Microsoft has begun to release some details on the enhancements that they intend to bring with Windows Vista Service Pack 2. As we reported on Neowin last week, Microsoft has released an early beta build of Vista SP2 to testers weighing in at around 290MB. The reason why the file size is so much smaller then SP1 is that SP2 will require SP1 to be installed before upgrading and this is something Microsoft intends to carry through to the final product. This is a departure from Microsoft's past service pack philosophy that was used in Windows XP and Windows 2000, where each new package included all of the fixes from the previous versions.
Starting October 29, SP2 will be available to customers of the Technology Adoption Program. Microsoft intends a public release in the first half of 2009. After feedback from the beta program has come in, they state that they will use that data to better set a schedule for the final release.
What hasn't been talked about much is that Windows Vista SP2 will also be Windows Server 2008 SP2, embodied in a single service pack which Microsoft said, on their Springboard Series blog, "continues the single serviceability model established with the Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 RTM release. This approach helps reduce the testing and deployment complexity for our customers."
Windows Server 2008 RTM (release to manufacturing) is labeled as "Service Pack 1" in the about dialog, so when Microsoft releases SP2 it will actually be the first true service pack for that operating system.
In addition to building on top of all of the fixes and enhancements included in Windows Vista SP1 and in Windows Server 2008 RTM, Service Pack 2 will feature:
- Support for VIA 64-bit CPUs
- Support for Bluetooth 2.1.
- Support for ICCD/CCID smart cards.
- Support for native Blu-Ray media recording.
- Windows Connect Now (WCN), a new tool to assist in connecting to Wi-Fi networks.
- ex-FAT file system, supporting UTC timestamps to ensure correct file synchronization across time zones.
- Windows Search 4.0 integration.
- Improved support for resuming with active Wi-Fi connections.
Microsoft plans to retain full backwards compatibility on Windows Vista SP2 with applications that run on Windows Vista and Windows Vista SP1 and are written using public APIs. They recommend that companies who intend on adopting Windows Vista SP1, plan to deploy SP2 when it becomes available.
Yeah. That's one word for it
Then simply copy your CD to the hard disk, slipstream then SP and reburn the CD. Job done. When the next SP comes out, repeat with the last copy.
Except you failed to mention that you CANNOT slipstream a Vista CD. (Officially)
Microsoft has stated that it is a design goal to let customers slipstream SP2. It wasn't possible with SP1 due to changes in the servicing stack.
I really hope they have a new 'Feature Pack' as well soon. I remember they are going foward with separate 'Service' and 'Feature' packs. So that'd be interesting.
No, XP has the "Wireless Network Setup Wizard" and the "Wireless Network Connection" apps. There is no app named "Windows Connect Now" bundled with XP.
However, I do see your point: XP's WiFI apps work just fine, so why did Microsoft need to re-invent the wheel for Vista, and the again for Vista SP2, right? Don't ask me. I don't understand why we even needed Vista in the first place.
I'll switch from XP when Windows 7 is mature or when XP stops being widely supported, and not before then.
I'm sure they'll release an official SP2 integrated disc but this is just gives me another bad taste in my mouth regarding Vista. I refuse to install an OS (that comes preloaded with a service pack) only to be prompted upon first login to install ANOTHER service pack. We're going forward in reverse.
I install Vista (SP1) and run Windows Update, it will prompt me install to install SP2, hence what I meant "prompted upon first login to install ANOTHER service pack". Maybe I should have said, the first time I run Windows Update I am prompted to download & install another 300+ MB download.
All I'm asking is the ability to easily install an OS with the latest SP slipstreamed as to avoid hours of post-install configuration. I'm not bashing Vista, just want to make things easier. I wonder if Win 7 will have the same methodology with service packs.
The fact it can't currently be done by any official means.
You're right, it can't, because it's not available yet.
Nobody in any position of authority has given any indications that you won't be able to slipstream SP2.
In fact, there is more evidence that you will be able to than the other way around.
It's a service pack, not a new operating system. I'm sure there will be performance and stability improvements, as with every other service pack in history.
And no slipstreaming?!
This question would be best answered by you... seems you are the one who does not understand...
"The reason why the file size is so much smaller then SP1 is that SP2 will require SP1 to be installed before upgrading and this is something Microsoft intends to carry through to the final product."
I read it that way... but some people just love to jump on someone else to make themselves feel superior.
Yeah. So the VIA 64-bit CPU's are unsupported. How the heck are you suppose to install Vista onto a VIA 64-bit system if it is unsupported. You can't even get the update that adds support. The only thing I can think of is you would have to get a SP2 slipstream from Microsoft.
And once again, Microsoft earns their money!
NT didn't force you to install each one individually; I don't know where this is coming from but it's wrong.
You will be able to slipstream SP2 onto a Vista SP1 DVD, if you have one. You won't have to use third-party tools to do the slipstreaming (though you may still need some for imaging/burning of course).
You will not be able to slipstream SP2 onto a Vista RTM DVD.
This is according to MS at the end of the SP1 beta.
