Windows Vista Service Pack 1: Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is Windows Vista SP1?
A. Microsoft continuously improves the Windows Vista operating system by providing ongoing updates while working with software and hardware vendors to help them to deliver improved compatibility, reliability and performance. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) is another vehicle that Microsoft will use to deliver operating system improvements to customers. Windows Vista SP1 is an update to Windows Vista that, along with improvements delivered to users via these other channels, addresses feedback from our customers. In addition to previously released updates, Windows Vista SP1 will contain changes focused on addressing specific reliability and performance issues, supporting new types of hardware, and adding support for several emerging standards. Windows Vista SP1 also will continue to make it easier for IT administrators to deploy and manage Windows Vista.
Q. When will Windows Vista SP1 be released?
A. Windows Vista SP1 was released to Technet Plus and MSDN subscribers on February 14, 2008 and is now available to the public via Windows Update and the Microsoft Download Center.
Q. How does Windows Update deliver Windows Vista SP1?
A. Windows Update downloads the service pack to the computer and works within the operating system to install the service pack. This method requires relatively low bandwidth and minimizes network traffic because only the changes needed for a specific computer are downloaded.
Q. What is a stand-alone installation delivery method of Windows Vista SP1?
A. In a stand-alone installation, you use the stand-alone pack to upgrade computers that already are running the Windows Vista operating system. The download size of the stand-alone package is larger than the package applied with Windows Update. This method is recommended for: 1) Applying Windows Vista SP1 to computers without (or with limited) Internet connectivity 2) Applying the service pack to more than one computer using deployment tools such as Systems Management Server 2003 (SMS) or System Center Configuration Manager 2007 (SCCM).
Q. What is the integrated installation delivery method of Windows Vista SP1?
A. An integrated installation (also known as "slipstream installation") means that the service pack is integrated into the operating system, and therefore the operating system and service pack are installed simultaneously. You can use the integrated installation to upgrade computers running Windows XP and to perform clean installations on computers that do not have an operating system.
Q. How do I uninstall Windows Vista SP1 RC?
A. It is not possible to uninstall the permanent prerequisite updates (KB937287, KB935509 and KB938371). However, you can uninstall KB936330 and KB937954. In addition, you cannot uninstall the service pack and other updates that were installed using an integrated installation. You can remove SP1 RC using the Programs and Features.
To uninstall Windows Vista SP1 RC using Programs and Features
1) Open Control Panel, and click Programs and Features.
2) Select View Installed Updates.
3) Under the list of Microsoft Windows, select Service Pack for Windows (KB936330).
4) On the top menu, click Uninstall.
Q. I’ve installed Windows Vista Service Pack 1, and can’t find the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC). What happened to it?
A. Windows Vista SP1 changes the tools that administrators use to manage Group Policy. Administrators requested features in Group Policy that simplify Group Policy management. To do this, the service pack will uninstall the Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) and GPEdit.msc will edit local Group Policy by default. An enhanced version of GPMC will be included in Windows Server 2008 as well as the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT) for Windows Vista SP1 shortly after Windows Server 2008 is released. The updated GPMC includes new features such as Group Policy Preferences, Starter GPOs, comments, and search/filter capabilities.
Q. What tools are available from Microsoft for Windows Vista SP1 deployment?
A. There are several tools available for both stand-alone and integrated operating system installation of Windows Vista SP1. These tools range from free solutions to enterprise-class System Center products. For a comprehensive list of tools, scenario coverage, and availability information, see the Windows Vista Service Pack 1: Microsoft Deployment Tools Matrix.