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Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Deployment Guide

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About this guide

This guide is for IT administrators who are deploying Windows Vista® Service Pack 1 (SP1). This document includes technical information, procedures, and recommendations for installing SP1 in a business or corporate environment. Although this guide includes some basic operating system information, we assume that you already have a working knowledge of Windows Vista and update installations. For more information about deployment, see the following Microsoft resources:

Note

To provide feedback about this guide, e-mail vistafb@microsoft.com.

Terminology used in this guide

The terms defined in the following table are used throughout this document.

Term Definition

Integrated installation

This is also known as "slipstream installation." In this installation method, the service pack is integrated into the operating system. As a result, the operating system and service pack are installed simultaneously. You use the integrated installation to upgrade computers and to perform new installations on computers that do not have an operating system.

Offline

In the context of updating images, the term "offline" refers to updating or applying changes to an operating system image that is not currently running. For example, you might update a Windows® Image (.wim) file by using ImageX in the Windows Automated Installation Kit (AIK).

Online

In the context of updating images, the term "online" refers to updating or applying changes to an operating system that the computer is booted into. For example, installing an update by using Windows Update is an online operation.

Package

A collection of files representing an update that fixes a problem or introduces new functionality. Packages include the component files as well as the necessary metadata to manage the packages. Many packages are distributed as .msu files, each of which contains a compressed cabinet file (.cab file).

Service pack

The means by which product updates are consolidated and distributed. Service packs are software packages that may contain updates for system reliability, program compatibility, security, and so on. These updates are bundled together for easier downloading and installation. A service pack includes all fixes released to date, as well as additional improvements to existing components.

Stand-alone package

A version of the SP1 package that contains all of the files necessary to install the package on any computer (even without an Internet connection). In contrast, when you install the SP1 package from Windows Update, only the files needed for that specific computer are downloaded and installed. There is usually a considerable size difference between a package that is downloaded using Windows Update and the corresponding stand-alone package.

Update
  • Noun: Any update, update rollup, service pack, feature pack, critical update, security update, or hotfix that improves or fixes a software product released by Microsoft. For definitions of all of these types of updates, see article 824684 in the Microsoft Knowledge Base (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=43258).
  • Verb: To make a computer or file more current.

Upgrade
  • Noun: A software package that replaces a particular version of a product with a newer version of the same product.
  • Verb: To update existing program files, folders, and registry entries to a more recent version by using Setup.exe from the installation media. Upgrading leaves existing files and settings intact, in contrast to when you perform a new installation in which all files are deleted and then reinstalled.

In this guide

This guide covers the following:

  • Overview of SP1
  • Before you deploy SP1
    • Obtain the installation files
    • Perform predeployment tasks
    • Review changes to SP1 functionality
  • Planning to Deploy SP1
    • Application compatibility
    • Installation options
  • Deploying SP1
    • Small-scale scenarios
    • Large-scale scenarios
  • Uninstalling SP1
  • Troubleshooting

Overview of SP1

Windows Vista SP1 is a set of updates and fixes for Windows Vista that addresses feedback from our customers (in addition to the improvements that are delivered to users through Windows Update). In addition to including previously released updates, SP1 focuses on specific reliability and performance issues, support for new types of hardware, and support for a few emerging technology standards. Note that although SP1 is not intended to be a vehicle for releasing new features, some existing components do gain enhanced functionality through SP1. For more information about SP1, see the following Microsoft TechNet articles:

Before you deploy SP1

Complete the following steps before you deploy SP1:

  • Obtain the installation files.
  • Perform predeployment tasks.
  • Review changes to SP1 functionality.

Obtain the installation files

Obtain the SP1 files by using one of the following methods:

  • Windows Update. Windows Update contains SP1, so SP1 will be installed automatically on computers that are set to receive automatic updates. However, before SP1 is installed, the user must accept the Microsoft Software License Terms.
  • Stand-alone package. You can download SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=107075.
  • Integrated installation. SP1 is integrated into the Windows Vista installation DVD, and it is also available as part of the media kit for Volume License customers as well as TechNet and MSDN subscribers. Microsoft recommends that you not create your own integrated installation images by installing SP1 on a Windows Vista computer and then capturing the image.

