Re: Vista Service Pack update is junk

This discussion belongs in microsoft.public.windowsupdate.

I'm sending it there via crosspost.

"scorpionleather" <> wrote:

>Brit, did you read my message? I said that there are -three- different
>computers that belong to different people in my family, that all have
>problems with Vista SP2. I have applied SP2 to a total of around 5-6
>computers so almost 50% of the computers I updated have problems installing
>the service pack. Therefore, it is not because of anything unusual. In
>fact all three of these computers have very standard, out-of-the-box setups.
>
>One is my brother's new Dell laptop in the US. The other is my mother's
>desktop computer also in the US. And the third computer is my father's Dell
>laptop in Europe (I connected remotely to his machine).
>
>You cannot possibly claim that 50% of the computers I updated have problems
>because of unusual configuration. I don't touch these computers other than
>making sure that my brother and parents do their regular Microsoft security
>updates. They tend to keep their desktops very simple, with very little 3rd
>party software installed.
>
>I blame Microsoft for not issuing a patch or a product alert to deal with
>this SP2 installer problem. They realled messed up on the Vista SP2
>installer.

If you cannot install any updates, Windows Update is an appropriate
newsgroup. If you're having problems installing Vista SP2 only...

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 2 (SP2). This support for Windows
Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) is valid until November 26, 2009. Availability of
chat or e-mail support differs depending on your geographic location. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=582034 &
select appropriate category (i.e., Download issue; Installation issue;
Issues after you install a service pack).

You'll find additional support for Vista SP2 issues in
microsoft.public.windows.vista.general newsgroup and in these forums:

. http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...stawu/threads/

. http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...nstall/threads

. http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...stasp/threads/

How to troubleshoot Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 service pack
installation issues
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947366

Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 service pack installation fails with
error 0x80004005:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971204

Error message when you try to install Windows Vista Service Pack 2 or
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2: "An internal error occurred while
installing the service pack":
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/967818

>> I blame Microsoft for not issuing a patch... to deal with
>> this SP2 installer problem.

Description of the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 installation
software feature update released April 28, 2009:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/955430 [Has KB955430 been installed yet?]

The update is not installed successfully, you receive a message, and the
computer restarts when you try to install an update in Windows Vista (3
Resolution Methods)
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358

============

Vista SP2 Installation Tips:

.. Your computer will restart several times during the installation process:
Make certain you've saved your work and closed all open applications before
beginning the install.

.. Disable (1) your anti-virus application, (2) any real-time system
protections afforded by any anti-spyware applications (except Defender), &
(3) your third-party firewall (if any) and then (4) enable the Windows
Firewall _before installing or uninstalling_ Vista SP2.

.. The installation process can take an hour or more: If you're installing
SP2 on a portable computer, make sure that you plug-in the power cord and
have the battery inserted into its bay.

.. Vista SP1 is a prerequisite for installing SP2. If you use Windows Update
or the Automatic Update feature in Windows Vista, you will not be offered
the option to install SP2 until you first install SP1.

=============================

HOW TO install Vista SP2 manually

<QP>
Generally, these errors can occur if the system files are corrupted.

To make clear the current situation, I recommend downloading Windows Vista
Service Pack 2] in Normal Mode and installing it in Clean Boot Mode. Please
follow the steps below.

Note: This SP2 installation can be affected by certain third party programs
running in the background. If you are running any third party applications
such as Spyblocker, Internet or web accelerators (programs designed to boost
the speed of the Internet connection), security or anti-virus programs
(McAfee, Norton, etc.), I recommend we temporarily disable or shut them down
during our troubleshooting process. Please be sure to enable them again when
the update process has been completed.

Step 1: Download Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Standalone Installer
================================================== =
1. Download Windows Vista SP2 from the link below according to your System
Type:

....Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for x32-based
systems (Size: 348.3 MB)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...2-a5c3199ea2b3

....Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for x64-based
systems (Size: 577.4MB)
http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...-X64-wave0.exe

2. Save the download to your desktop, do not Run it!

Step 2: Install Windows Vista SP2 in Clean Boot mode
========================================
Please disable all startup items and third party services when booting to
avoid conflict when installing Vista SP1:

1. Click "Start", type: MSCONFIG in the search box and press Enter.

Note: Please click "Continue" if the "User Account Control" window pops up.

2. Click "Services", check the "Hide All Microsoft Services" box and click
"Disable All" (if it is not gray).
3. Click "Startup", click "Disable All" and click "OK".

Note: Temporarily disabling the Startup Group only prevents the startup
programs from loading at startup. This shouldn't affect the system or other
programs. We can manually run these programs later. Go ahead and reboot your
system when prompted as you are exiting MsConfig.

4. After rebooting, right-click on the downloaded Windows Vista Service Pack
2 Standalone Installer, select "Run as Administrator" (if necessary) and
follow the instructions to install Windows Vista SP2.

