Windows Vista SP1 Reaches End of Support

With the release of the July 12, 2011, Security Bulletin, Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) has reached its end of support life cycle.  In the case of a service pack, "End of Support" means that automatic fixes, updates and online technical assistance will no longer be provided by Microsoft.

Don't be a victim to malware.  Update to the latest service pack to stay up to date with security updates and reduce the chances for infection.

Windows Service Pack Lifecycle

As shown in the table below from the Windows lifecycle fact sheet - Microsoft Windows, the only services packs still supported are for Windows XP SP3, Windows Vista, SP2 and Windows 7 SP1. 

Desktop operating systems	Date of availability	Support retired
Windows XP SP1	August 30, 2002	October 10, 2006
Windows XP SP2	September 17, 2004	July 13, 2010
Windows XP SP3	April 21, 2008	Available now
Windows Vista SP1	February 4, 2008	July 12, 2011
Windows Vista SP2	May 26, 2009	Available now
Windows 7 SP1	February 22, 2011	Available now

Update to Windows Vista SP2

If you are not sure if you have installed the latest service pack, you can easily find out by clicking the Start button, right-click Computer and select Properties.  SP2 will be listed in the Windows edition section if it has already been installed.


In the event you discovered SP2 has not been installed yet, Microsoft has provided very complete instructions installing Windows Vista SP2, including recommendations to follow prior to updating to SP2.  Following the "Before You Begin" recommendations at Learn how to install Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) will help ensure a smooth upgrade to SP2.

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