with non-Intel processors. After you install this item, you may
have to restart your computer.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/894199

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

SP3 Confusion

I have been reading posts in various locations that there is some confusion regarding the IEBlog post, IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3. Let's take a closer look.

Although IE7 is the current Internet Explorer "standard" and has been out for some time, for various reasons, there are many companies that have not been able to upgrade to IE7. As an example, perhaps there are custom or proprietary applications that are not compatible with IE7. With SP3, those companies who still are not in a position to tool-up for installing IE7 can take advantage of the additional security features and improvements afforded by SP3. The same can be said for home installations.

With that explanation, it makes sense that SP3 is "tailored" for IE6. So what happens to Internet Explorer if you use IE7 and install SP3? Actually, nothing except that you will not be able to revert to IE6 unless you uninstall both SP3 and IE7 and then reinstall SP3.

I would strongly advise anyone using IE8 Beta to uninstall IE8 Beta prior to installing SP3.

Important Additional Notes:

I learned from ravencajun at the Garden Web* that there appears to be issues with non-Intel OEM machines, particularly HP and COMPAQ, resulting in a reboot loop where only Safe Mode is possible. See Microsoft MVP, Bill Castner's instructions at BBR.

There have also been reports of people having problems with SP3 because they did not follow the instructions at Recommendations before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3. When installing any software, but most particularly a major update such as a service pack, always disconnect from the internet and close anti-virus, anti-malware and any "real-time protection" software.

If you use Avast anti-virus software, also disable the Avast Self-Defense Module (Right-click the Avast icon > Program Settings > Troubleshooting > place a check mark in the box: "Disable avast! self-defense module"). It can be re-enabled after the installation has been completed.


Microsoft is providing free, unlimited installation and compatibility support for Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) through April 14, 2009. Additional information is available at http://support.microsoft.com/oas/default.aspx?ln=en-us&prid=11273&gprid=522131


Note: For information on AMD-based machines, see the Windows XP SP3 and the Reboot Loop.

*Most appropriate, Security Garden learning from Garden Web!

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Windows XP SP3 Released

Windows XP Service Pack 3 (SP3) is now available on Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center. Microsoft has also resumed automatic distribution of Windows Vista SP1.

With regard to the incompatibility between Dynamics Retail Management System and WIndows XP SP3 and Windows Vista SP1, Microsoft added a filter to block WU from offering Windows XP SP3 or Windows Vista SP1 to systems with RMS . A fix will be available soon. (See KB 951937).

Unless you are in a hurry to install SP3, I recommend waiting for Automatic Updates, which will begin some time over the next few months.

Very Important Information!

Because I am fearful that some readers may not appreciate the significance of the information presented by Jane Maliouta in the IEBlog, I have quoted it here. Please note the information relating to the version of Internet Explorer installed on your computer.

Update: After reading the information below, see the follow up at SP3 Confusion as well as Recommendations before you install Windows XP Service Pack 3.

"Windows XP SP3 contains some new updates, and a number of bug fixes and security improvements. You can learn more about XPSP3 features by reading the white paper located here. We expect XPSP3 will be publicly available shortly and want you to have this information prior to its final release to the web.

Internet Explorer 6 Users

XPSP3 will continue to ship with IE6 and contains a roll-up of the latest security updates for IE6. If you are still running Internet Explorer 6, then XPSP3 will be offered to you via Windows Update as a high priority update. You can safely install XPSP3 and will have an updated version of IE6 with all your personal preferences, such as home pages and favorites, still intact.

If you are currently running IE7 or IE8 on Windows XP SP2 (XPSP2) and you are thinking of upgrading to XPSP3, read on.

Internet Explorer 7 Users

If you are currently running IE7 on XPSP2, Windows Update will offer you XPSP3 as a high priority update. If you choose to install XPSP3, Internet Explorer 7 will remain on your system after the install is complete. Your preferences will be retained. However, you will no longer be able to uninstall IE7. If you go to Control Panel->Add/Remove Programs, the Remove option will be grayed out.

This behavior is by design and here is why. When we install IE7 on Windows XP SP2, we backup the existing IE6 files in an uninstall directory. Those IE6 files are the ones that shipped on XPSP2 plus all the security updates you’ve installed while using IE6. Windows XP SP3 contains a newer version of the Internet Explorer 6 files. If you have XPSP3 on your system and uninstall IE7, your system would revert to the backed up (older) version of the IE6 files rather than the newer XPSP3 version. You would end up in a mixed file state in Windows where most files would be the upgraded XPSP3, except for the IE6 files restored when uninstalling IE7. This state is not supported and is very bug prone. To ensure a reliable user experience, we prevent this broken state by disabling the ability to uninstall Internet Explorer 7.

