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windows vista sp1 posts

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft, Beta

New version of Windows Vista SP1 in the wild

Vista SP1
It looks like we might be one step closer to an official Windows Vista Service Pack 1. Microsoft seems to have released an updated beta of Vista SP1 to a select group of testers, and at least one of the less trustworthy beta testers appears to have allowed the file to find its way onto your usual suspect shady BitTorrent trackers.

The previous version of Vista SP1 included a complete installation disc. There was no way to upgrade an existing Windows Vista installation. it appears that the latest build is a 684MB executable file that can be used to upgrade your existing system.

Of course, we probably don't have to remind you that this is pre-release beta software. On the one hand, it might be incredibly tempting to grab the update and install it as soon as possible to see if it addresses problem's you've been having with Windows Vista. On the other hand, Windows Vista itself offers a good demonstration on why you might want to let others test out new Microsoft software for a while before installing it on your computer.

Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft, Beta

Sneak peak at Windows Vista SP1

Vista Volume Service Pack 1
Now that a few folks have got their grubby little paws on beta versions of Windows Vista Service Pack 1, we can tell you a bit about some of the updates.

There's still no way to download and install Vista SP1. It's only available as a 3.2GB DVD ISO which you can burn to disc and use to install a full version of Windows Vista. But APC Magazine and I Started Something have taken a look under the hood.

First up, there are a few visual tweaks. For example, the startup splash screen has been tweaked to match the screen you get when resuming from hibernation. And above you can see the sound properties menu for Windows Vista. Service Pack 1 is on the left, and has a slightly more refined look than the original Windows Vista sound properties menu on the right.

The only new feature in SP1 is a new "create a recovery disc" tool. Otherwise, most of what you get are bug fixes. Four hotfixes are included with about individual packages. APC Magazine reports that their test system seemed to run more smoothly after an update. Of course, performing a fresh install of Windows always creates that illusion. But we're cautiously optimistic. Hopefully this release will be available through Windows Update in the not to distant future.

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