Perform predeployment tasks

Perform the following tasks before you install SP1. If you are installing SP1 by using Windows Update, be sure to perform these tasks before you accept the Microsoft Software License Terms.

  • Check disk space requirements. The following table lists the approximate disk space requirements for the system partition. Note that these requirements will increase if there are language packs on your computer. For more information about each method, see Installation options.
Installation method Approximate disk space requirements

Stand-alone installation
  • x86-based: 2,500 MB to 5,450 MB
  • x64-based: 4,100 MB to 7,850 MB

Windows Update
  • x86-based: 1,200 MB
  • x64-based: 1,500 MB

Integrated installation
  • 15 GB
Note
For more information about system requirements for Windows Vista, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=108506.

Note

SP1 is supported only for x64-based and x86-based computers.

  • Back up important data. For Windows Update and stand-alone installations, Setup automatically takes a system restore point before the installation of SP1 begins, which backs up system files. However, you may want to back up any user data before you begin installing SP1.

  • Read the release notes (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=107076).

  • Ensure that drivers are up to date. Check Windows Update and the hardware vendor for updated drivers. This is especially important if you are installing the stand-alone package, because if the computer has a problematic driver, the computer may have changed or impaired capability after SP1 is installed (and you will not receive a warning that a problematic driver is installed). With Windows Update, computers that have problematic drivers will not be offered SP1 until the computer installs the appropriate drivers. If you are performing an integrated installation by using the DVD, you will not encounter these problems. For more information including a list of problematic drivers, see the “Method for Cause 5” section of KB article 948343 (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=115521).

  • Disconnect any serial cables connected to UPS devices. If you have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to your destination computer by a serial cable, remove that connection before running Setup. Setup detects devices that are connected to serial ports, and UPS devices can cause problems with the detection process. You can leave your computer connected to a UPS for power as long as the UPS itself is plugged in. However, you should make sure that you have enough power for the entire installation, which can take a long time.

  • Uninstall any prerelease versions of SP1. Microsoft does not support upgrading to this version of SP1 from any prerelease version of SP1. To uninstall a prerelease version, follow the steps in the Uninstalling SP1 section of this guide.

  • Plug laptops into an AC power source.

  • Check for file corruption issues. To ensure that your computer does not have any file corruption issues, we recommend that you run Check Disk (Chkdsk.exe) and System File Checker (SFC.exe) by using the following procedure.
    To fix corrupted file issues

    1. Open an elevated Command Prompt window (click the Start button, type command in the Start Search box, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator).

    2. Run the following command (assuming that C is the system drive): chkdsk c: /F

    3. After the command in step 2 completes, run the SFC /Scannow command.

Review changes to SP1 functionality

The following section outlines some of the changes in SP1. For a more complete list of the changes, see the Microsoft TechNet article "Selected improvements in Windows Vista SP1" (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=107077).

The Windows OPK and AIK

The Windows OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK) and the Windows AIK have been updated for SP1. These kits include two new tools that you should use when creating images:

