Windows 7 SP1, All You Need To Know, And Do

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You can read the whole story here;http://www.ghacks.net/2011/02/20/windows-7-sp1-all-you-need-to-know-and-do/
IMHO I would wait for @ least 3 months before I would install such a heavy update.

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…And in the mean time, make a system imaged backup in the unforseen event the installation goes sideways.

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Shame on you – do you not have faith in Microsoft’s updates? !

BATcher

Plethora means a lot to me.

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SP1 has been running without problems for several days. Right along side IE 9 RC. Not a single glitch. (I did make a complete Image, before and after the install, pretty cheap insurance in my book. I love Images! How did I ever get along without them before discovering these wonderful apps?)

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Also, no problems so far on several systems @home & @work both 32-bit & 64-bit.

Joe

--Joe

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I was able to get the SP1 file from Windows Seven Forum. I actually downloaded the 64 Bit version from Content Delivery Network. Worked very well. I believe the update will be pushed through Microsoft Update om 2/22. The download servers may be overloaded so you could grab a copy as I did.

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I don’t care how reputable a download site is, I’m reluctant to download something as important as a service pack from a third party. :rolleyes: :huh:

Joe

--Joe

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I had three failed attempts before I finally had a successful update. And I was using the built-in update process. Not a very good “showing” for MS and their updating system, in my opinion anyway. I never had that much trouble with the service pack updates for XP. Oh well, 7 (and MS) is still working out the “kinks”.

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Mosy likely part of the failed attempts were the loading on the servers causing problems. Whenever a large update is anticipated, the servers become overloaded in a hurry.

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One machine done, SP1. No problem at all.

Two machines to go ! Jean.

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Both laptops done. Eventually will do desktop, but this is only a back up now, very seldom used. SP1 working well with both laptops, one Win 7 HP and one Win 7 Ultimate, both 64 Bit.

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See Windows 7 SP1 Disk Cleanup Tool – Windows 7 Forums for two methods to reclaim disk space after SP-1.

NOTE: Microsoft recommends this only after running with SP-1 installed for a few weeks.

Joe

--Joe

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Loungers may be interested to learn that it does NOT install IE9.

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Hello JoeP.

>>>NOTE: Microsoft recommends this only after running with SP-1 installed for a few weeks.

As a test (?), I emptied all that pertained to the SP1 install but only after making a clone. I have kept it all in the Bin, just in case !

I did a clone before SP1 and another clone after the delete of the Temp but on another USB HD, hazardous but not stupid. Two machines done now and narry a problem.

My 2¢ again. JP.

Well, all three machines done now, even this old P4. Not one hitch ! I nevertheless find that all PW and user’s name have to be entered again.

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That is correct IE 9 RC is a totally separate upgrade. Once IE 9 RTM is available I would assume it will be made available on Windows Update, but will still be a separate download.

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I see that notice of the SP1 update has come through on my machine, but it shows 73.6 to 892 MB. Holy Toledo Batman….. are there options in the download as to how much you get/need, and is there any option with MS to obtain it on CD like they did for one of the earlier Windows versions… might have been 98.

I know Woody is saying we don’t need it right away if we have all the updates installed….. I can take our laptops to my office and download there with the unlimited connection, but no way I can download 892 mb here on the desktop, with Hughes.net.

BJ

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I see that notice of the SP1 update has come through on my machine, but it shows 73.6 to 892 MB. Holy Toledo Batman….. are there options in the download as to how much you get/need, and is there any option with MS to obtain it on CD like they did for one of the earlier Windows versions… might have been 98.

I know Woody is saying we don’t need it right away if we have all the updates installed….. I can take our laptops to my office and download there with the unlimited connection, but no way I can download 892 mb here on the desktop, with Hughes.net.

BJ

Hi midnight. If you are up to date with all the patch fixes and security updates in Windows 7, then your installation of SP1 should be on the low end of the size scale. SP1 includes all system updates, bug fixes, and security updates since day one, so if you have those already installed, SP1 will see them and apply only the portions of SP1 you do not yet have installed.

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If you are up to date with all the patch fixes and security updates in Windows 7, then your installation of SP1 should be on the low end of the size scale.

I wondered if “IT” was smart enough to figure that out. That’s a relief!!

