Microsoft has finally make Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) available for download.

It’s available for download from the Microsoft Download Center in both 32-bit (435MB) and 64-bit (727MB) flavors, and via Windows Update (which will be a much smaller download, something in the region of 65 to 70MB - this is because you only get the language suited to your system and you only get the components you need).

Don't panic if you need time to prepare for SP1 - It won’t be installed automatically on your system just yet and if you want it you’ll have to check for it manually (Windows Update in Control Panel).  If you want to get your hands on SP1 and over the next few hours you don’t see it appearing on Windows Update, something might be preventing installation.  Microsoft has a knowledge base article (KB948343) which looks at the possible reasons for this.

Prior to installation you might want to check this list for incompatible applications and update anything that's likely to cause problems.

Also worth noting is that if SP1 hoses your system, Microsoft will provide you with free tech support to get you up and running again.

A few hours ago I made a post on ZDNet about SP1 being available and I've already started receiving questions about this major update. 

• Should I install SP1?
  Yes!
• Is installing SP1 dangerous?
  Doesn't seem to be, but hope for the best and plan for the worst.

I've covered these questions in greater detail over on Hardware 2.0.

Further reading:  Getting ready for SP1.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, March 18th, 2008 at 22:19 and is filed under In the News, PC Doctor's Thoughts, PC Doctor's Useful Links, Windows Vista. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.