To restore the computer to use a Normal Startup, repeat step 1 above. Then
click "Normal Startup" on the General tab, click "OK", and then restart the
computer.
</QP>
Modified from original MS Support source as quoted in
http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...-fb58c5da5ad0/
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
www.banthecheck.com



Bill Daggett wrote:
> This discussion belongs in microsoft.public.windowsupdate.
>
> I'm sending it there via crosspost.
>
> "scorpionleather" <> wrote:
>> Brit, did you read my message? I said that there are -three- different
>> computers that belong to different people in my family, that all have
>> problems with Vista SP2. I have applied SP2 to a total of around 5-6
>> computers so almost 50% of the computers I updated have problems
>> installing
>> the service pack. Therefore, it is not because of anything unusual. In
>> fact all three of these computers have very standard, out-of-the-box
>> setups.
>>
>> One is my brother's new Dell laptop in the US. The other is my mother's
>> desktop computer also in the US. And the third computer is my father's
>> Dell laptop in Europe (I connected remotely to his machine).
>>
>> You cannot possibly claim that 50% of the computers I updated have
>> problems
>> because of unusual configuration. I don't touch these computers other
>> than
>> making sure that my brother and parents do their regular Microsoft
>> security
>> updates. They tend to keep their desktops very simple, with very little
>> 3rd party software installed.
>>
>> I blame Microsoft for not issuing a patch or a product alert to deal with
>> this SP2 installer problem. They realled messed up on the Vista SP2
>> installer.

I agree Vista SP is junk. Have tried several times to install SP 2. It always
ends up with "Reverting changes" for approx 5 hours.
By the way just look at the advice given to install SP on Vista. The
complexity of fixing this issue speaks for itself, try this and try that. How
Microsoft think people would dare to jump on a new OS. if they even cannot
make updates to a mature OS work is a mystery to me.


"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> If you cannot install any updates, Windows Update is an appropriate
> newsgroup. If you're having problems installing Vista SP2 only...
>
> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
> Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 2 (SP2). This support for Windows
> Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) is valid until November 26, 2009. Availability of
> chat or e-mail support differs depending on your geographic location. Go to
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=582034 &
> select appropriate category (i.e., Download issue; Installation issue;
> Issues after you install a service pack).
>
> You'll find additional support for Vista SP2 issues in
> microsoft.public.windows.vista.general newsgroup and in these forums:
>
> . http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...stawu/threads/
>
> . http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...nstall/threads
>
> . http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...stasp/threads/
>
> How to troubleshoot Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 service pack
> installation issues
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947366
>
> Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 service pack installation fails with
> error 0x80004005:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971204
>
> Error message when you try to install Windows Vista Service Pack 2 or
> Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2: "An internal error occurred while
> installing the service pack":
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/967818
>
> >> I blame Microsoft for not issuing a patch... to deal with
> >> this SP2 installer problem.
>
> Description of the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 installation
> software feature update released April 28, 2009:
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/955430 [Has KB955430 been installed yet?]
>
> The update is not installed successfully, you receive a message, and the
> computer restarts when you try to install an update in Windows Vista (3
> Resolution Methods)
> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358
>
> ============
>
> Vista SP2 Installation Tips:
>
> .. Your computer will restart several times during the installation process:
> Make certain you've saved your work and closed all open applications before
> beginning the install.
>
> .. Disable (1) your anti-virus application, (2) any real-time system
> protections afforded by any anti-spyware applications (except Defender), &
> (3) your third-party firewall (if any) and then (4) enable the Windows
> Firewall _before installing or uninstalling_ Vista SP2.
>
> .. The installation process can take an hour or more: If you're installing
> SP2 on a portable computer, make sure that you plug-in the power cord and
> have the battery inserted into its bay.
>
> .. Vista SP1 is a prerequisite for installing SP2. If you use Windows Update
> or the Automatic Update feature in Windows Vista, you will not be offered
> the option to install SP2 until you first install SP1.
>
> =============================
>
> HOW TO install Vista SP2 manually
>
> <QP>
> Generally, these errors can occur if the system files are corrupted.
>
> To make clear the current situation, I recommend downloading Windows Vista
> Service Pack 2] in Normal Mode and installing it in Clean Boot Mode. Please
> follow the steps below.
>
> Note: This SP2 installation can be affected by certain third party programs
> running in the background. If you are running any third party applications
> such as Spyblocker, Internet or web accelerators (programs designed to boost
> the speed of the Internet connection), security or anti-virus programs
> (McAfee, Norton, etc.), I recommend we temporarily disable or shut them down
> during our troubleshooting process. Please be sure to enable them again when
> the update process has been completed.
>
> Step 1: Download Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Standalone Installer
> ================================================== =
> 1. Download Windows Vista SP2 from the link below according to your System
> Type:
>
> ....Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for x32-based
> systems (Size: 348.3 MB)
> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...2-a5c3199ea2b3
>
> ....Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for x64-based
> systems (Size: 577.4MB)
> http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...-X64-wave0.exe
>
> 2. Save the download to your desktop, do not Run it!
>
> Step 2: Install Windows Vista SP2 in Clean Boot mode
> ========================================
> Please disable all startup items and third party services when booting to
> avoid conflict when installing Vista SP1:
>
> 1. Click "Start", type: MSCONFIG in the search box and press Enter.
>
> Note: Please click "Continue" if the "User Account Control" window pops up.
>
> 2. Click "Services", check the "Hide All Microsoft Services" box and click
> "Disable All" (if it is not gray).
> 3. Click "Startup", click "Disable All" and click "OK".
>
> Note: Temporarily disabling the Startup Group only prevents the startup
> programs from loading at startup. This shouldn't affect the system or other
> programs. We can manually run these programs later. Go ahead and reboot your
> system when prompted as you are exiting MsConfig.
>
> 4. After rebooting, right-click on the downloaded Windows Vista Service Pack
> 2 Standalone Installer, select "Run as Administrator" (if necessary) and
> follow the instructions to install Windows Vista SP2.
>
> To restore the computer to use a Normal Startup, repeat step 1 above. Then
> click "Normal Startup" on the General tab, click "OK", and then restart the
> computer.
> </QP>
> Modified from original MS Support source as quoted in
> http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...-fb58c5da5ad0/
> --
> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
> www.banthecheck.com
>
>
>
> Bill Daggett wrote:
> > This discussion belongs in microsoft.public.windowsupdate.
> >
> > I'm sending it there via crosspost.
> >
> > "scorpionleather" <> wrote:
> >> Brit, did you read my message? I said that there are -three- different
> >> computers that belong to different people in my family, that all have
> >> problems with Vista SP2. I have applied SP2 to a total of around 5-6
> >> computers so almost 50% of the computers I updated have problems
> >> installing
> >> the service pack. Therefore, it is not because of anything unusual. In
> >> fact all three of these computers have very standard, out-of-the-box
> >> setups.
> >>
> >> One is my brother's new Dell laptop in the US. The other is my mother's
> >> desktop computer also in the US. And the third computer is my father's
> >> Dell laptop in Europe (I connected remotely to his machine).
> >>
> >> You cannot possibly claim that 50% of the computers I updated have
> >> problems
> >> because of unusual configuration. I don't touch these computers other
> >> than
> >> making sure that my brother and parents do their regular Microsoft
> >> security
> >> updates. They tend to keep their desktops very simple, with very little
> >> 3rd party software installed.
> >>
> >> I blame Microsoft for not issuing a patch or a product alert to deal with
> >> this SP2 installer problem. They realled messed up on the Vista SP2
> >> installer.
>
>