BJ

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Spent 8 hours on it as I’m on slow speed, all went well, up to getting back on line. MS didn’t carry forward my air card,my access to various bookmarks, and had to chase them done again. Still playing with it. To early to tell if I’m happy with it. :confused:Time will tell:rolleyes:

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I’ll let you know in a couple or three months…

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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Note: You can go to the Windows 7 & Server 2008 R2 SP-1 download page and download the complete service pack once. Then burn to a CD/DVD and you are set for multiple machines.

The .ISO file contains the X86, X64, & Itanium copies. You should check if you are running a 32-bit (X86) or 64-bit (X64) version of Windows 7. Then download the X86 .exe and/or the X64 .exe.

Joe

--Joe

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Note: You can go to the Windows 7 & Server 2008 R2 SP-1 download page and download the complete service pack once. Then burn to a CD/DVD and you are set for multiple machines. The .ISO file contains the X86, X64, & Itanium copies. You should check if you are running a 32-bit (X86) or 64-bit (X64) version of Windows 7. Then download the X86 .exe and/or the X64 .exe. Joe

The download page shows the following:

7601.17514.101119-1850_Update_Sp_Wave1-GRMSP1.1_DVD.iso
1953.3MB
Windows_Win7SP1.7601.17514.101119-1850.AMD64CHK.Symbols.msi
262.7MB
Windows_Win7SP1.7601.17514.101119-1850.AMD64FRE.Symbols.msi
287.8MB
Windows_Win7SP1.7601.17514.101119-1850.X86CHK.Symbols.msi
294.5MB
Windows_Win7SP1.7601.17514.101119-1850.X86FRE.Symbols.msi
330.6MB
windows6.1-KB976932-X64.exe
903.2MB
windows6.1-KB976932-X86.exe
537.8MB

I am ‘assuming’ that the one in purple is the one I want for my 64bit system, but why does it say Windows 6.1???

BJ

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Windows XP was Windows v.4, The OS Whose Name Must Not Be Spoken was Windows v.5, and Windows 7 is v.6

Zig

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The download page shows the following:

I am ‘assuming’ that the one in purple is the one I want for my 64bit system, but why does it say Windows 6.1???

BJ

Your assumption is accurate, midnight. As to why it is named that way, I can only guess….maybe the person responsible at MS grew tired by the time he/she typed all the others into the page. 😉

Seriously though, I really don’t know why they left out Win7SP1 from the final two file names. Good question; I wondered the same thing. :cheers:

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I’m setting up a Dell Inspiron 580 midtower to dual-boot Home Premium and Ultimate (had a house fire January 4, only my trusty D800 Latitude in its Dell case survived – and all the family; we’re all fine. But that gave me an unused license for my Retail Ultimate).

The Dell got delivered on 2-19, and I added a 1TB drive, giving it two. I’ve been slowly adding my programs to the Home Premium in between actually using it for useful work, and in my spare time installing Ultimate and getting drivers, programs etc. installed on the other drive.

Windows Update offers SP1 for the Ultimate installation, but not for the Home Premium installation. Curious…

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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I’m setting up a Dell Inspiron 580 midtower to dual-boot Home Premium and Ultimate (had a house fire January 4, only my trusty D800 Latitude in its Dell case survived – and all the family; we’re all fine. But that gave me an unused license for my Retail Ultimate).

Sorry about the terrible news. I’m glad everyone is OK. Hope you’ll be back in your house shortly.

Sorry to have gone off topic!

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Windows Update offers SP1 for the Ultimate installation, but not for the Home Premium installation. Curious…

The Home Premium installation had SP1 offered to it through Windows Update today just before lunch.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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As I stated previously, I would normally wait a couple or three months before installing a Service Pack.

But it occurred to me (duh!) that I’m in the process of setting up a new machine, so I really don’t have much that’s in peril just yet. I still have all my images (from which I can pluck files) from my 32-bit installations, but I’m having to migrate to 64-bit. And I’ve rescued four hard drives that the fire didn’t damage (you’ve gotta love those sealed cases!) because the midtowers were on the floor and apparrently didn’t get that hot. I can get at everything on those drives just by opening the Dell’s side and plugging in.

I downloaded the full version of SP1 for 64-bit and installed it from the hard drive on the Ultimate installation first, with no problems. Then I installed it on the Home Premium installation, and again, no problems. I didn’t time either one, but it was a good 30 minutes or better on each.

I did note after the installation that when running an Administrators Group account, there is no UAC popup requiring a click on the “Yes” button when you want to shuffle some files around or some such. I noticed that on the Ultimate installation first, since I only have one account on that installation so far, not much installed yet. Then I confirmed it on an Administrators Group account on the Home Premium installation.

