Microsoft (News - Alert) this week finally released Windows Vista SP 1 via Windows Update. For those with this feature turned on, the download will be automatic in mid-April, though installation is manual. Users can also choose to manually download the update now.

 

Some Vista users who installed a beta version of SP1 experienced problems, but Microsoft claims the final version will not present such issues. For example, the company found a small number of device drivers that may cause problems after an update from Windows Vista to Windows Vista SP1. Microsoft spent a month working with its partners on driver updates for these issues. Most of these have updated and are available for download.

 

“We're working with the providers of the remaining devices to get updated versions of the drivers to our customers as well,” said Microsoft Product Manager Nick White in a Windows Vista Team Blog entry.

 

White continued: “In the meantime, Windows Update will recognize PCs with drivers that may be problematic and postpone offering SP1 to those PCs until it has installed corrected drivers or other applicable updates. Either way, Windows Update works to detect whether or not your system is ready for SP1 and not offer it to you until the time is right.”

 

Last month, when some users were trying to install the Servicing Stack Update (KB937287), they encountered some problems. Microsoft says that this could happen because the update needs to be completely installed before a restart occurs, but something caused a reboot during the install. The company has made a small change on its Windows Update server and claims to have eliminated this problem. The company is also planning to release an additional update before it starts the automatic distribution of the Servicing Stack Update.