Your computer's OEM install of Vista SP1 may be junk, BW.

Attempting a manual install per my previous reply should be a last resort.
Most users won't have to resort such a complex method to install it manually
or via Automatic/Windows Update.

In any event, free support's available so why not take advantage of it?

Bitewolf wrote:
> I agree Vista SP is junk. Have tried several times to install SP 2. It
> always ends up with "Reverting changes" for approx 5 hours.
> By the way just look at the advice given to install SP on Vista. The
> complexity of fixing this issue speaks for itself, try this and try that.
> How Microsoft think people would dare to jump on a new OS. if they even
> cannot make updates to a mature OS work is a mystery to me.
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>> If you cannot install any updates, Windows Update is an appropriate
>> newsgroup. If you're having problems installing Vista SP2 only...
>>
>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
>> Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 2 (SP2). This support for
>> Windows
>> Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) is valid until November 26, 2009. Availability
>> of chat or e-mail support differs depending on your geographic location.
>> Go to
>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=582034 &
>> select appropriate category (i.e., Download issue; Installation issue;
>> Issues after you install a service pack).
>>
>> You'll find additional support for Vista SP2 issues in
>> microsoft.public.windows.vista.general newsgroup and in these forums:
>>
>> . http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...stawu/threads/
>>
>> . http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...nstall/threads
>>
>> .
>> http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...stasp/threads/
>>
>> How to troubleshoot Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 service pack
>> installation issues
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947366
>>
>> Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 service pack installation fails
>> with
>> error 0x80004005:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971204
>>
>> Error message when you try to install Windows Vista Service Pack 2 or
>> Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2: "An internal error occurred while
>> installing the service pack":
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/967818
>>
>>>> I blame Microsoft for not issuing a patch... to deal with
>>>> this SP2 installer problem.
>>
>> Description of the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 installation
>> software feature update released April 28, 2009:
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/955430 [Has KB955430 been installed
>> yet?]
>>
>> The update is not installed successfully, you receive a message, and the
>> computer restarts when you try to install an update in Windows Vista (3
>> Resolution Methods)
>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358
>>
>> ============
>>
>> Vista SP2 Installation Tips:
>>
>> .. Your computer will restart several times during the installation
>> process: Make certain you've saved your work and closed all open
>> applications before beginning the install.
>>
>> .. Disable (1) your anti-virus application, (2) any real-time system
>> protections afforded by any anti-spyware applications (except Defender),
>> &
>> (3) your third-party firewall (if any) and then (4) enable the Windows
>> Firewall _before installing or uninstalling_ Vista SP2.
>>
>> .. The installation process can take an hour or more: If you're
>> installing
>> SP2 on a portable computer, make sure that you plug-in the power cord and
>> have the battery inserted into its bay.
>>
>> .. Vista SP1 is a prerequisite for installing SP2. If you use Windows
>> Update or the Automatic Update feature in Windows Vista, you will not be
>> offered the option to install SP2 until you first install SP1.
>>
>> =============================
>>
>> HOW TO install Vista SP2 manually
>>
>> <QP>
>> Generally, these errors can occur if the system files are corrupted.
>>
>> To make clear the current situation, I recommend downloading Windows
>> Vista
>> Service Pack 2] in Normal Mode and installing it in Clean Boot Mode.
>> Please
>> follow the steps below.
>>
>> Note: This SP2 installation can be affected by certain third party
>> programs
>> running in the background. If you are running any third party
>> applications
>> such as Spyblocker, Internet or web accelerators (programs designed to
>> boost the speed of the Internet connection), security or anti-virus
>> programs (McAfee, Norton, etc.), I recommend we temporarily disable or
>> shut them down during our troubleshooting process. Please be sure to
>> enable them again when the update process has been completed.
>>
>> Step 1: Download Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Standalone Installer
>> ================================================== =
>> 1. Download Windows Vista SP2 from the link below according to your
>> System
>> Type:
>>
>> ....Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for x32-based
>> systems (Size: 348.3 MB)
>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...2-a5c3199ea2b3
>>
>> ....Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for x64-based
>> systems (Size: 577.4MB)
>> http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...-X64-wave0.exe
>>
>> 2. Save the download to your desktop, do not Run it!
>>
>> Step 2: Install Windows Vista SP2 in Clean Boot mode
>> ========================================
>> Please disable all startup items and third party services when booting to
>> avoid conflict when installing Vista SP1:
>>
>> 1. Click "Start", type: MSCONFIG in the search box and press Enter.
>>
>> Note: Please click "Continue" if the "User Account Control" window pops
>> up.
>>
>> 2. Click "Services", check the "Hide All Microsoft Services" box and
>> click
>> "Disable All" (if it is not gray).
>> 3. Click "Startup", click "Disable All" and click "OK".
>>
>> Note: Temporarily disabling the Startup Group only prevents the startup
>> programs from loading at startup. This shouldn't affect the system or
>> other
>> programs. We can manually run these programs later. Go ahead and reboot
>> your system when prompted as you are exiting MsConfig.
>>
>> 4. After rebooting, right-click on the downloaded Windows Vista Service
>> Pack 2 Standalone Installer, select "Run as Administrator" (if necessary)
>> and follow the instructions to install Windows Vista SP2.
>>
>> To restore the computer to use a Normal Startup, repeat step 1 above.
>> Then
>> click "Normal Startup" on the General tab, click "OK", and then restart
>> the
>> computer.
>> </QP>
>> Modified from original MS Support source as quoted in
>> http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...-fb58c5da5ad0/
>> --
>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
>> www.banthecheck.com
>>
>>
>>
>> Bill Daggett wrote:
>>> This discussion belongs in microsoft.public.windowsupdate.
>>>
>>> I'm sending it there via crosspost.
>>>
>>> "scorpionleather" <> wrote:
>>>> Brit, did you read my message? I said that there are -three- different
>>>> computers that belong to different people in my family, that all have
>>>> problems with Vista SP2. I have applied SP2 to a total of around 5-6
>>>> computers so almost 50% of the computers I updated have problems
>>>> installing
>>>> the service pack. Therefore, it is not because of anything unusual.
>>>> In
>>>> fact all three of these computers have very standard, out-of-the-box
>>>> setups.
>>>>
>>>> One is my brother's new Dell laptop in the US. The other is my
>>>> mother's
>>>> desktop computer also in the US. And the third computer is my father's
>>>> Dell laptop in Europe (I connected remotely to his machine).
>>>>
>>>> You cannot possibly claim that 50% of the computers I updated have
>>>> problems
>>>> because of unusual configuration. I don't touch these computers other
>>>> than
>>>> making sure that my brother and parents do their regular Microsoft
>>>> security
>>>> updates. They tend to keep their desktops very simple, with very
>>>> little
>>>> 3rd party software installed.
>>>>
>>>> I blame Microsoft for not issuing a patch or a product alert to deal
>>>> with
>>>> this SP2 installer problem. They realled messed up on the Vista SP2
>>>> installer.