  • Boot critical driver tool (PostReflect.exe). PostReflect is a command-line tool that is used to reflect all boot-critical device drivers out of the driver store in an offline image (see Terminology used in this guide for a definition of "offline"). Driver reflection is the process of installing a driver on a computer that may or may not have a device for that driver. Typically, this involves copying the driver files to the destination location so that the driver can be loaded by the operating system during the boot process. If all of the boot-critical drivers are reflected in the image, it can be deployed to various hardware configurations. After applying SP1 online and creating an image for the computer, you must run this tool on the offline Windows image. This is necessary because SP1 contains boot-critical drivers for the hardware abstraction layer (HAL) and matching changes to the kernel. If the updated versions of boot-critical drivers for the HAL and the kernel are not correctly installed on the computer that you are deploying SP1 to, the operating system will not boot on that computer or on any computer that has a different CPU or hardware configuration.
  • Windows Vista SP1 File Removal tool (Vsp1cln.exe). Vsp1cln.exe is an optional tool that you can run after you install SP1. This tool removes older versions of components that have been updated in SP1, which are stored during the installation in case you need to uninstall SP1 later. Saving these older components increases the amount of disk space that is used. Typically, you should run Vsp1cln.exe if you want to reclaim this disk space after applying SP1 and if you will not need to uninstall SP1. Note, however, that you cannot uninstall SP1 after you run this tool. You can use this tool both online and offline, but you must have SP1 installed and you must use the correct version of the tool. If you are running this file on an offline image, you should use the Vsp1cln.exe included in the Windows OPK or AIK. However, if you are running this file online (on a computer that you are booted into), you should use the Vsp1cln.exe file located at %windir%\system32\vsp1cln.exe.

To download the Windows AIK, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=54863. To obtain the OPK, contact your Technical Account Manager.

Group Policy management tools

After you install SP1, you will be temporarily unable to manage domain-based Group Policy from that computer because of the following changes:

  • The Group Policy Management Console (GPMC) will be uninstalled.
  • Gpedit.msc will default to the Local Group Policy Editor.

Because of these changes, use Remote Desktop to connect to another computer to manage Group Policy. Shortly after the release of Windows Server 2008, an updated GPMC with greater functionality will be released as part of the Remote Server Administration Tools (RSAT). The updated GPMC will include the ability to use Starter Group Policy objects (GPOs), which enable you to configure common scenarios more easily. It will also include more powerful search and filter capabilities to make it easier to find and edit settings and add comments about the settings (or the GPO itself), as well as to set Group Policy Preferences (also known as PolicyMaker) to further enhance the manageability of Group Policy. For more information about Group Policy Preferences, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=103735.

For more information about these changes, see the release notes (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=107076) and the Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Overview (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=100279).

Planning to Deploy SP1

To determine which SP1 deployment scenario or combination of scenarios is best for your organization, consider the following questions. Note that the Microsoft Deployment Toolkit documentation (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=108442) contains best practices and tools to help you answer questions about integrated image installation. For example, you should consider the following questions.

  • Are you updating existing computers that are running Windows Vista, performing new installations, or upgrading a previous version of Windows to Windows Vista?
  • Which installation option should I use?
  • Where will the service pack files be stored?
  • Are there any impacts on my change and configuration management processes?
  • How should I test and validate the service pack or image installations before deployment?
  • What network capacity will you need to ensure that the service pack deployment does not adversely affect the network or cause significant performance issues for other business applications?
  • How do I determine that the service pack was successfully installed?

Application compatibility

Application Compatibility Toolkit (ACT) 5.0 helps you identify and manage your overall application portfolio, which reduces the cost and time involved in resolving issues. Among many other features, ACT 5.0 has a new integrated interface that enables you to manage the entire toolkit from a single location, and an SP1 reporting node. In addition, you can run ACT 5.0 in your current environment (including Windows operating systems from Windows 2000 onward) so that you can test all operating system configurations before you begin deployment. For more information, and to download ACT 5.0, see "Application Compatibility" (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=71359).

Installation options

There are three ways that you can deploy SP1, as explained in the following table.

Method Explanation

Installing SP1 by using Windows Update

In a Windows Update installation, Windows Update downloads the applicable portions of the service pack to the destination computer and works within the operating system to install the service pack. This method requires relatively low bandwidth and minimizes network traffic because only the changes needed for a specific computer are applied.

This method is used in Scenario 1: Installing by using Windows Update.

Installing SP1 by using the stand-alone installation

In a stand-alone installation, you install the service pack to upgrade computers that already have an operating system. The download size of the stand-alone package is larger than the package applied with Windows Update. This method is recommended for the following situations:

  • Applying SP1 to computers with limited or no Internet connectivity.
  • Applying the service pack to more than one computer by using deployment tools such as Systems Management Server (SMS) 2003, WSUS Server, System Center Essentials, or System Center Configuration Manager 2007.

