[RESOLVED] No service pack, should I get one?

Ok, when it comes to service packs, I'm not very knowledgeable about them. I just realized that my computer does not have one. Now I'm thinking of installing SP1, but I have some questions before I do.

First off, I want to do a series of performance scans and what not before hand so I can see the improvements (if any) my computer will make. What scans would you recommend me to do? I don't want to do like 50, maybe just 4 or 5 would be nice.

Also what do I do if all fails during or after the scan? Do I do a system restore? or insert my recovery disk?

And finally, is upgrading worth it?:P

Service Packs are not usually intended to improve performance, though they do fix bugs, which sometimes helps, performance wise. The main reason that you need an SP is security - you are exposed to malware without being up to date.

Take my word on it, you need the SPm, anyway, and the Vista ones do improve performance in some areas, particularly with file transfers.

Instll sp1 and SP2. Overal they helped my laptop speeds.

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Originally Posted by SuperSparks

Service Packs are not usually intended to improve performance, though they do fix bugs, which sometimes helps, performance wise. The main reason that you need an SP is security - you are exposed to malware without being up to date.

Take my word on it, you need the SPm, anyway, and the Vista ones do improve performance in some areas, particularly with file transfers.

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Hmmm, ok. So then, by installing a SP, will it install all the previous updates that were available? I've slacked on updating, right now I have around 40 something to download.

And ok, thanks for that. But if something goes wrong, what do I do?

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Originally Posted by Train

Instll sp1 and SP2. Overal they helped my laptop speeds.

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I've read SP2 isn't really useful and actually degrades performance a tiny bit? Or is this because the person didn't optimize afterward's?


Also, I want to mention, I don't see an option to download any SP's threw MS update. What do I do?

Service Pack 1
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

Service Pack 2
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...displaylang=en

I download both and burned them to cd. That way I have them for future use.

That party may not have optimized or even made sure his computer was malware free before he did the install.

I have Vista on 2 rigs and SP2 did not slow anything do.

That malware bit can be a real killer, so make sure it is CLEAN before installing!

Ok thank you for mentioning that, I'll do some scans before hand to make sure. It should be clean because Broni helped with a hijacked browser, but after that I was approached with a few attempts at a virus trying to get on my computer again.

Also, I've read around that it doesn't show up in MS update, if say, some drivers aren't updated or I haven't done enough MS updates for it to be available to me. Should I take note of these things or just go ahead and download it?

Never mind...:)

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Never mind...

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:p:p

Don't install drivers off of Windows Update. Get them from the manufacturer's site if anything.

Ok, having a Compaq pays off. Everything checks fine to download except one problem. The HP website mentions,

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Do not attempt to install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 if there are any operational problems with the computer. Installing SP1 will not fix existing operational problems and may cause additional problems.

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I have a MS Visual C++ Runtime error, and I'm not sure if this will conflict with the installation. Should I start another thread and try to fix this?

What is the error adn when do you get it?

You don't need to install SP1 at all, just install SP2 - all Windows Service Packs contain the fixes that were in previous SPs. Then once SP2 installed, run Windows Update and install at least the Critical Updates that have been released since SP2. I would also advise that you install Recommended Updates. Keep on running Windows Update until it says there are no more - MS have a habit of producing updates for updates :rolleyes:

VC++ Runtime errors are usually program bugs, rather than a problem with Windows or the Runtime itself, so I doubt that would affect installing the SP in any way.

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Originally Posted by Train

What is the error adn when do you get it?

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Here's an SS of it.

http://i46.tinypic.com/32zsxth.jpg

It usually happens when browsing folders, and or if I do something to my folders, like move files etc. It's very random, no particular folder or file seems to trigger it when I open one. I've had the problem for over a year, was too lazy to figure out a solution. I hate clicking ok though because it terminates explorer and I have to open my folders back up.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by SuperSparks

You don't need to install SP1 at all, just install SP2 - all Windows Service Packs contain the fixes that were in previous SPs. Then once SP2 installed, run Windows Update and install at least the Critical Updates that have been released since SP2. I would also advise that you install Recommended Updates. Keep on running Windows Update until it says there are no more - MS have a habit of producing updates for updates :rolleyes:

VC++ Runtime errors are usually program bugs, rather than a problem with Windows or the Runtime itself, so I doubt that would affect installing the SP in any way.

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Oh really? I thought I was suppose to start off with SP1 then work on to SP2. Well that should save me some time.

So, how can I determined which program is messed up then? Because it happens in my folders, not when I open a program n such.

Perform predeployment tasks

Perform the following tasks before you install Windows Vista SP2. If you are installing Windows Vista SP2 by using Windows Update, be sure to perform these tasks before you accept the Microsoft Software License Terms.

* Verify that Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) has been installed. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 must be installed before you install Service Pack 2.

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/l...8WS.10%29.aspx

Hmm, I'm confused, in that link, I came upon this;

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Windows Vista SP2 is supported only for x64-based and x86-based computers.

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I'm running a 32-bit based computer.

x86 is Intel 32-bit.

Unlike other OSes, you do need to install SP1 first, then SP2 for Vista.

Oh ok.

Also should I do all the updates available in WU, (Important, and recommended) before I do SP1?

I install the OS
Sp1
Sp2
Antivirus

Now I installalll the updates. Critical and important only normally.

Ok, so.. by burning the SP .exe file to a CD, I'll just drag the file to the folder to burn it right? No need of a spacial program? It's not like a .rar or iso, so I'm assuming I can just drag it over.

Right, its not like burning an ISO file. You can burn .rar, zips, exe's etc without any special programs.

Ok good. Am doing a backup and restore right now. Will install SP1 after this and a defrag, will post back when I'm done or if I have further questions. Thanks everyone for the help so far(:

Ok, SP1 and 2 is done. Everything seems to be running smooth. I haven't really noticed any changes, just seems the same as before. They both did slow the computer down when they were done, restarting made things normal. I haven't encountered any other problems after that. I am doing just about all the Microsoft Updates right now. Thanks again to everyone! I probably would've made a huge mistake if I wouldn't done it with out any help(:

Thanks for posting back.