Download the latest version of Windows Vista SP1

Well....there are a couple of options. Have you tried to open your control panel from a different account? I have not had that issue but it seems like one of the updates from the install made a change in your registry. If all else fails, just run a system restore to a point when you know you had access to your control panel. You may also have a spyware/grayware/malware infection. Follow this link and scan with it. Good luck and let me know how it goes...

http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

Also, if you feel comfortable, run Hijackthis. Be aware that this is for advanced users that are familiar with running processes. If you are not comfortable with this, I don't recommend using it because you may delete necessary files. You could run it and copy the log here for someone who is more apt to analyze it. Good luck!

http://www.majorgeeks.com/download3155.html

Thanks, lets hope this doesn't delete the Control Panel in vista for me like the release candidate did.

Considering how long it takes to install and the marginal improvements, I'll wait for the final release.

Why download it? It's just a beta. It's not like most people who download it, actually give really good feedback to Microsoft. And betas can cause a lot of issues.

Just wait until it's finalized. Or better yet, get Vista now. From what I've heard, all SP1 changes have gone or are going to go through Windows Updates anyways. Wouldn't make a difference in SP1. SP1 is just the official name for all the patch-ups sold along with Vista.

I had the previous SP1 and it screwed up my internet sharing so that i couldn't connect to xbox live through my computer (which is then connected to my wireless) even though it used to work perfectly... I hadn't had my xbox for about a week since the SP1 install though so i didn't make the connection at first and spent like 3 hours wracking my brain and doing everything google told me to do to fix it... Finally uninstalled it and it worked immediately afterwards...

And the worst part? I didn't notice ANYTHING different about SP1! (well, aside from the breaking) :(
-Taylor

Colin Sewell: ah okay, thanks. I shouldn't download it then.

I've tried an older version of SP1 and honestly I couldn't tell any difference. Nothing fixed nor broken, or faster or slower.

I find SP1 to work great! I had the first RC and now this updated version. The main change I notice with these SP1 RC's is hard drive trashing. There isn't any!

I love Vista and would NEVER go back to XP. Regardless of what anyone says or thinks they know, Vista is a much more reliable operating system than Xp ever was. And if your having problems you dont know how to use Vista.

as tempted as i am to download it i think i am going to wait. the last thing i want it to make my PC unbootable for the second time this month.

Has anyone seen a list of fixes in this refresh? I've found SP1 RC to be great so far, I have 2gb of ram and I normally need it all. SP1 improved performance and reduced disk thrashing, a LOT.

However, since installing SP1 RC1 I've had "black screens" after resuming from sleep or after unplugging my external monitor fairly reguarly. The only thing visible is the mouse cursor...
Anyone else had this issue? Is it fixed?

John is correct. You just don't know how to use Vista. Beef up your machines and the vast majority of the issues will go away. I have not as of yet installed SP1, I am waiting for the final release, but I use Vista and XP in virtual PC and I have had no issues with either since I built my new laptop. Stop whining, get a good video card, beef up your ram, and enjoy what Vista can really do. And in case you are wondering, I am not getting paid for this.

I will never understand why people just can't seem to get the fact that without the proper hardware, NO OPERATING SYSTEM will run properly. Hardware specifications are there for a reason...SHEESH!

so how did u eventually resolve it? i have the same problem too, and cant access my CP for some time