By the time this comes out, virtually all Vista machines will have SP1 already, so updating straight to SP2 will not be a problem. New installs may be annoying if you are still using a Vista RTM DVD to install. In that case, you should look into just ordering a Vista SP1/SP2 DVD (media only) if you want to save time (assuming you don't already have access to one), shouldn't cost very much.
Or "bated breath" even.
Anyway, will it be possible to slipstream, first SP1 then SP2 into Vista with Vlite or something?
You can NOT slipstream Vista - sure there are third party tools that work somewhat but thanks to Microsoft you can NOT slipstream Vista as you easily could with XP. You'll have to download an already slipstreamed version of the OS via ISO from Microsoft or purchase it.
If you have the already slipstreamed SP1 ISO then you'll simply have to install it, then after a regular install apply vistasp2.exe (fake name) and as someone stated 2-3 hours later you'll be up and running with the latest.
Then when or if SP3 comes out you'll have to do it all over again, either by using that Vista SP1 Slipstreamed ISO then to SP2 with exe then to SP3 with exe OR download from Microsoft the already slipstreamed SP1/SP2 ISO slipstreamed then use the SP3 exe so then your install to be updated would be a good 4-5 hours later...
So when it's all said and done you best find your best imaging program and keep an already installed version ready to go to save yourself 8 hours when SP4 comes out... LOL
I just can't understand why they don't come out with an image instead of an install CD/DVD and then you could install Linux or even Windows in less than 4-8 minutes and have it discover all your hardware upon first reboot and ask for driver media if needed and this would end all the wasted hours of putting an OS down...
Last edited by Cellar Dweller on 27 Oct 2008 - 17:39
http://www.labnol.org/software/tutorials/s...ntegrated/2750/
http://www.labnol.org/software/tutorials/s...ntegrated/2750/
Because they come back to bite you in the butt later on when they take out something or change something. I know for a good while nlite would totally screw up a sysprep install because it would break the digital signatures on the files. Its not worth risking doing all that work over again later.
anywho i dont care i will integrate it myself so no worries
Somebody really needs to check their facts here. I know for certain that NT 4.0 SP6a includes all previous fixes, and so does NT 3.51 SP5.
"Windows NT 3.51 Workstation and Server U.S. Service Pack 5 is a cumulative build of all fixes to Windows NT Workstation"
"Service Pack releases are cumulative: they contain all previous fixes and any new fixes made to the system."
Now, NT service packs could not be slipstreamed however. Perhaps that's what the author was thinking of.
because you are required to install all important and recomanded updates before proceeding
Not true. Only on systems with certain drivers are you required to install 1-2 pre-SP1 updates to avoid issues after installing SP1.
Having Vista SP2 require Vista SP1 isn't a big deal.
Wrong, Windows XP SP3 does not require any previous service pack to be installed.
WRONG! It requires a minimum of SP1 to install. Check your facts before you post!
"Supported Operating Systems: Windows XP Home Edition ; Windows XP Professional Edition ; Windows XP Service Pack 1; Windows XP Service Pack 2"
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...&displaylang=en
I've installed it on quite a few fresh installs of XP; it does not require SP1 to be installed first.
I've installed it on quite a few fresh installs of XP; it does not require SP1 to be installed first.
As have I, and it most certainly did NOT install on those systems.
So all I can say is they must've changed the installer/requirements.I know it won't slipstream into RTM media either!
Edit : Wikipedia says one thing, MS says another. Very confusing
Source from MS : http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windows/cc164204.aspx
And finally:
I don't know how you did it, but I downloaded it on release as well and it does not install on RTM installations or media. Microsoft does NOT say it works in RTM XP. The download page simply states the actual O/S it applies to.
Anyway, enough with this discussion, it's for Vista, not XP!
Last edited by Raa on 28 Oct 2008 - 08:27
Last edited by TRC on 27 Oct 2008 - 23:53
Thank you.
It's bizarre isn't it? Wiki says one thing, MS says another. It didn't work for me, using either method, so >shrugs< I can't see what the go is there.
How often do people re-install your OS?
How often do people re-install your OS?
Every 3 to 6 months so it stays fresh on my home systems. For my work systems I rebuild about every 2 months unless there are no major changes.
How often do people re-install your OS?
Every 3 to 6 months so it stays fresh on my home systems. For my work systems I rebuild about every 2 months unless there are no major changes.
My God!
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!
I hope this one fixes a little glitch I see all the time with my laptop. If I put it to sleep, while on a wi-fi
connection, wake it up later, on a different wi-fi network, or subnet, it TAKES FOREVER, (if at all) to
notice the change, and link up to the new network. A lot of times, it only shows "local connection only".
I've found if I turn off the wi-fi card BEFORE I put it to sleep, then wake it up, turn wi-fi back on, it
works perfectly. I thought it might be some tweaks I did, but I have a barebones install on another
drive that does the same thing.
vista runs like a dream on my desktop
my laptop though which is new..takes forever to boot and somet hings like file transfers can reduce it to a crawl
if they are focusing on performance then im happy
oh wait since sp2 will be released
that mean 7 would sucks more ... waiting for 7 sp2
[/jk]
lol
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