Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Resources

Windows 7 Service Pack 1 has been released to Windows Update!  Although Windows 7 SP1 does not include new features but rather is a collection of security patches and non-security fixes, it also includes client-side support for RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory.  RemoteFX and Dynamic Memory are two new virtualization features enabled in Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1. 

Even if you have all offered security updates installed on your computer, you should still install the Service Pack.  The Service Pack will, at some point, be affected by the Microsoft Support Lifecycle for Windows 7 and future updates.  The additional changes in SP1 address minor usability issues as listed below:

Changes specific to Windows 7 include the following:

• Additional support for communication with third-party federation services 
• Improved HDMI audio device performance
• Corrected behavior when printing mixed-orientation XPS documents

Changes common to both Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1:

• Change to behavior of “Restore previous folders at logon” functionality
• Enhanced support for additional identities in RRAS and IPsec
• Improved Support for Advanced Format (512e) Storage Devices

Additional details on the above changes are available in the the document "Notable Changes in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1.doc" available for download from Download details: Documentation for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (KB976932).

If you are now ready to install Windows 7 SP1, please take the following steps first:

1. Make sure your computer is malware free.  Run an updated scan with your antivirus and anti-malware software program.
2. Check Windows Update to ensure all Important updates have been installed.  Note that KB 976902, is a Pre-requisite for SP1: Description of the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 installation software feature update 
3. If you installed any of the pre-release versions of SP1, uninstall them before installing the final release version of SP1. 
4. Back up important files to an external location (USB, CD, DVD, etc.)
5. Some security programs may interfere with the installation.  Thus, it is suggested that you temporarily disable them.   If you are unsure how to disable your security software, see the instructions in How to disable your security applications  at the Tech Support Forum. 
6. If you are using a laptop, be sure to be plugged in to an electrical outlet.

Should you run into difficulties, the following documents and Knowledge Base articles have been published:

• Troubleshoot problems installing a service pack for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
• Error 0x800F0A12:  Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 (SP1) installation error: 0x800F0A12
• Error 0x800f081f:  You receive exit code 0x800f081f when attempting to install SP1 for Win7/R2
• KB 2505743: Steps to follow before you install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 from the Microsoft Download Center 
• KB 2483139: Windows 7 Service Pack 1 language packs are available for computers that are running Windows 7 Ultimate Service Pack 1 or Windows 7 Enterprise Service Pack 1
• KB 2498452: You do not have the option of downloading Windows 7 SP1 when you use Windows Update to check for updates
• KB 2492938: Some programs have compatibility issues with Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2
• KB 2502370: "The following updates might need to be reinstalled" message when you try to install SP1 for Windows 7 or for Windows Server 2008 R2
• KB 2506014: Error when you install an update for Windows: "Error Code FFFFFFFE"
• KB 2510090: Installation of the Service Pack 1 update package for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 fails with "Service pack installation can't continue"

Additional information is available at these Microsoft sites:

• Windows 7 SP 1-- Microsoft Download Center
• Information about Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2
• System Readiness Tool (Can help fix problems that might prevent Windows updates and service packs from installing.)

Clubhouse Tags: Clubhouse, Security, Information, Service Pack, SP1, Windows 7,

Remember - "A day without laughter is a day wasted."
May the wind sing to you and the sun rise in your heart...