Microsoft Releases Refresh of Vista SP1

Vista SP1 still isn't ready for final release yet, but Microsoft has pushed its pre-release candidate a step forward in reliability.

Those who anxiously attempted to improve their copies of Windows Vista with a pre-release candidate of Service Pack 1 may be interested to know that a “refresh” of SP1 with common bug fixes is now available to the public. Microsoft originally released the patch earlier last week to a closed community of 15,000 beta testers, but reversed its decision to keep the patch closed on Friday, allowing anyone to download and apply it.

Unfortunately for early adopters, the update process is no walk in the park. According to Microsoft, uninstalling the previous SP1 build is necessary, meaning users must uncheck it from a menu, allow their computers to reboot multiple times, and wait one hour before even attempting to install the new pack, while the installer service “cleans up.” Windows Vista Service Pack 1 RC Refresh public is available here, along with installation instructions.

Microsoft still will not release a firm date for the final release of Vista SP1, although the company will still be shooting for the first quarter of 2008.