I plan on carving up the Ultimate installation as in Set 7 Free soon, and then I’ll install the rest of my apps on that side.

So I have no problems to report with SP1, but this is a new machine with not much use on it yet. And I’ve used Revo Uninstaller on it to get rid of all the trialware, McAfee, and the useless “helper” apps that come on an OEM PC, even one that is built to spec with no software extras ordered.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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I have 3 machines all running Win 7 Home Premium x86. I installed SP1 on 2 from Windows Update with no problems, on the third machine however it scrambled my video drivers.

The problem machine is a Pentium 4 with an AGP video card. The Device Manager shows an ATI Radeon HD 4670 display adapter with a yellow flag and the message:

“Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43).” All I get for drivers are the default VGA drivers. After Updating the driver software I get the following message:

“The best driver software for your device is already installed. Windows has determined the driver software for your device is up to date.” ATI Radeon HD 4600 Series

It seems that the video card and drivers are present, but they cannot find each other.

Any thoughts?

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“Windows has stopped this device because it has reported problems. (Code 43).” All I get for drivers are the default VGA drivers. After Updating the driver software I get the following message:

“The best driver software for your device is already installed. Windows has determined the driver software for your device is up to date.” ATI Radeon HD 4600 Series

It seems that the video card and drivers are present, but they cannot find each other.

Any thoughts?

Go to the video card manufacturer’s support site to locate the latest drivers for the card. If you use the driver update in Device Manager, Windows is going to look for MS signed drivers and the one you have now may be the latest MS can offer.

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Go to the video card manufacturer’s support site to locate the latest drivers for the card. If you use the driver update in Device Manager, Windows is going to look for MS signed drivers and the one you have now may be the latest MS can offer.

I had the latest drivers installed and working fine before I tried the update. When I did the driver update I searched for drivers located on my computer. I’m assuming what was found was the pre-existing driver package. The card is there and so are the drivers, just not connecting.

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Then look at uninstalling the video card in Device Manager, and reboot to allow Windows to reinstall the video card to see if that corrects the problem. If not, uninstall the ATI video drivers from Programs and Features, reboot to allow the generic VGA driver to take over, and then reinstall the ATI driver, downloading it again if need be. The card and driver may find one another after that.

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Then look at uninstalling the video card in Device Manager, and reboot to allow Windows to reinstall the video card to see if that corrects the problem. If not, uninstall the ATI video drivers from Programs and Features, reboot to allow the generic VGA driver to take over, and then reinstall the ATI driver, downloading it again if need be. The card and driver may find one another after that.

OK, did that and I’m still showing the ATI video card and the new drivers, but the card only works with the VGA drivers.

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OK, did that and I’m still showing the ATI video card and the new drivers, but the card only works with the VGA drivers.

Install the video drivers from the setup package you download from AMD/ATI. Don’t try to update the driver through Device Manager.

Always create a fresh drive image before making system changes/Windows updates; you may need to start over!

We all have our own reasons for doing the things that we do with our systems; we don't need anyone's approval, and we don't all have to do the same things.

We were all once "Average Users".

Computer Specs

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Install the video drivers from the setup package you download from AMD/ATI. Don’t try to update the driver through Device Manager.

Ok I installed the drivers from the installation disc that came with the video card, it was working just fine with Win 7 before I installed SP 1. Another curiosity is that I have an ATI Radeon PCIe video card in one of the computers that accepted SP1 without a hitch. Can it be that an AGP card is a problem with SP1?

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Ok I installed the drivers from the installation disc that came with the video card, it was working just fine with Win 7 before I installed SP 1. Another curiosity is that I have an ATI Radeon PCIe video card in one of the computers that accepted SP1 without a hitch. Can it be that an AGP card is a problem with SP1?

Have you actually gone to AMD/ATI and downloaded/installed the most recent drivers for the card as bbearren and I recommended? The drivers that came with your video card could be two versions behind the latest available on their web site.

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Have you actually gone to AMD/ATI and downloaded/installed the most recent drivers for the card as bbearren and I recommended? The drivers that came with your video card could be two versions behind the latest available on their web site.

Thanks for all the help. I’ll go to the AMD/ATI site and get the latest driver package. in the meantime I’m going to restore an image that was made before I tried the SP1 update.

I’ll let you you know the outcome shortly.

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Have you actually gone to AMD/ATI and downloaded/installed the most recent drivers for the card as bbearren and I recommended? The drivers that came with your video card could be two versions behind the latest available on their web site.