Yes it is possible the OEM installation is the problem, since I have the
files prepacked on my VAIO. Sony seems to have problems with their hardware
similar to Microsofts problem with software.
But the issue is that MS soon only supports Vista SP2 installations. Since I
cannot upgrade from SP1 soon this will not be a in issue for MS. Magnificent
solution.

"PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:

> Your computer's OEM install of Vista SP1 may be junk, BW.
>
> Attempting a manual install per my previous reply should be a last resort.
> Most users won't have to resort such a complex method to install it manually
> or via Automatic/Windows Update.
>
> In any event, free support's available so why not take advantage of it?
>
> Bitewolf wrote:
> > I agree Vista SP is junk. Have tried several times to install SP 2. It
> > always ends up with "Reverting changes" for approx 5 hours.
> > By the way just look at the advice given to install SP on Vista. The
> > complexity of fixing this issue speaks for itself, try this and try that.
> > How Microsoft think people would dare to jump on a new OS. if they even
> > cannot make updates to a mature OS work is a mystery to me.
> >
> > "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
> >> If you cannot install any updates, Windows Update is an appropriate
> >> newsgroup. If you're having problems installing Vista SP2 only...
> >>
> >> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
> >> Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 2 (SP2). This support for
> >> Windows
> >> Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) is valid until November 26, 2009. Availability
> >> of chat or e-mail support differs depending on your geographic location.
> >> Go to
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=582034 &
> >> select appropriate category (i.e., Download issue; Installation issue;
> >> Issues after you install a service pack).
> >>
> >> You'll find additional support for Vista SP2 issues in
> >> microsoft.public.windows.vista.general newsgroup and in these forums:
> >>
> >> . http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...stawu/threads/
> >>
> >> . http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...nstall/threads
> >>
> >> .
> >> http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...stasp/threads/
> >>
> >> How to troubleshoot Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 service pack
> >> installation issues
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947366
> >>
> >> Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 service pack installation fails
> >> with
> >> error 0x80004005:
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971204
> >>
> >> Error message when you try to install Windows Vista Service Pack 2 or
> >> Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2: "An internal error occurred while
> >> installing the service pack":
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/967818
> >>
> >>>> I blame Microsoft for not issuing a patch... to deal with
> >>>> this SP2 installer problem.
> >>
> >> Description of the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 installation
> >> software feature update released April 28, 2009:
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/955430 [Has KB955430 been installed
> >> yet?]
> >>
> >> The update is not installed successfully, you receive a message, and the
> >> computer restarts when you try to install an update in Windows Vista (3
> >> Resolution Methods)
> >> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358
> >>
> >> ============
> >>
> >> Vista SP2 Installation Tips:
> >>
> >> .. Your computer will restart several times during the installation
> >> process: Make certain you've saved your work and closed all open
> >> applications before beginning the install.
> >>
> >> .. Disable (1) your anti-virus application, (2) any real-time system
> >> protections afforded by any anti-spyware applications (except Defender),
> >> &
> >> (3) your third-party firewall (if any) and then (4) enable the Windows
> >> Firewall _before installing or uninstalling_ Vista SP2.
> >>
> >> .. The installation process can take an hour or more: If you're
> >> installing
> >> SP2 on a portable computer, make sure that you plug-in the power cord and
> >> have the battery inserted into its bay.
> >>
> >> .. Vista SP1 is a prerequisite for installing SP2. If you use Windows
> >> Update or the Automatic Update feature in Windows Vista, you will not be
> >> offered the option to install SP2 until you first install SP1.
> >>
> >> =============================
> >>
> >> HOW TO install Vista SP2 manually
> >>
> >> <QP>
> >> Generally, these errors can occur if the system files are corrupted.
> >>
> >> To make clear the current situation, I recommend downloading Windows
> >> Vista
> >> Service Pack 2] in Normal Mode and installing it in Clean Boot Mode.
> >> Please
> >> follow the steps below.
> >>
> >> Note: This SP2 installation can be affected by certain third party
> >> programs
> >> running in the background. If you are running any third party
> >> applications
> >> such as Spyblocker, Internet or web accelerators (programs designed to
> >> boost the speed of the Internet connection), security or anti-virus
> >> programs (McAfee, Norton, etc.), I recommend we temporarily disable or
> >> shut them down during our troubleshooting process. Please be sure to
> >> enable them again when the update process has been completed.
> >>
> >> Step 1: Download Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Standalone Installer
> >> ================================================== =
> >> 1. Download Windows Vista SP2 from the link below according to your
> >> System
> >> Type:
> >>
> >> ....Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for x32-based
> >> systems (Size: 348.3 MB)
> >> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...2-a5c3199ea2b3
> >>
> >> ....Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for x64-based
> >> systems (Size: 577.4MB)
> >> http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...-X64-wave0.exe
> >>
> >> 2. Save the download to your desktop, do not Run it!
> >>
> >> Step 2: Install Windows Vista SP2 in Clean Boot mode
> >> ========================================
> >> Please disable all startup items and third party services when booting to
> >> avoid conflict when installing Vista SP1:
> >>
> >> 1. Click "Start", type: MSCONFIG in the search box and press Enter.
> >>
> >> Note: Please click "Continue" if the "User Account Control" window pops
> >> up.
> >>
> >> 2. Click "Services", check the "Hide All Microsoft Services" box and
> >> click
> >> "Disable All" (if it is not gray).
> >> 3. Click "Startup", click "Disable All" and click "OK".
> >>
> >> Note: Temporarily disabling the Startup Group only prevents the startup
> >> programs from loading at startup. This shouldn't affect the system or
> >> other
> >> programs. We can manually run these programs later. Go ahead and reboot
> >> your system when prompted as you are exiting MsConfig.
> >>
> >> 4. After rebooting, right-click on the downloaded Windows Vista Service
> >> Pack 2 Standalone Installer, select "Run as Administrator" (if necessary)
> >> and follow the instructions to install Windows Vista SP2.
> >>
> >> To restore the computer to use a Normal Startup, repeat step 1 above.
> >> Then
> >> click "Normal Startup" on the General tab, click "OK", and then restart
> >> the
> >> computer.
> >> </QP>
> >> Modified from original MS Support source as quoted in
> >> http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...-fb58c5da5ad0/
> >> --
> >> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
> >> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
> >> www.banthecheck.com
> >>
> >>
> >>
> >> Bill Daggett wrote:
> >>> This discussion belongs in microsoft.public.windowsupdate.
> >>>
> >>> I'm sending it there via crosspost.
> >>>
> >>> "scorpionleather" <> wrote:
> >>>> Brit, did you read my message? I said that there are -three- different
> >>>> computers that belong to different people in my family, that all have
> >>>> problems with Vista SP2. I have applied SP2 to a total of around 5-6
> >>>> computers so almost 50% of the computers I updated have problems
> >>>> installing
> >>>> the service pack. Therefore, it is not because of anything unusual.
> >>>> In
> >>>> fact all three of these computers have very standard, out-of-the-box
> >>>> setups.
> >>>>
> >>>> One is my brother's new Dell laptop in the US. The other is my
> >>>> mother's
> >>>> desktop computer also in the US. And the third computer is my father's
> >>>> Dell laptop in Europe (I connected remotely to his machine).
> >>>>
> >>>> You cannot possibly claim that 50% of the computers I updated have
> >>>> problems
> >>>> because of unusual configuration. I don't touch these computers other
> >>>> than
> >>>> making sure that my brother and parents do their regular Microsoft
> >>>> security
> >>>> updates. They tend to keep their desktops very simple, with very
> >>>> little
> >>>> 3rd party software installed.
> >>>>
> >>>> I blame Microsoft for not issuing a patch or a product alert to deal
> >>>> with
> >>>> this SP2 installer problem. They realled messed up on the Vista SP2
> >>>> installer.
>
>

