Should you install Windows 7 Service Pack 1?

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[Archangel]

Last week, Microsoft released Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2. I’ve been monitoring the release in online forums and via individual reports since then. I’ve also talked, unofficially, with some people who have access to Microsoft’s customer support database.

At that time, I noted that this “looks like a successful rollout.” Everything I’ve seen since then suggests that there are no widespread issues with Service Pack 1. Microsoft representatives who have looked into the release have also confirmed for me that they are not seeing any indication of significant issues with the update.

That doesn’t mean 100% of installations will be trouble-free. SP1 doesn’t add any new features, but it is a major update. Given the complexity of the PC ecosystem, it’s inevitable that there will be some hiccups in the process. For example, one reader pointed me to this lengthy thread on Microsoft’s TechNet forums, which highlights a troublesome issue that arises when all language packs are installed on Windows 7 Ultimate or Enterprise. If that describes your setup, I strongly recommend reading this thread before starting an SP1 update.

Fortunately, that type of error seems to be extremely rare. The more common (and still rare) outcome is an SP1 installation that fails to complete, leaving the system unchanged and still usable. This happened to one of my readers, who noted that she received error 0×800f0826 at the end of the installation process. A quick search of the TechNet forums finds other reports of this specific error, which has been associated with Vista service packs as well. This error reportedly occurs on some systems where the third-party DriverSweeper utility has been used. If you encounter this issue you might be able to fix it by running the System Update Readiness Tool and then reattempting the SP1 installation. According to Microsoft, this tool is automatically offered to machines where the Service Pack installer detects inconsistencies such as store corruption.

Should you avoid Service Pack 1? That’s certainly the most conservative approach. Given that SP1 is primarily a rollup of previously issued updates and hotfixes, there’s no compelling reason to install it today. If you’re cautious, feel free to wait a little longer. For network administrators who want to continue testing before deploying SP1, use the official SP1 Blocker toolkit from Microsoft to prevent SP1 from being delivered through Windows Update. (Note that this toolkit blocks the SP1 files from being offered through Windows Update until February 22, 2012. It does not prevent the installation of the service pack from CD/DVD, or from the stand-alone download package.)

If you decide to press ahead with an SP1 installation, some basic precautions are in order, the same ones you should use with any important upgrade:

•Create a manual System Restore point first. That gives you the option to roll back to the current configuration in the event of a problem. (Click Start and type restore point in the search box to see the Create a restore point option.)
•Perform a manual image backup of your system drive before starting the SP1 install. Every version of Windows 7 offers the option to create a system image that can be saved on an external hard drive and restored from a repair disk. The process is quick and easy, and it provides a foolproof recovery option even from a worst-case failure. To create a backup image, type backup in the Start menu search box and use the Backup and Restore utility.
In the event you do encounter an SP1 installation issue, you can find excellent support resources at Microsoft’s TechNet forums. That should be your first stop if you need help with any SP1 issue.

Thank god I make weekly backup copies and system restore points sp1 completely fucked things. My pc would not boot up past the windows logo startup screen. Some time I think MS neglects to test things out before releasing updates.

[Neoandrew1]

Great post,
My Dads Laptop has been spitting up that error since sp1 went in an he doesnt make backups or set weekly restore points :/
I was going to do a complete reinstall for him tonight (Which I really dont have the time for) but I will give the System Update Readiness Tool a go instead now.

It only corrupted my recycle bin for some unkown reason but that was easily fixed and I'm like you I do 2 weekly back ups and weekly restore points incase of any serious problems.
Thanks for the info you may have freed up my evening to go out for a pint or two

[Exeron]

I've got SP1 on my laptop. Not on Desktop yet. So far so good. Then again windows was only installed for 40 or so days when I did the upgrade. Maybe less stuff to go wrong? Less apps anyway.

Windows even survived using the built in system backup feature to get it off my failing old drive. Clonezilla wouldn't take it due to sector errors. The main issue was due to the fact windows wouldn't recognize any network drives as available so I had to take a USB hard drive off one of the servers that it was on. (Not the server that runs this site tehe).

[Neoandrew1]

It didnt fix the error he is still getting it pop up when he inserts any of his Camera SD cards an autoplay gives him the options, I think its a balls up with Microsoft essentials but he likes having the options that pictureviewer has.
I've shown him how to import them so until I have time to find a fix for it he will have to make do lol I
ts just not as convenient for him......

[Jedievensen]

Ive been trying to install W7 SP1 on my gaming pc once it came out, however it takes all night to download and when it installs it either crashes or doesnt want to, so ive waited to install it now :)

Anyone have any ideas?

[Exeron]

Check the event logs, might some error code you can google in there. Or the error code it errors on if that's available.

[Pangloss]

@ Jedi, get a legal version ?

:)

Worked fine for me, only had to disable the 'your version is illegal crap' again, turned itself back on

[primal]

I had no problems whatsoever installing sp1 still got the pirated license key from my installation from summer 2009 working
Legal...pfff
Gonna do a fresh install anyway,with integrated sp1,got a new disk
tweaking fairy princess
http://www.rt7lite.com/

[Jedievensen]

Hehe mine is legal :)
Is there any other places to get SP1 from than Windows Update?

[Exeron]

There's here:

http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/en/details.aspx?FamilyID=c3202ce6-4056-4059-8a1b-3a9b77cdfdda

[Jedievensen]

Thanks, now to figure out which to download :)

[Archangel]

Ive been trying to install W7 SP1 on my gaming pc once it came out, however it takes all night to download and when it installs it either crashes or doesnt want to, so ive waited to install it now :)

Anyone have any ideas?

Have no Ideas even worked with MS to fix the problem just got pissed and gave up. If and when I need to reinstall windows I will find a dvd iso with sp1 integrated.