If you must uninstall IE7 after you have upgraded to XPSP3, then you have to first uninstall XPSP3, and then uninstall IE7. After this series of uninstalls, you will be reverted back to a XPSP2, and a stable version of IE6, so feel free to upgrade to XPSP3 again.

If you install IE7 after you install XPSP3, then you will be able to uninstall IE7 at any point and be reverted to the newer IE6 version that ships in XPSP3. The restriction on uninstalling only applies to when you install a Windows Service Pack release on top of a standalone IE release.

Keeping this in mind, you might want to uninstall IE7, upgrade to XPSP3 and then install IE7 again so you can uninstall IE7 in the future if need be.

Internet Explorer 8 Beta 1 Users

Installing IE8 Beta1 on Windows XP SP3 is fully supported, so go ahead and upgrade your computers to XPSP3 and then install IE8 Beta 1 to try out our new features. You will be able to uninstall IE8 Beta 1 at any point to revert back to either IE7 or IE6 depending on what you were using before.

However, if you already have IE8 Beta 1 installed on XPSP2, Windows XP SP3 will not be offered to you via Windows Update. This is because after you update your system to XPSP3, you will no longer be able to uninstall IE8 Beta 1 and the Remove option will be grayed out under the Add/Remove programs in Control Panel. The reason is the same as in IE7 case described above. Since people are more likely to uninstall beta software, we strongly recommend uninstalling IE8 Beta 1 prior to upgrading to Windows XP SP3 to eliminate any deployment issues and install IE8 Beta 1 after XPSP3 is on your machine."

References:

• IE and Windows XP Service Pack 3
• Microsoft Knowledge Base Article KB 951937
• Windows XP Service Pack 3 Now Available on Windows Update
• Windows XP SP3 Released to Web (RTW), now available on Windows Update and Microsoft Download Center

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Windows Vista SP1 For All Supported Languages

Today Microsoft released Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) to Windows Update or for download of the standalone installer from the Microsoft Download Center (x86 and x64) for any of the 36 supported languages.

References:

• Prerequsites
• Releasing Windows Vista SP1 for more languages
• Want Vista SP1? Here’s what to expect
• Windows SP1 FAQ
• Windows Update

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Windows Vista SP 1 Released To The Public

It is official! Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) was released to the download center and Windows Update as well as to the download center on microsoft.com today. Note that this release only includes the English, French, Spanish, German and Japanese versions.

In mid-April, Windows Vista SP1 will be released to Windows Vista customers who have chosen to have updates downloaded automatically and will be a much smaller download, advisable for people with only one computer to update or on a dial up connection.

Note that you will need to have the prerequisites before being able to install SP1.


Edit: 19Mar08

Although the announcement indicated that SP1 would be released in mid-April to customers who have chosen to have updates downloaded automatically, apparently this has changed. Either that or different update settings (i.e., ask and let me decide as I have) started receiving the SP1 install offer via automatic updates last evening.

I received it today. Being on dial-up, the 69.8 MB download is taking quite a while. I will likely have to leave it running when I head off to bed and see how it does on its own.

For more information on what to expect, see Ed Bott's writeup: Want Vista SP1? Here’s what to expect. In particular, note the link to the Microsoft dedicated support page for Windows Vista SP1.

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...

Windows Vista SP1 Update Information

KB937287 -- "configuring updates stage 3 of 3. 0% complete"

A few people have run into a problem after installing KB937287, of the pre-requisite updates for SP1. The solution for this issue is available in KB949358. If you have any problems following those instructions, please call 1-866-PC-Safety (1-866-727-2338). This phone number is for virus and other security-related support. It is available 24 hours a day for the U.S. and Canada. Should you call that number, be sure to tell the person who answers that you are calling in reference to a Windows Update issue.

Program Loss of Functionality after Installing SP1

Although most programs will continue to work as expected after you install Windows Vista SP1, some programs were reported as resulting in a loss of functionality after SP1 was installed. The programs and the link to the vendors' solutions are available in KB935796.

Windows Genuine Advantage (WGA) Changes to SP1

With SP1, "Reduced Functionality Mode" (RFM) has been removed and replaced with a notifications-based experience. For a full report and screen captures of what this entails, see Taking the next step with Windows Vista SP1.

References:

• Microsoft Knowledge Base Articles
• KB949358
• KB937287
• KB935796
  

• Windows Vista Blog
  
  
• Taking the next step with Windows Vista SP1

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