scorpionleather wrote:
> Brit, did you read my message? I said that there are -three-
> different computers that belong to different people in my family,
> that all have problems with Vista SP2. I have applied SP2 to a
> total of around 5-6 computers so almost 50% of the computers I
> updated have problems installing the service pack. Therefore, it
> is not because of anything unusual. In fact all three of these
> computers have very standard, out-of-the-box setups.
>
> One is my brother's new Dell laptop in the US. The other is my
> mother's desktop computer also in the US. And the third computer
> is my father's Dell laptop in Europe (I connected remotely to his
> machine).
>
> You cannot possibly claim that 50% of the computers I updated have
> problems because of unusual configuration. I don't touch these
> computers other than making sure that my brother and parents do
> their regular Microsoft security updates. They tend to keep their
> desktops very simple, with very little 3rd party software
> installed.
>
> I blame Microsoft for not issuing a patch or a product alert to
> deal with this SP2 installer problem. They realled messed up on
> the Vista SP2 installer.

Bill Daggett wrote:
> This discussion belongs in microsoft.public.windowsupdate.
>
> I'm sending it there via crosspost.

PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
> If you cannot install any updates, Windows Update is an appropriate
> newsgroup. If you're having problems installing Vista SP2 only...
>
> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available
> for Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 2 (SP2). This support
> for Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) is valid until November 26,
> 2009. Availability of chat or e-mail support differs depending on
> your geographic location. Go to
> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=582034
> & select appropriate category (i.e., Download issue; Installation
> issue; Issues after you install a service pack).
<snipped>

Bitewolf wrote:
> I agree Vista SP is junk. Have tried several times to install SP 2.
> It always ends up with "Reverting changes" for approx 5 hours.
> By the way just look at the advice given to install SP on Vista. The
> complexity of fixing this issue speaks for itself, try this and try
> that. How Microsoft think people would dare to jump on a new OS. if
> they even cannot make updates to a mature OS work is a mystery to
> me.

PA Bear [MS MVP] wrote:
> Your computer's OEM install of Vista SP1 may be junk, BW.
>
> Attempting a manual install per my previous reply should be a last
> resort. Most users won't have to resort such a complex method to
> install it manually or via Automatic/Windows Update.
>
> In any event, free support's available so why not take advantage of
> it?

Bitewolf wrote:
> Yes it is possible the OEM installation is the problem, since I
> have the files prepacked on my VAIO. Sony seems to have problems
> with their hardware similar to Microsofts problem with software.
> But the issue is that MS soon only supports Vista SP2
> installations. Since I cannot upgrade from SP1 soon this will not
> be a in issue for MS. Magnificent solution.

PA Bear gave you a link where you can get assistance with Vista SP2
installation issues. You are having a Vista SP2 installation issue. You
might want to use that free assistance (by the method of your choice, email,
online chat, telephone depending on your location) if you need to get
assistance.

Repeating what PA Bear already gave to you:

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 2 (SP2). This support for Windows
Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) is valid until November 26, 2009. Availability of
chat or e-mail support differs depending on your geographic location. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=582034 &
select appropriate category (i.e., Download issue; Installation issue;
Issues after you install a service pack).

So get yourself some free support. Who knows - they might have just the
suggestion.

Now - let me warn you - the one and only time I had to use this support for
Windows Vista SP2 installation issues - Microsoft failed in my opinion. I
know of many others with much differing results than mine - after all - I
had probably exhausted most of the normal troubleshooting issues long before
I called (I essentially had, although I was avoiding some of the more
drastic on purpose) - so it is highly likely your situation is different
from mine enough so that your attempt might be more successful (or you may
be willing to go with the steps I was not willing to do.)

I had worked on it for hours and not been able to get SP2 installed. I
finally let go of my "I can do it" attitude/ego and called for the free
support. I talked to them for over an hour and in then end - they wanted me
to format and install from scratch.

I disconnected from the call politely, but thinking that solution was
horrible. They had been 'on-track', I thought, with the repair installation
path they had suggested near the end of the conversation, but they did not
carry it through. So I did. The problem had been my Windows Vista SP1
integrated DVD did not give me the proper options - my thought is that I had
leftovers from the failed SP2 attempts and it thought my SP1 integrated DVD
was a version below what it had installed. That was incorrect - but finding
everything that it might check for seemed out of the question. I downloaded
a MSDN copy of Windows Vista with SP2 integrated and use that to perform a
repair installation with my product key. Everything has been smooth sailing
ever since and the only thing I lost (noticable) was my Internet Explorer
home page setting.

Now - giving Microsoft their fair shake - I doubt they could have
recommended I download the MSDN copy of Windows Vista with SP2 integrated
and used it to perform the repair installation, but maybe they could have
just asked, "Do you have a copy of Windows Vista with SP2 intgrated you can
get your hands on?" - showing they at least thought of it. *grin*

In any case - it is the only time (knock on wood) I have had trouble with
SP2 for Windows Vista. I have not installed SP2 for Vista as extensively as
I have SP3 for Windows XP - but enough to make that statement and add that
is less than 1% of machines so far. It's actually to be expected. Who
knows how many millions/billions of hardware/software combinations exist and
to expect any one entity to be able to compensate for all the possible
dfferences would be ridiculous, IMO.

--
Shenan Stanley
MS-MVP
--
How To Ask Questions The Smart Way
http://www.catb.org/~esr/faqs/smart-questions.html

I can see how there could be problems with OEM customizations to SP1, but
just want to note that in my case one of the failed computers had Vista
installed from the original Vista CD. In other words, not OEM. The other
two are Dell laptops that came with Vista.