This method is used in the following scenarios:

  • Scenario 2: Installing the stand-alone package
  • Scenario 4: Deploying by using WSUS
  • Scenario 6: Deploying by using SMS or System Center Configuration Manager

Installing SP1 by using the integrated installation

In an integrated installation (also known as a "slipstream installation"), the service pack is integrated into the operating system, and therefore the operating system and service pack are installed simultaneously. Use the integrated installation to upgrade computers running Windows XP and to perform clean installations on computers that do not have an operating system. You cannot use the integrated installation to upgrade computers running Windows Vista to SP1. For an overview of supported upgrade paths from previous versions of Windows, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=100331.

If you choose this option, you cannot uninstall the service pack when the installation is complete. Instead, you would need to reinstall the entire operating system.

This method is used in the following scenarios:

  • Scenario 3: Creating or updating a custom image
  • Scenario 5: Deploying by using Windows Deployment Services

Deploying SP1

The following scenarios describe some of the ways that you can deploy SP1.

Small-scale scenarios

  • Scenario 1: Installing by using Windows Update
  • Scenario 2: Installing the stand-alone package

Large-scale scenarios

  • Scenario 3: Creating or updating a custom image
  • Scenario 4: Deploying by using WSUS
  • Scenario 5: Deploying by using Windows Deployment Services
  • Scenario 6: Deploying by using SMS or System Center Configuration Manager

Small-scale scenarios

The following scenarios are applicable to businesses and individuals who want to deploy SP1 to a relatively small number of computers.

In this section:

  • Scenario 1: Installing by using Windows Update
  • Scenario 2: Installing the stand-alone package

Scenario 1: Installing by using Windows Update

This method of installation is for individual users who are currently running Windows Vista and have configured Windows Update to download and install updates. To install SP1 by using Windows Update, you may need to install as many as four prerequisite updates: KB949939, KB937287, KB935509, and KB938371. These are permanent packages designed to ensure that the computer will still function properly if SP1 is later uninstalled. If your computer is not receiving SP1 from Windows Update, see KB article 948343 at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=115521 for possible reasons.

To install the service pack by using Windows Update

  1. Ensure that you are connected to the Internet.

  2. Do one of the following:

    • If your computer is set to install updates automatically, when prompted, follow the instructions to install SP1.
    • To initiate the installation manually, perform steps 3 through 7.

Note

Because of the prerequisite updates, if you do not initiate the installation, it may take more than five days before you are prompted to install SP1 (one day for each prerequisite, and one or more days to begin the download of SP1). Also note that SP1 will not be offered to any computer that has a known problematic driver. For more information including a list of problematic drivers, see the “Method for Cause 5” section of KB article 948343 (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=115521).

  1. Click Start, click Control Panel, double-click Windows Update, and then click Check for Updates. The following updates will be offered one at a time if they are not already installed:

    • KB949939 (This update may require a restart.)
    • KB937287 (This update may require a restart.)
    • KB935509 (This update is only for computers running Windows Vista Enterprise or Windows Vista Ultimate and requires a restart.)
    • KB938371 (This update requires a restart.)

    Repeat this step until you have installed each of these prerequisite updates, each time waiting 10 to 15 minutes for the installation of the update to complete.

  2. Click Start, click Control Panel, double-click Windows Update, and then click Check for Updates.

  3. Select the SP1 update (KB936330). If there are other updates displayed, make sure that SP1 is the only update selected, and then click Install.

  4. After Setup downloads the update, accept the Microsoft Software License Terms and then click Install.

  5. Setup will begin the installation. When prompted, click Restart now. During this second installation phase, Setup will prevent you from logging on while the service pack is being installed. The installer will automatically restart the computer several times during this process.

Warning

Do not restart the computer or turn the power off, even if the computer remains in an unknown state for a long time. If you do, the computer may go into an unbootable state.

  1. When the Windows logon prompt appears, this indicates that Setup is completed. At this time, you can log on to the computer.

