News

Vista SP1's 'Endless Reboot' Problem Fixed

Microsoft reported today that it has fixed a problem that caused some users upgrading to Vista Service Pack 1 to enter "an endless reboot cycle."

Microsoft reported today that it has fixed a problem that caused some users upgrading to Vista Service Pack 1 to enter "an endless reboot cycle."

The glitch was associated with installation of a prerequisite called Servicing Stack Update (SSU), or KB937287. Microsoft had stopped releasing the SSU pending an investigation. However, starting Tuesday, Microsoft plans to release the SSU again through automatic distribution. In addition, Microsoft plans to issue a "pre-SSU update" to prevent the rebooting problem associated with the SSU.

The SSU actually "contains the Service Pack 1 installation program," according to a post on the Microsoft Update Product Team blog The problem stemmed from "a few unknown and rare events during the middle of the installation of the update that could cause the update to think it needed a reboot to complete the installation," the post explained.

The pre-SSU update is intended for those "who have not already installed the SSU," according to the blog.

Microsoft emphasized that those who have already installed the update do not need to remove it and install these latest updates. In addition, those users who have Windows Update set to automatically install updates will not have to take further action.

Those using the Vista SP1 standalone download will not be affected by these problems, the company said.

Vista SP1 availability was formally announced on March 18. Microsoft plans to distribute Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) via automatic updates approximately in the middle of this month, according to Chris Flores of the Windows Vista blog The distribution, in five different languages, is slowly being offered to users provided that their system is ready for the update, according to Flores.

About the Author

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

Featured

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.

  • An image of planes flying around a globe

    2025 Microsoft Conference Calendar: For Partners, IT Pros and Developers

    Here's your guide to all the IT training sessions, partner meet-ups and annual Microsoft conferences you won't want to miss.

  • Notebook

    Microsoft Centers AI, Security and Partner Dogfooding at MCAPS

    Microsoft's second annual MCAPS for Partners event took place Tuesday, delivering a volley of updates and directives for its partners for fiscal 2026.

  • Microsoft Layoffs: AI Is the Obvious Elephant in the Room

    As Microsoft doubles down on an $80 billion bet on AI this fiscal year, its workforce reductions are drawing scrutiny over whether AI's ascent is quietly reshaping its human capital strategy, even as official messaging avoids drawing a direct line.