Expiration dates for Vista SP1 and XP SP3 blocks announced

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If you're an IT professional and currently using Microsoft's Service Pack Blocker, the software giant recently announced that the current blocks for Vista SP1 and XP SP3 are going to expire in a few months. The Service Pack Blocker Tool only temporarily prevents Windows from the installation of a Service Pack via Windows Update, and the block is only effective for one year after the Service pack is released to the market via Windows Update.

Effective April 28th, 2009, Windows Vista SP1 will no longer be blocked by the tool and will be delivered via Windows Update. The same goes for Windows XP SP3, but the block will be lifted on May 19th, 2009. These dates correspond with the official release and distribution of the Service Packs through Windows Update. Microsoft Windows Communications Manager, Brandon LeBlanc, also released a QnA for users who are concerned about the announcement:

Q: What does this mean if my company has the tool in place?

A: Enterprises currently using the service pack blocker tool for either Windows Vista SP1 or Windows XP SP3 will be prompted to install Windows Vista SP1 or Windows XP SP3 as appropriate. Microsoft recognizes the need for IT pros to have this type of information in advance and wants to provide them with an early heads-up to ensure they're prepared to deploy the appropriate service pack(s) when the blockers expire.

Q: Is there a separate blocker tool available if we don't want to deploy Windows Vista SP1 or Windows XP SP3?

A: No. Microsoft strongly recommends all customers move to Windows Vista SP1 if they are running Windows Vista or Windows XP SP3 if they are running Windows XP. Our goal in announcing the removal of the blockers early is to provide you with an early notification to ensure you're prepared to deploy the appropriate service pack when the blockers expire.

Q: Does this mean we have to download Windows Vista SP1 or Windows XP SP3?

A: No. Service packs will not automatically install on a machine even after the Service Pack Blocker tool expires. For service packs, you must accept the offering before installation will start. If Automatic Update is turned on, WU will alert you that it has an important update to install. If you don't want to install the update (service pack), simply decline to install and/or hide the update. If you do not have AU turned on, the service pack will not be offered until you open Windows Update and "Check for Updates."

Q: Does this signify the end of support for Windows Vista and/ or Windows XP SP2?

A: No. For more information on Windows product support lifecycles, please visit the following site: http://support.microsoft.com/gp/lifecycle#ServicePackSupport

(3 replies) #1 +Chrono951 on 30 Jan 2009 - 14:47

Why would anyone still be running non-SP1 Vista or SP2 of Windows XP?

#1.1 +techbeck on 30 Jan 2009 - 15:02

Chrono951 said,

SP3 and SP1 didnt come out that long ago. Some corporations dont apply these updates until after 6months to a year. They do testing 1st then upgrade.

I work for a credit union and we have to much specialize bank software we use and cannot afford anything to take our systems down. Normally the SPs work without issue, but MS cannot test their SPs with our software so its hit and miss sometimes.

#1.2 Garry on 30 Jan 2009 - 20:00

Another reason is bandwidth. We have 600 PCs, 500 of which are out on remote locations which, until recently did not have servers. As such, the Service Packs would need to be downloaded either from our Datacentre or from Microsoft directly.

That's a hell of a lot of bandwidth. Also, the installation of Service Pack 3 can take over an hour - especially on older machines. Believe me when I say there's a hell of a lot of users who don't want to be shut down for that length of time during their working day.

We've spent the last year putting a server on each of our sites in order for us to do a communicated, controlled, installation of the service packs.

#1.3 RealFduch on 30 Jan 2009 - 21:53

Garry said,

You sure can work while SP is being installed.

(2 replies) #2 GP007 on 30 Jan 2009 - 15:41

SP3 didn't change anything as far as XP goes. And SP1 for Vista, I dunno, aside from some performance updates, it should all just be security and bug fixes.

You'd think most corps would start testing their software right away once a SP goes final though. So they should be ready by now I'd think.

#2.1 rakeshishere on 30 Jan 2009 - 18:22

hahahahha .... Vista without SP1 is massive failure . I am not bashing anything Microsoft but seriously it was half baked at RTM . See below link for some info
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc709618.aspx

and well coming to XP, Microsoft provided patches for dual core processor optimization in SP3,Network Access Protection etc etc...

Now go to home and sleep kid

#2.2 Steven77 on 30 Jan 2009 - 18:54

Ya i agree, vista without SP is complete garbage. Try it again if your memory is telling you otherwise.

(1 reply) #3 PatrynXX on 30 Jan 2009 - 19:34

SP3 got rid of the address bar in XP. that was the major item anyone in the house figured out fast. Address bar is back in Vista. comes in handy from time to time.

#3.1 cybertimber2008 on 30 Jan 2009 - 21:58

On the start bar or in Explorer? I can vouch that it still works in explorer.

#4 agreenbhm on 30 Jan 2009 - 22:42

Any company with a WSUS server can just decline the update (Service Pack) from being installed. It's dumb for a company with any decent number of machines not to have one.

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