  2. To confirm that SP1 is installed, right-click Computer and then click Properties. You will find a reference to the service pack in the Windows Edition section.

Scenario 2: Installing the stand-alone package by using the installer executable file

The installer executable file contains every file necessary to install the service pack. This file is self-extracting, and you can run it either from the command line or by double-clicking the file within Windows Explorer. The executable file will automatically install the following updates if they are not already installed:

  • KB937287*
  • KB937954
  • KB935509*
  • KB938371*
  • KB936330 (SP1)

Note

KB937287, KB935509, and KB938371 are permanent packages and cannot be uninstalled. These packages are permanent to ensure that the computer will still function properly if SP1 is later uninstalled.

Note

The KB949939 update is not required and it will not be installed when installing using the stand-alone package.

To install SP1 by using the stand-alone package

  1. Ensure that your drivers are up to date. If there is a problematic driver on the computer, you will not receive a warning or error preventing you from installing SP1. For more information including a list of problematic drivers, see the “Method for Cause 5” section of KB article 948343 (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=115521).

  2. Copy or download the installation file (Windows6.0-KB936330-X86.exe or Windows6.0-KB936330-X64.exe) to a computer. You can download SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=107075.

  3. To run the package, use the command-line options listed later in this section, or double-click the file within Windows Explorer. It may take several minutes to extract the installation files, and even longer if you are installing SP1 by using a shared network resource.

  4. Follow the instructions in the Setup wizard.

  5. After the first phase of installation is complete, the computer will automatically restart. During this second installation phase, Setup will prevent you from logging on while the service pack is being installed. The installer will restart the computer several times during this phase.

  6. Setup is complete when you are presented with the Windows logon prompt. At this time, you can log on to the computer.

  7. To confirm that SP1 is installed, right-click Computer and then click Properties. You will find a reference to the service pack in the Windows Edition section.

Command-line options

Use the options listed and described in the following table to define the way SP1 is installed. You can precede the following options with either a forward slash (/) or a hyphen (-). Note that the options are not case-sensitive, and XXX stands for either x86 or x64.

Syntax:

windows6.0-kb936330-XXX.exe [/quiet] [/nodialog] [/norestart]

windows6.0-kb936330-XXX.exe [/quiet] [/nodialog] [/forcerestart | /warnrestart[:<Seconds>]] [/promptrestart]

For example, to run the installation file in quiet mode without restarting the computer, type windows6.0-kb936330-x86.exe /quiet /norestart.

Options Description

/forcerestart

If a restart is required, this option forces any open applications or documents to close.

/nodialog

Suppresses the success or failure dialog box at the end of the installation.

/norestart

Does not restart the computer after the installation is complete, even if a restart is required to complete the installation. You should use this option in conjunction with the /quiet option.

/promptrestart

If a restart is required, a dialog box notifies the user that a restart is required to complete Setup. You should use this option in conjunction with the /quiet option.

/quiet

Runs the installation in quiet mode. This mode shows no user interface during the installation of the updates. This is the same as unattended mode, except that the user interface is hidden. No prompts will appear during the installation process except the success or failure dialog box at the end of the installation. To suppress this dialog box, you must also specify the /nodialog option.

/unattend

Installs the service pack in unattended mode. Only critical error prompts and a progress bar will appear during the installation. For example, Microsoft Software License Terms is not shown, and the computer will be automatically restarted.

/warnrestart[:<seconds>]

If a restart is required, a dialog box notifies the user that the computer will restart in the specified number of seconds. The user can either cancel the restart or restart the computer immediately. The default setting for the automatic restart is 30 seconds.

/wsus

Returns a failure code if the previous installation attempt failed. This option is needed only when you are deploying SP1 in a Windows Server Update Services (WSUS), SMS, or System Center Configuration Manager environment, or in any non-Microsoft product that uses the Windows Update Agent to report installation success.

/? or /help

Displays command usage.

