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How to download Windows Vista SP1 early

by Brad Linder on February 12, 2008 at 10:00 AM

Can't wait to get you grubby little paws on the official version of Windows Vista SP1? Microsoft isn't expected to officially release the update to end users until March. But Microsoft has already posted a disc image on its OEM partner site, and if you know where to look you can download it today.

The disc image weighs in at 1.2GB and must be used to perform a clean install of Windows Vista SP1. In other words, you cannot use it to update your system and retain your files and settings. We'd recommend waiting until Microsoft pushes SP1 out through Windows Update if you're not ready to do a clean install.

Microsoft's servers are being hammered at the moment from people attempting to download SP1, so don't expect a speedy download. In fact, if you start downloading today you might not have the full disc image until March anyway.

[via WinBeta]

Tags: oem, osupdates, sp1, vista, vista-sp1, windows-vista, windows-vista-sp1

Comments

RyanFeb 12th 2008 11:15AM

Neutral

This is not a full version of Vista with SP1, but rather a DVD image that contains the SP1 setup files for the x86 and x64 versions of Vista.

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ShibaFeb 12th 2008 11:57AM

Neutral

So how is it? Is it everything everyone hoped for? Fixes all the issues? Speed improvements?

I'm due for a format soon, and debating giving Vista another shot.

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CameronFeb 12th 2008 1:27PM

Neutral

I've downloaded it and its a "bit" faster. Not a major improvement in regular speed but file copies don't take 7 years now. My Drivers all worked from the Start Of Vista but I'm thankful theres no more burn in on my monitor as it was getting on my nerves since i use the same monitor for my Xbox 360 Gaming. If your burn in still resides before you go to bed unplug your monitor and VGA Cable(HDMI , DVI w/e) and sleep - plug it in the next day and it will be gone.

Its a good update but there is no reason to bring it to Service Pack 1 unless they start Packing MinWin.

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JohnFeb 12th 2008 1:56PM

Neutral

Let's just drop this dead horse and move to OS X!

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TaylorFeb 12th 2008 2:56PM

Neutral

Just a warning, the beta of SP1 broke my internet connection sharing with my xbox 360... Nothing would fix it but an uninstall of the service pack... hopefully this has been fixed, but if you're set up that way you may want to hold off!
Or, if you are and it happens to you, know it's SP1 and don't spend hours trying to fix it when an uninstall is your only hope!
-Taylor

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DakotaFeb 12th 2008 4:16PM

Neutral

... This isn't supposed to be out in the mainstream public.

Anything from OEM.Microsoft.com is for System Builders and OEM partners with Microsoft.

But what am I saying? I'm not a System Builder/OEM yet I have an OEM Partner Center account...

Anyways, here's Microsoft's official information to go along with the download:
Once you download the Windows Vista SP1 package, you will need to extract the appropriate .exe file for the language you wish to install.

The steps to extract the file are the following:

1. Download Windows Vista SP1. The file will be in .img format.
2. Use a third-party DVD authoring software to burn the .img file to a DVD.
3. Select the appropriate .exe file(s) in the language(s) you need to install and copy from the DVD to your destination computer.
4. Follow the instructions in the step-by-step guide for upgrading your existing system image(s) to Windows Vista SP1.

Important In order to upgrade to Vista SP1, you must use the new OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK) for Windows Vista Service Pack 1.