How to download Windows Vista SP1 early

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft

How to download Windows Vista SP1 early

by Brad Linder Feb 12th 2008

Can't wait to get you grubby little paws on the official version of Windows Vista SP1? Microsoft isn't expected to officially release the update to end users until March. But Microsoft has already posted a disc image on its OEM partner site, and if you know where to look you can download it today.

The disc image weighs in at 1.2GB and must be used to perform a clean install of Windows Vista SP1. In other words, you cannot use it to update your system and retain your files and settings. We'd recommend waiting until Microsoft pushes SP1 out through Windows Update if you're not ready to do a clean install.

Microsoft's servers are being hammered at the moment from people attempting to download SP1, so don't expect a speedy download. In fact, if you start downloading today you might not have the full disc image until March anyway.

[via WinBeta]

Tags: oem, sp1, vista, vista-sp1, windows-vista, windows-vista-sp1

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

Ryan said 11:15AM on 2-12-2008

This is not a full version of Vista with SP1, but rather a DVD image that contains the SP1 setup files for the x86 and x64 versions of Vista.

Shiba said 11:57AM on 2-12-2008

So how is it? Is it everything everyone hoped for? Fixes all the issues? Speed improvements?

I'm due for a format soon, and debating giving Vista another shot.

Cameron said 1:27PM on 2-12-2008

I've downloaded it and its a "bit" faster. Not a major improvement in regular speed but file copies don't take 7 years now. My Drivers all worked from the Start Of Vista but I'm thankful theres no more burn in on my monitor as it was getting on my nerves since i use the same monitor for my Xbox 360 Gaming. If your burn in still resides before you go to bed unplug your monitor and VGA Cable(HDMI , DVI w/e) and sleep - plug it in the next day and it will be gone.

Its a good update but there is no reason to bring it to Service Pack 1 unless they start Packing MinWin.

John said 1:56PM on 2-12-2008

Let's just drop this dead horse and move to OS X!

Taylor said 2:56PM on 2-12-2008

Just a warning, the beta of SP1 broke my internet connection sharing with my xbox 360... Nothing would fix it but an uninstall of the service pack... hopefully this has been fixed, but if you're set up that way you may want to hold off!
Or, if you are and it happens to you, know it's SP1 and don't spend hours trying to fix it when an uninstall is your only hope!
-Taylor

Dakota said 4:16PM on 2-12-2008

... This isn't supposed to be out in the mainstream public.

Anything from OEM.Microsoft.com is for System Builders and OEM partners with Microsoft.

But what am I saying? I'm not a System Builder/OEM yet I have an OEM Partner Center account...

Anyways, here's Microsoft's official information to go along with the download:
Once you download the Windows Vista SP1 package, you will need to extract the appropriate .exe file for the language you wish to install.

The steps to extract the file are the following:

1. Download Windows Vista SP1. The file will be in .img format.
2. Use a third-party DVD authoring software to burn the .img file to a DVD.
3. Select the appropriate .exe file(s) in the language(s) you need to install and copy from the DVD to your destination computer.
4. Follow the instructions in the step-by-step guide for upgrading your existing system image(s) to Windows Vista SP1.

Important In order to upgrade to Vista SP1, you must use the new OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK) for Windows Vista Service Pack 1.

antony said 6:19PM on 2-21-2008

where is the download though, im in the OEM page..i cant download

chri said 7:42AM on 2-13-2008

i can barely tell whether it is installed or not. in fact, i can't...

shawnb said 6:18PM on 2-14-2008

Looks like MS fixed it, the link requires a login now...

Columbus said 7:13PM on 2-14-2008

So where is the download?

PGG said 11:35PM on 2-17-2008

It's available to Microsoft Technet Plus subscribers now (finally)!

ricnovil said 7:13PM on 2-22-2008

I was a beta tester it wasent a vast improvement it crippeled my HP's preformence

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