So it affects both OEM customized Vista and off-the-shelf Vista.

"Shenan Stanley" <> wrote in message
>I talked to them for over an hour and in then end - they wanted me to
>format and install from scratch.

That's why I'm not bothering to call Microsoft support. In my experience
they know how to come up with lots of busy-work steps to adjust the
computer's configuration (disable this and that, safe mode, etc) - which do
not fix a programming error in the service pack installer. I am sure that
psychologically it makes their users feel like they did something
productive, after tinkering with their machine for hours. It's like if my
car's engine is broken, and the repair shop on the phone telling me to
remove items from the trunk, wash and polish the car, etc. and maybe
magically it will start running again. Based on info available online, I
know that the end result will be to re-install Vista because SP2 doesn't
know how to cope with prior Vista updates.

> I have not installed SP2 for Vista as extensively as I have SP3 for
> Windows XP - but enough to make that statement and add that is less than
> 1% of machines so far.

I doubt it's that small percentage because 3 out of the 6 computers I tried
to update have problems and will not update to Vista SP2. That is a 50%
failure rate for the computers I tried, and each of these computers belong
to different people and were purchased at different times... a mix of
desktops and laptops, some old and some new, some OEM Vista and another one
is off-the-shelf Vista... still getting a 50% failure rate.

Repost:

Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 2 (SP2). This support for Windows
Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) is valid until November 26, 2009. Availability of
chat or e-mail support differs depending on your geographic location. Go to
http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=582034 &
select appropriate category (i.e., Download issue; Installation issue;
Issues after you install a service pack).


