XP SP3 RTM and Vista SP1 RTM
February 12, 2009 Computer Tips And Tricks
The software giant is gearing up for the expiration of the last barrier standing in the way of automatic downloads and
upgrades for SP1 for Windows Vista and SP3 for Windows XP, namely the Service Pack Blocker Tool.
The Service Pack Blocker Tool temporarily prevents the installation of a service pack through Windows Update, for one year after general availability of the service pack.
Brandon LeBlanc, Windows Communications Manager, announced the upcoming expiration dates for the Service Pack Blocker Tool for Windows Vista SP1 and Windows XP SP3. Windows Vista SP1, April 28, 2009 – Windows XP SP3, May 19, 2009.
After April 28th, Windows Vista SP1 will be delivered via Windows Update.
The dates relate to those when Microsoft debuted the automatic distribution of Vista SP1 and respectively XP SP3 through WU. Vista RTM and XP users who did not deploy the latest service packs manually were served the upgrades through Windows Update. The Redmond company informed from the beginning that the blocking would be temporary and that the tool was set to expire after a year since the service packs’ respective releases.
Companies 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.
Service packs will not automatically be installed 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 do not want to install the update (service pack), simply decline 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
