Vista SP2 install question

[npish]

I just completed a clean install of Vista on my T60p and I went the route of installing updates sequentially through Windows Update, which (strangely) had me start from early updates and work up to SP2 (thus, I had to install SP1 and all other related updates before I had the option to install SP2).

I'm wondering if in the future, rather than following this lengthy and tedious routine, I could just download the standalone SP2 and install right after the base OS installation? As SP2 contains all prior updates, no? and one shouldn't need to have SP1 installed first, right?

Thanks for any feedback.

[jdhurst]

That is a complicated question, believe it or not.

Up to SP4 for Windows 2000, you could install the latest Service Pack as it was a roll-up of Service Packs before it.

I think, but I am not certain that you could install XP SP2 directly from XP No SP.

I know that you cannot install SP3 for XP directly without first insuring all drivers are up to date and most (if not all) Windows patches are up to date. To do otherwise risks breaking your machine.

Based on this, I would not recommend anyone jump Service Packs any more. Install Service Packs sequentially and all patches in between. Check all drivers prior to installing any Service Packs.

This forum and even more so Experts-Exchange are rife with posts that illustrate this point.
... JDH

[npish]

thanks for the response jdhurst... I had a hunch that might be the case; otherwise, why wouldn't Windows Update just point directly to SP2 from the get-go? I'll definitely take your advice and stick to the more conservative route in updating sequentially...

[ZaZ]

I'm wondering if in the future, rather than following this lengthy and tedious routine, I could just download the standalone SP2 and install right after the base OS installation?

You cannot. SP1 for Vista is required to install SP2. Perhaps there's a way to slipstream it in. I know you can do this for XP SP3. Normally SP2 is required for SP3 installation, but if you slipstream it in with nLite, it works.

[tinue]

...I'll definitely take your advice and stick to the more conservative route in updating sequentially...

SP1, then directly SP2 works just fine, there is no need to install millions of patches in-between SP1 and SP2.
But: As far as I know, this route is not offered (yet?) via the "Updates" route. I usually have a copy of the various standalone-installation SPs on a file server and apply them from there.

Of course, the best way for a clean install is to find or produce an SP2-level installation DVD.

Regards, Martin

[jdhurst]

SP1, then directly SP2 works just fine, there is no need to install millions of patches in-between SP1 and SP2. <snip>
Regards, Martin

That is no longer a given any more. Many people had problems with SP3 for Windows XP, and one fix (in addition to updating drivers) was to update to but excluding SP3 and then do SP3. I think Windows Installer may have been patched along the way.

The overall thing is that whereas it used to be the case one could go to the most recent service pack without passing GO, it appears that Microsoft has done away with that and one takes their life in their own hands nowadays to skip updates. It might work, but I no longer recommend it. ... JDH

[tinue]

The overall thing is that whereas it used to be the case one could go to the most recent service pack without passing GO, it appears that Microsoft has done away with that...

You are right if one wants to update via "Search for Updates". Even Vista SP1 could not be installed this way without at least a few patches.

However, if one downloads the offline update package and applies it, then it works. Of course, SP2 needs SP1 to be installed, this much is documented by Microsoft.

This is from Microsoft (SP2 FAQ):

Are there any prerequisites for SP2?
You must have Windows Vista with SP1 or Windows Server 2008 installed on your computer before installing Service Pack 2. (Windows Server 2008 shipped with Service Pack 1 included.)

If you choose to install SP2 over Windows Update there will be one pre-required package to install, Servicing Stack Update (KB955430), before Windows Update offers you SP2.

The Servicing stack is the component that handles installation and removal of software updates, language packs, and optional windows features. This update is necessary to successfully install and uninstall the service pack; it also improves the performance and reliability of the service pack installation.

Regards, Martin

[richk]

When I build a machine from a recovery image that is vista without SP1. The first thing I do is install SP1. The next thing (after reboot) is install SP2.