Bitewolf wrote:
> Yes it is possible the OEM installation is the problem, since I have the
> files prepacked on my VAIO. Sony seems to have problems with their
> hardware
> similar to Microsofts problem with software.
> But the issue is that MS soon only supports Vista SP2 installations. Since
> I
> cannot upgrade from SP1 soon this will not be a in issue for MS.
> Magnificent
> solution.
>
> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>> Your computer's OEM install of Vista SP1 may be junk, BW.
>>
>> Attempting a manual install per my previous reply should be a last
>> resort.
>> Most users won't have to resort such a complex method to install it
>> manually or via Automatic/Windows Update.
>>
>> In any event, free support's available so why not take advantage of it?
>>
>> Bitewolf wrote:
>>> I agree Vista SP is junk. Have tried several times to install SP 2. It
>>> always ends up with "Reverting changes" for approx 5 hours.
>>> By the way just look at the advice given to install SP on Vista. The
>>> complexity of fixing this issue speaks for itself, try this and try
>>> that.
>>> How Microsoft think people would dare to jump on a new OS. if they even
>>> cannot make updates to a mature OS work is a mystery to me.
>>>
>>> "PA Bear [MS MVP]" wrote:
>>>> If you cannot install any updates, Windows Update is an appropriate
>>>> newsgroup. If you're having problems installing Vista SP2 only...
>>>>
>>>> Free unlimited installation and compatibility support is available for
>>>> Windows Vista, but only for Service Pack 2 (SP2). This support for
>>>> Windows
>>>> Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) is valid until November 26, 2009.
>>>> Availability
>>>> of chat or e-mail support differs depending on your geographic
>>>> location.
>>>> Go to
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/oas/def...4&gprid=582034 &
>>>> select appropriate category (i.e., Download issue; Installation issue;
>>>> Issues after you install a service pack).
>>>>
>>>> You'll find additional support for Vista SP2 issues in
>>>> microsoft.public.windows.vista.general newsgroup and in these forums:
>>>>
>>>> . http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...stawu/threads/
>>>>
>>>> .
>>>> http://social.answers.microsoft.com/...nstall/threads
>>>>
>>>> .
>>>> http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...stasp/threads/
>>>>
>>>> How to troubleshoot Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 service pack
>>>> installation issues
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947366
>>>>
>>>> Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 service pack installation fails
>>>> with
>>>> error 0x80004005:
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/971204
>>>>
>>>> Error message when you try to install Windows Vista Service Pack 2 or
>>>> Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2: "An internal error occurred while
>>>> installing the service pack":
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/967818
>>>>
>>>>>> I blame Microsoft for not issuing a patch... to deal with
>>>>>> this SP2 installer problem.
>>>>
>>>> Description of the Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 installation
>>>> software feature update released April 28, 2009:
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/955430 [Has KB955430 been installed
>>>> yet?]
>>>>
>>>> The update is not installed successfully, you receive a message, and
>>>> the
>>>> computer restarts when you try to install an update in Windows Vista (3
>>>> Resolution Methods)
>>>> http://support.microsoft.com/kb/949358
>>>>
>>>> ============
>>>>
>>>> Vista SP2 Installation Tips:
>>>>
>>>> .. Your computer will restart several times during the installation
>>>> process: Make certain you've saved your work and closed all open
>>>> applications before beginning the install.
>>>>
>>>> .. Disable (1) your anti-virus application, (2) any real-time system
>>>> protections afforded by any anti-spyware applications (except
>>>> Defender),
>>>> &
>>>> (3) your third-party firewall (if any) and then (4) enable the Windows
>>>> Firewall _before installing or uninstalling_ Vista SP2.
>>>>
>>>> .. The installation process can take an hour or more: If you're
>>>> installing
>>>> SP2 on a portable computer, make sure that you plug-in the power cord
>>>> and
>>>> have the battery inserted into its bay.
>>>>
>>>> .. Vista SP1 is a prerequisite for installing SP2. If you use Windows
>>>> Update or the Automatic Update feature in Windows Vista, you will not
>>>> be
>>>> offered the option to install SP2 until you first install SP1.
>>>>
>>>> =============================
>>>>
>>>> HOW TO install Vista SP2 manually
>>>>
>>>> <QP>
>>>> Generally, these errors can occur if the system files are corrupted.
>>>>
>>>> To make clear the current situation, I recommend downloading Windows
>>>> Vista