Large-scale scenarios

The following scenarios are applicable to businesses that want to deploy SP1 to multiple computers or deploy custom images, or both. We recommend that you use the SP1 integrated DVD to install SP1. Although it is not recommended, if you have custom Windows Vista images that you want to update, you can boot the Windows image, apply the service pack, and then recapture the image. This online method is the only way to update images with SP1; SP1 cannot be installed to or uninstalled from an offline image ofWindows Vista. You will need to obtain the latest version of the Windows OPK or Windows AIK.

The Microsoft Deployment Toolkit (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=95464) is the recommended methodology and solution to help you deploy Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. This toolkit can assist you in building and deploying custom images, including zero-touch deployments using Systems Management Server 2003 and System Center Configuration Manager 2007.

In this section:

  • Scenario 3: Creating or updating a custom image
  • Scenario 4: Deploying by using WSUS
  • Scenario 5: Deploying by using Windows Deployment Services
  • Scenario 6: Deploying by using SMS or System Center Configuration Manager

Scenario 3: Creating or updating a custom image

Use this installation method if you have an automated process for reproducing images.

When capturing custom images, you can use the updated Windows OPK or Windows AIK. To update an existing Windows Vista image, boot into the image and then update it with SP1. You can only use an online method to update images with SP1. Also, you cannot install or uninstall SP1 from an offline image ofWindows Vista. For example, there is no comparable support for the /integrate option from previous versions of Windows.

After you install SP1, you should test to ensure that all of your hardware devices function properly, and correct any problematic drivers. For information about how to correct problematic drivers, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=113062. Before you recapture the image, you must run Sysprep, Postrefllect.exe, and VSP1cln.exe (optionally). Note that when you run Vsp1cln.exe, you will not be able to uninstall SP1. For more specific instructions for this scenario, see "Install Windows Vista Service Pack 1" (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=113735). This topic is also included in the Windows AIK documentation (Waik.chm) and the OPK documentation (Opk.chm).

Scenario 4: Deploying by using WSUS

WSUS enables you to deploy the latest Microsoft product updates to computers running the Windows operating system. By using WSUS, you can fully manage the distribution of updates that are released through Microsoft Update to computers in your network. For general information about WSUS, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=94244.

Before you begin, note the following:

  • We recommend that you deploy the KB947821 update to your client computers before you deploy SP1. This update is available from the Microsoft Download Center (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=109180), and the Windows6.0-KB947821-XXX.msu file will ensure that each computer is ready to be updated.
  • If your WSUS server is running Windows Server 2003, you will need to install an update to ensure that SP1 is downloaded successfully. For more information, see Knowledge Base article 938759 (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=108519).
  • If your organization is using the Service Pack Blocker Tool to block the user from installing SP1, publishing the service pack to WSUS will automatically override the block, and SP1 will be installed.

Eventually, SP1 will synch automatically to your WSUS server as long as the server is configured to synchronize Windows Vista service packs. Until then, use the following steps to manually import the service pack from the Microsoft Update Catalog site. The package that is installed contains both the prerequisite packages and SP1. This entire package will be downloaded to each destination computer, unlike with Windows Update, where only the components that are needed for a specific computer are installed.

To manually import SP1

  1. Open the WSUS Administrator console, expand the Update Services node, and then expand the node for the WSUS server.

  2. Right-click the Updates node and click Import Updates.

  3. In the Microsoft Updates Catalog web site, search for Vista SP1.

  4. In the results, click Add to add the following updates to your basket: Windows Vista Service Pack 1 – Standalone (x86) and/or Windows Vista Service Pack 1 – Standalone (x64)

  5. Click View basket.

  6. Confirm your selections and click Import to import these packages.

Scenario 5: Deploying SP1 by using Windows Deployment Services

This scenario explains how to use Windows Deployment Services to install an integrated version of Windows Vista with SP1. However, it does not explain how to set up Windows Deployment Services. For more information, see the following step-by-step guides (depending on which version of Windows Deployment Services you have):

To deploy an image of Windows Vista with SP1, you can do either of the following:

  • Add the Install.wim image from the DVD that contains the integrated version of Windows Vista SP1 to your Windows Deployment Services server.
  • Create a customized install image from a reference computer, and then add it to your Windows Deployment Services server by using the following procedures.

