By Suzanne Tindal, 14 January 2008 14:54
NEWS
Microsoft has made the latest version of Vista's SP1 release candidate available for download to the general public - after initially restricting it to 15,000 beta testers when it debuted last week.
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SP1 RC Refresh, as the update is known, requires previous versions of SP1 to be uninstalled before it can be replaced with Refresh, which may entail waiting for the computer to "reboot multiple times", according to Microsoft.
After multiple rebooting, a period of an hour is required to allow the installer service to "clean up and complete the uninstall" to prevent possible installation errors.
Users with Vista RTM need to install two to three updates depending on their version of Vista before they can install SP1 on their computer.
Refresh is time limited, with the deadline for uninstall being 30 June 2008. It is rumoured Microsoft still aims to have the official version of SP1 available within the first quarter of 2008.
On its website, Microsoft warns that it "does not recommend installing this software on primary or mission critical systems".
Comments
There are 7 comments. Join the discussion
1. Karen Challinor
does anyone have Vista on mission critical systems ?
and multiple reboots plus an hours wait while cleanup takes place because you have to remove the previous version of SP1 is not acceptable
it should just update the parts of the system that require updating and not require a previous update to be removed at all
if I produced an update that required similar reboots, delays and removals for my customers they would be clamouring for their money back
not a your best move @ Microsoft
2. Roy Corneloues
In response to Karen's comment:
This is a beta release not a "refresh of a launched service patch!
One of the things that Microsoft will be aiming to do is to emulate the install process of a user. To do this the service pack must be installed from a retail (or as close to) version of the OS.
Why would they spend time and effort on build a custom upgrade process for beta testers who know what they are getting in to when they installed the first release.
3. GALLEY SLAVE#41
Sounds like its been cobbled up out bits and pieces. or is that cocked up?
I'll stick with XP as long as microslush allow.
BETTER THE DEVIL YOU KNOW!!!!
4. Mike Alexander
In response to Karen:
The clue here is RC - Release Candidate. This is a BETA of the service pack - whilst close to being the final version released to the world, it may yet change.
No-one should be installing/testing/running beta releases on any critical system.
Microsoft may often get things wrong, but if you're inclined to have a pop at them at least make it a legitimate gripe.
5. Karen Challinor
in response to Roy's comments
it was a beta release it's now a general release, anyone can download and use it
the fact that they didn't make it suitable for general release is what I'm complaining about
6. Karen Challinor
In response to Mike
again it was a beta it's now on general release anyone and their dog can get it and install it
and if in your opinion people shouldn't install it because of the RC tag, it won't stop them
the package is not suitable for general release in it's present form so in my opinion Microsoft have made a bad move in releasing it
I feel that is sufficient justification for "having a pop" at them
7. Roy Corneloues
Karen,
1. It's a "Release Candidate" that has been made available. Not an official release. Still Beta.
2. Those who are downloading it for the first time won;t have to "uninstall a previous version" or "wait an hour to uninstall"
3. Any official release would be delivered via Windows update
This is for power users, company IT bods who want to get a sneak preview. Most ordinary people won;t even know it exists or bother downloading it!!!