>>>> Service Pack 2] in Normal Mode and installing it in Clean Boot Mode.
>>>> Please
>>>> follow the steps below.
>>>>
>>>> Note: This SP2 installation can be affected by certain third party
>>>> programs
>>>> running in the background. If you are running any third party
>>>> applications
>>>> such as Spyblocker, Internet or web accelerators (programs designed to
>>>> boost the speed of the Internet connection), security or anti-virus
>>>> programs (McAfee, Norton, etc.), I recommend we temporarily disable or
>>>> shut them down during our troubleshooting process. Please be sure to
>>>> enable them again when the update process has been completed.
>>>>
>>>> Step 1: Download Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Standalone Installer
>>>> ================================================== =
>>>> 1. Download Windows Vista SP2 from the link below according to your
>>>> System
>>>> Type:
>>>>
>>>> ....Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for
>>>> x32-based
>>>> systems (Size: 348.3 MB)
>>>> http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/d...2-a5c3199ea2b3
>>>>
>>>> ....Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone for
>>>> x64-based
>>>> systems (Size: 577.4MB)
>>>> http://download.microsoft.com/downlo...-X64-wave0.exe
>>>>
>>>> 2. Save the download to your desktop, do not Run it!
>>>>
>>>> Step 2: Install Windows Vista SP2 in Clean Boot mode
>>>> ========================================
>>>> Please disable all startup items and third party services when booting
>>>> to
>>>> avoid conflict when installing Vista SP1:
>>>>
>>>> 1. Click "Start", type: MSCONFIG in the search box and press Enter.
>>>>
>>>> Note: Please click "Continue" if the "User Account Control" window pops
>>>> up.
>>>>
>>>> 2. Click "Services", check the "Hide All Microsoft Services" box and
>>>> click
>>>> "Disable All" (if it is not gray).
>>>> 3. Click "Startup", click "Disable All" and click "OK".
>>>>
>>>> Note: Temporarily disabling the Startup Group only prevents the startup
>>>> programs from loading at startup. This shouldn't affect the system or
>>>> other
>>>> programs. We can manually run these programs later. Go ahead and reboot
>>>> your system when prompted as you are exiting MsConfig.
>>>>
>>>> 4. After rebooting, right-click on the downloaded Windows Vista Service
>>>> Pack 2 Standalone Installer, select "Run as Administrator" (if
>>>> necessary)
>>>> and follow the instructions to install Windows Vista SP2.
>>>>
>>>> To restore the computer to use a Normal Startup, repeat step 1 above.
>>>> Then
>>>> click "Normal Startup" on the General tab, click "OK", and then restart
>>>> the
>>>> computer.
>>>> </QP>
>>>> Modified from original MS Support source as quoted in
>>>> http://social.technet.microsoft.com/...-fb58c5da5ad0/
>>>> --
>>>> ~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
>>>> MS MVP-IE, Mail, Security, Windows Client - since 2002
>>>> www.banthecheck.com
>>>>
>>>>
>>>>
>>>> Bill Daggett wrote:
>>>>> This discussion belongs in microsoft.public.windowsupdate.
>>>>>
>>>>> I'm sending it there via crosspost.
>>>>>
>>>>> "scorpionleather" <> wrote:
>>>>>> Brit, did you read my message? I said that there are -three-
>>>>>> different
>>>>>> computers that belong to different people in my family, that all have
>>>>>> problems with Vista SP2. I have applied SP2 to a total of around 5-6
>>>>>> computers so almost 50% of the computers I updated have problems
>>>>>> installing
>>>>>> the service pack. Therefore, it is not because of anything unusual.
>>>>>> In
>>>>>> fact all three of these computers have very standard, out-of-the-box
>>>>>> setups.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> One is my brother's new Dell laptop in the US. The other is my
>>>>>> mother's
>>>>>> desktop computer also in the US. And the third computer is my
>>>>>> father's
>>>>>> Dell laptop in Europe (I connected remotely to his machine).
>>>>>>
>>>>>> You cannot possibly claim that 50% of the computers I updated have
>>>>>> problems
>>>>>> because of unusual configuration. I don't touch these computers
>>>>>> other
>>>>>> than
>>>>>> making sure that my brother and parents do their regular Microsoft
>>>>>> security
>>>>>> updates. They tend to keep their desktops very simple, with very
>>>>>> little
>>>>>> 3rd party software installed.
>>>>>>
>>>>>> I blame Microsoft for not issuing a patch or a product alert to deal
>>>>>> with
>>>>>> this SP2 installer problem. They realled messed up on the Vista SP2
>>>>>> installer.

Why have you hijacked Bitewolf's thread?

scorpionleather wrote:
> I can see how there could be problems with OEM customizations to SP1, but
> just want to note that in my case one of the failed computers had Vista
> installed from the original Vista CD. In other words, not OEM. The other
> two are Dell laptops that came with Vista.
>
> So it affects both OEM customized Vista and off-the-shelf Vista.