The latest update:

I restored my system from an image created before I tried the SP1 update, everything is working just fine. I tried the latest driver package from the AMD/ATI driver download page for an AGP card. That software put me back to where video/drivers quit working. I did a restore and everything is working well. My conclusion is that SP1 doesn’t like an AGP video display adapter/drivers.

I’m going to call it quits and do without SP1 on this computer. My AGP Radeon 4670 works great on Win 7 as installed with drivers from the installation disc.

Thanks to all for the help.

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I just installed sp1 on a 32-bit system. All went smoothly, with not a single glitch, and the entire process took less than 45 minutes, including a 61.2MB download. I did take the precaution (thanks to Loungers) of updating an ATI video driver first, and I also made a disk image using Macrium before the update. So far, all is well. Now to tackle a couple of 64-bit systems.

Fafner

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The latest update:

I restored my system from an image created before I tried the SP1 update, everything is working just fine. I tried the latest driver package from the AMD/ATI driver download page for an AGP card. That software put me back to where video/drivers quit working. I did a restore and everything is working well. My conclusion is that SP1 doesn’t like an AGP video display adapter/drivers.

I’m going to call it quits and do without SP1 on this computer. My AGP Radeon 4670 works great on Win 7 as installed with drivers from the installation disc.

To be sure I am understanding correctly, after your restored the image, everything worked fine again, and after updating the video driver from the web site, the problem returned even though you did not reapply SP1? If I have correctly understood that the new driver was responsible for messing things up even without installing SP1, then I have some more suggestions for you.

Have you checked to see if your motherboard manufacturer supports you motherboard as Windows 7 compatible? I realize you have been successfully running Windows 7 on your PC, but you may have been lucky. I have a machine whose motherboard is not supported by Intel as Windows 7 compatible, but that machine does run Windows 7 at this time. If the motherboard is not supported, it just means there is no guarantee it will reliably run Windows 7, and the manufacturer does not offer any support if you do have problems. I do not know how my machine will react to future updated drivers or to SP1, as I have yet to apply it.

Has the motherboard manufacturer issued updated Chipset Device Drivers for your motherboard? If so, if you have not downloaded and installed them it would be a good idea to do so.

Also, if you have not updated your BIOS for some time, I would do so. The reason it is important at some point to install SP1 is that as Windows 7 matures, MS will drop support of non SP updated Windows 7 first, and users with SP1 installed will continue to receive bug fixes and security update support. For example, only users of XP SP3 continue to enjoy security updates until 2014. Users of XP, XP SP1 and XP SP2 are out in the cold.

Of course it is not imperative to install SP1 at this time, and you may retire this machine before any of the above becomes an issue for you.

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To be sure I am understanding correctly, after your restored the image, everything worked fine again, and after updating the video driver from the web site, the problem returned even though you did not reapply SP1? If I have correctly understood that the new driver was responsible for messing things up even without installing SP1, then I have some more suggestions for you.

Have you checked to see if your motherboard manufacturer supports you motherboard as Windows 7 compatible? I realize you have been successfully running Windows 7 on your PC, but you may have been lucky. I have a machine whose motherboard is not supported by Intel as Windows 7 compatible, but that machine does run Windows 7 at this time. If the motherboard is not supported, it just means there is no guarantee it will reliably run Windows 7, and the manufacturer does not offer any support if you do have problems. I do not know how my machine will react to future updated drivers or to SP1, as I have yet to apply it.

Of course it is not imperative to install SP1 at this time, and you may retire this machine before any of the above becomes an issue for you.

You are correct in your understanding of the process that I went through.

I will pursue your suggestion to check with the motherboard (ECS 648FX-A2) manufacturer for chipset and bios updates, however, I may retire this machine before it becomes in need of SP1.

I am waiting now for the re-issue of motherboards with the P67 chipset for my next build.

Thanks again for the suggestions,

duncan

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You are correct in your understanding of the process that I went through.

I will pursue your suggestion to check with the motherboard (ECS 648FX-A2) manufacturer for chipset and bios updates, however, I may retire this machine before it becomes in need of SP1.

I am waiting now for the re-issue of motherboards with the P67 chipset for my next build.

Thanks again for the suggestions,

duncan

Problem solved.

The reply from the motherboard manufacturer:

“ECS Support(USA) Posted : GMT 2011/03/02 23:51:43 1. This motherboard is not even certified for VISTA and certainly not WIN_7.”

It’s actually doing quite well with Windows 7. I’ll just do without SP1.

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