Skip to main content

Microsoft Releases Refresh of Vista SP1

Microsoft Releases Refresh of Vista SP1

Those who anxiously attempted to improve their copies of Windows Vista with a pre-release candidate of Service Pack 1 may be interested to know that a “refresh” of SP1 with common bug fixes is now available to the public. Microsoft originally released the patch earlier last week to a closed community of 15,000 beta testers, but reversed its decision to keep the patch closed on Friday, allowing anyone to download and apply it.

Unfortunately for early adopters, the update process is no walk in the park. According to Microsoft, uninstalling the previous SP1 build is necessary, meaning users must uncheck it from a menu, allow their computers to reboot multiple times, and wait one hour before even attempting to install the new pack, while the installer service “cleans up.” Windows Vista Service Pack 1 RC Refresh public is available here, along with installation instructions.

Recommended Videos

Microsoft still will not release a firm date for the final release of Vista SP1, although the company will still be shooting for the first quarter of 2008.

Nick Mokey
As Digital Trends’ Editor in Chief, Nick Mokey oversees an editorial team covering every gadget under the sun, along with…
Microsoft might be building its own version of the Apple M1 chip for Surface
The interior of the Surface Laptop Studio.

Microsoft could be taking a cue from Apple. A recent job listing (via HotHardware) for Microsoft's Surface division calls for a system-on-a-chip (SoC) architect, suggesting that Microsoft might be interested in developing its own M1 competitor for future Surface devices.

A job listing doesn't confirm anything -- it only vaguely hints at what Microsoft could be doing, so it shouldn't be assumed that Microsoft is building an M1 competitor. It makes sense, though, especially considering Apple is expected to launch its M1X chip next week, bolstering its advantage against the Intel competition.

Read more
Surface Book 4: Everything you need to know about Microsoft’s missing 2-in-1
Surface Book 3 sitting on the floor with screen open.

Microsoft just announced the Surface Laptop Studio, but for close followers of the Surface brand, there's one concerning take on this news. With the launch of the Laptop Studio coming on October 5, and with it being catered to creatives and photo and video editors, or even developers, what is going to happen with the Surface Book lineup?

Microsoft didn't announce a Surface Book 4 at its recent event, and we're now left wondering if the Surface Book lineup is dead for good. We've combed through the rumors and speculation to find out.
Price and release date

Read more
Windows 11 has successfully avoided Windows Vista’s most costly mistake
Windows 11 Woman on Laptop Lifestyle

Microsoft is positioning Windows 11 as a wholesale redesign of Windows itself, adding all sorts of flourishes and effects to the operating system. That puts some on edge, remembering the disaster of Windows Vista that resulted in sluggish performance, which Microsoft is looking to avoid with Windows 11.

Kevin Gallo, head of the Windows developer platform, participated in a Q&A session to explain some of the design decisions behind Mica and how it affects performance.

Read more