News

SP2 Released for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008

Microsoft published Service Pack 2 (SP2) on Monday for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.

This "release-to-Web" version of SP2 is a more general public release than the "release-to-manufacturing" version (designed for PC hardware builders) that Microsoft announced late last month.

Those eager to get SP2 can grab it today through the Microsoft Download Center or through Windows Update. The service pack is available as both 32-bit and 64-bit versions. However, grabbing the bits directly means handling a fairly large download, ranging in size from 300 MB to 600 MB.

System administrators typically might accept waiting for such a large download because they'll be getting a complete standalone SP2 package. However, average users can get SP2 as a much smaller 43 MB download if they've turned on Automatic Update in Vista and are willing to wait.

Microsoft plans to begin delivering SP2 via Automatic Update in June, and it will gradually be pushed out to users over about two months' time.

Microsoft's business customers needing more preparation time can block Automatic Update from downloading SP2 by using the Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit. They can also control the update by setting the group policy for Automatic Updates and Windows Software Update Services.

SP2 is a single installer for both Vista and Windows Server 2008. However, you need to have Service Pack 1 (SP1) installed first before installing this new service pack. Those using Windows Server 2008 already have SP1 installed, according to Microsoft's "Notable Changes" document.

New features in SP2 include support for VIA Technologies' 64-bit CPU, the addition of Windows Search 4.0 and updates to Wi-Fi wireless and Blu-Ray media support, among many other details described in the Notable Changes document. SP2 also contains all of the updates Microsoft has released since SP1.

The Microsoft Download Center portal provides access to the x86 version of SP2 here, while the x64 version can be accessed here.

IT pros can access the bits or an ISO file at Microsoft's TechNet portal here.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.

Featured

  • Microsoft Appoints Althoff as New CEO for Commercial Business

    Microsoft CEO and chairman Satya Nadella on Wednesday announced the promotion of Judson Althoff to CEO of the company's commercial business, presenting the move as a response to the dramatic industrywide shifts caused by AI.

  • Broadcom Revamps VMware Partner Program Again

    Broadcom recently announced a significant update regarding its VMware Cloud Service Provider (VCSP) program, coinciding with the release of VMware Cloud Foundation (VCF) 9.0, a key component in Broadcom’s private cloud strategy.

  • Closeup of the new Copilot keyboard key

    Microsoft Updates Copilot To Add Context-Sensitive Agents to Teams, SharePoint

    Microsoft has rolled out a new public preview for collaborative "always on" agents in Microsoft 365 Copilot, bringing enhanced, context-aware tools into Teams channels, meetings, SharePoint sites, Planner workstreams and Viva Engage communities.

  • Windows 365 Cloud Apps Now Available for Public Preview

    Microsoft announced this week that Windows 365 Cloud Apps are now available for public preview. This aims to allow IT administrators to stream individual Windows applications from the cloud, removing the need to assign Cloud PCs to every user.

Most   Popular