To create a capture image and a reference computer

  1. Add the Boot.wim file located in the \Sources folder on the Windows Vista with SP1 DVD to your Windows Deployment Services server.

  2. Create a capture image from the Boot.wim file, and then add it to the Windows Deployment Services server.

  3. Create a reference computer that contains Windows Vista, SP1, and any programs and settings that you want to include in the image.

  4. At the command prompt, change directories to \Windows\System32\Sysprep.

  5. Run the following command: sysprep /oobe /generalize /reboot

  6. Run Postrefllect.exe and VSP1cln.exe offline by using the instructions in "Install Windows Vista Service Pack 1" (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=113735).

To create an install image that contains the new image

  1. Restart the computer, and then press F12.

  2. Select the capture image that you created in step 2 in the preceding procedure.

  3. In the Image Capture Wizard, select the appropriate drive, and then provide a name and description for the image. Click Next to continue.

Important

You will only see drives that contain operating systems prepared with Sysprep.

  1. Click Browse and then browse to a local location where you want to store the captured install image.

Important

You must enter a local location to save the new image; otherwise, you will not be able to capture the image. In the event of a network malfunction, this will prevent the image from being corrupted.

  1. Type a name for the image by using the .wim file name extension, and then click Save.

Important

You must use the .wim file name extension; otherwise, the capture will fail.

  1. Follow the rest of the instructions in the Image Capture Wizard.

  2. Now that you have the custom install image on your server, you can perform a Pre-Boot Execution Environment (PXE) boot on a client computer and install the image. For more information, use the steps in the "PXE booting a client to install an image" section in one of the following two guides (depending on the version of Windows Server that you have):

Scenario 6: Deploying SP1 by using SMS 2003 or System Center Configuration Manager

You can deploy SP1 with System Center Configuration Manager 2007, System Center Essentials, or SMS 2003. For a description of the options you can use to install SP1 (especially the /wsus option), see the Command-line options section earlier in this guide.

  • Configuration Manager 2007. You have two options when deploying SP1. The first option is to distribute the software by creating a software distribution package and advertisement. For more information about this option, see "Software Distribution in Configuration Manager" (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=109191). Or you can deploy SP1 as a software update by using Software Updates Management with Configuration Manager 2007. The main advantage to this second method is that there are no command-line settings to configure or detection logic to author. In Configuration Manager 2007, SP1 will be listed as an available update after a successful sync from the Software Update Point. For more about this option, see "Software Updates in Configuration Manager" (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=109202).
  • System Center Essentials. System Center Essentials is a new management solution in the System Center family of IT systems management products, specifically designed for IT professionals working in midsize businesses. For more information about System Center Essentials, download "Overview: System Center Essentials 2007" (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkID=89185).
  • SMS 2003. You have two options when deploying SP1. You can distribute the software by creating a software distribution package and advertisement. For more information about this option, see "Distribute Software" (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=109218). Or you can deploy SP1 as a software update by using the Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates (ITMU). For more information about deploying software updates by using SMS 2003 and ITMU, see the Microsoft TechNet article "SMS 2003 Inventory Tool for Microsoft Updates" (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=108463).

Before you begin deployment with any of these tools, note the following two issues:

First, when using Configuration Manager 2007 or SMS, if a computer has a problematic driver (as discussed previously in this guide), you will not receive a warning or error preventing you from installing on the computer. To minimize problematic driver issues for SP1, do the following:

  1. Prepare your Helpdesk staff with information about how to recognize and correct problematic driver issues.
  2. Test SP1 installations before deployment. If needed, install updated drivers from Windows Update or hardware vendors as they become available.
  3. Install the SP1 update on your Software Update Points.
  4. Configure Configuration Manager 2007 or SMS collections and your Software Update Points as needed, to deploy SP1 to client computers gradually.

For computers that have problematic drivers for which updates are not available, you will need to correct driver issues after installing SP1. For more information, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=113723.

