Vista SP1 released, but I can't download it - can you?

Alex Zaharov-Reutt
Wednesday, 19 March 2008 19:43

Opinion and Analysis

Thurrott’s article continues: “These issues, such as they are, aren't particularly serious. What happens is that Windows reinstalls device drivers when upgrading to a service pack. In some cases, with the affected devices, this reinstallation could cause some problems, which might range from a loss of configured settings to a reversion to default settings. In very rare instances, some functionality might be temporarily lost. For example, with some audio drivers on certain systems, an upgrade to SP1 might disable sound output. But in such cases, a quick visit to the Control Panel would typically fix the problem. Worst case scenario: You might have to reinstall a driver manually.”

Thurrott then says: “Most of these issues are fixed, and any remaining issues will be fixed by mid-April. But it's worth reiterating that the majority of people who use these devices and upgrade to SP1 will experience no issues at all. In rare cases, a configuration change or maybe a driver reinstall might be required. But that's the extent of it. "Most of the problems are with audio drivers," Zipkin told me. "But people who have those devices will likely have a smooth install. You may have to reinstall a driver. But we also have service pack support techs who can handle these issues as well."

Thurrott then says: "That's an important point: Because Microsoft offers service packs to customers, they support them directly, regardless of how you obtained Windows Vista. So you've got free email-, online chat-, or phone-based support waiting for you if something does go wrong.”

Well... Thurrott’s soothing promises may convince some to update their system. He says more in his article but these were, for me anyway, the most important points.

Anyway I don't want to take the chance and then find I lose "audio support". There are no drivers available yet – if they were, they’d be at the manufacturer’s website, or available via Windows Update now, as Microsoft suggested.

And I don’t want to find out any other problems that other Fujitsu T4210 users might experience from jumping the gun on true SP1 availability.

I also don’t want to spend goodness knows how long a Microsoft support line, even if there is no cost. I’ll just stick with my perfectly working pre-SP1 system until they get the remaining bugs fixed.

Vista SP1 is the most botched service pack in Microsoft’s history. Available for some, and not for others, with several caveats and even Logitech webcams that might mess up Vista SP1 and cause serious problems. Aaaaarrrrggghhhh.....!!!

Sorry, Microsoft, you might say SP1 is ready. But clearly, it is not, certainly not for all.

Get back to me when what I suppose will be a pseudo SP1.1 is ready, so I can finally install it, eh?