Second, when using each of these tools on a computer running Windows Server 2003, you must install the KB938759 update https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=109188) to ensure that SP1 is downloaded successfully. For SMS and Configuration Manager, you must apply this update to every site server, software update point, and administration console. Note that this update is already included in Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, and that this update is not available for Windows XP. In addition, you must start the Distribute Software Update Wizard from a computer running Windows Server 2003 (with KB 938759 applied), Windows Vista, or Windows Server 2008.

Uninstalling SP1

You can remove SP1 by using either Programs and Features (in Control Panel) or the command line. Note, however, that you cannot uninstall SP1 offline by using any method. In addition, it is not possible to uninstall the permanent prerequisite updates (KB949939, KB937287, KB935509, and KB938371), although you can uninstall KB936330 and KB937954. You also cannot uninstall the service pack and other updates that were installed by using an integrated installation. For more information about uninstalling using the command line, see KB article 940410 at https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=115520.

To uninstall SP1 by using Programs and Features

  1. Open Control Panel, click Programs, and then click View Installed Updates.

  2. In the Microsoft Windows list, right-click Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB936330), and then click Uninstall.

  3. When prompted, restart the computer.

To uninstall SP1 by using the command line

  1. Open an elevated Command Prompt window (click Start, type command in the Start Search box, right-click Command Prompt, and then click Run as administrator).

  2. Run the following command (assuming that Windows6.0-KB936330.exe is in the C:\temp folder): C:\temp\Windows6.0-KB936330-X86.exe /x:C:\temp

  3. To create a sandbox (a virtual environment), type md <sandbox>.

  4. To remove SP1, type start /w pkgmgr.exe /m:c:\temp\Windows6.0-KB936330-X86.cab /up /s:<sandbox>.

  5. After Pkgmgr.exe completes, you will be prompted to restart the computer (unless you specified the /quiet command with Pkgmgr.exe).

Troubleshooting

To confirm that SP1 is installed, right-click Computer and then click Properties. You will find a reference to the service pack in the Windows Edition section.

If a hardware device does not function correctly after you install SP1, it may be because of a problematic driver. For a list of problematic drivers, see the “Method for Cause 5” section of KB article 948343 (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=115521). For information about how to fix driver issues, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=113062.

When installing SP1, some computers may run into issues that block the installation or otherwise cause it to fail. These issues may include the following:

  • A problematic driver
  • A hard disk that is corrupted
  • Memory failures
  • Software and file system synchronization issues. For performance reasons, the file system keeps a copy of the contents of some files in the memory, and it can take a while for these contents to be written back to the hard disk. Therefore, sometimes the contents of the files on the hard disk may be slightly out of synchronization with the memory.

To work around installation problems, perform the following steps in the specified order:

  1. Ensure that you do not have a problematic driver, see the “Method for Cause 5” section of KB article 948343 (https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=115521)
  2. Ensure that you have enough disk space, as specified in the "Check disk space requirements" table under Perform predeployment tasks earlier in this guide. Then restart the computer and try again to install SP1. This will ensure that all files are synchronized properly.
  3. If the installation still fails, open an elevated Command Prompt window, and then run the chkdsk /f command. The Chkdsk tool checks the file system and metadata for errors, and then it fixes the errors, if possible. Then try again to install SP1.
  4. If the installation still fails, open an elevated Command Prompt window, and then run the SFC /scannow command. The System File Checker tool scans all protected files to verify their versions, and then it updates these files, if possible. Then try again to install SP1.
  5. If the installation still fails, open an elevated Command Prompt window, and then run the MdSched.exe command. The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool tests the random access memory (RAM) on your computer for errors. Then try again to install SP1.
  6. If the installation still fails, download and extract the KB947821 update from the Microsoft Download Center. The Windows6.0-KB947821-XXX.msu file will ensure that the computer is ready to be updated. Then try again to install SP1. For information about this update, including information about how to obtain it, see https://go.microsoft.com/fwlink/?LinkId=109180.