Congratulations Vista Users!
You've all been enlisted as unpaid Microsoft beta testers! Vista service pack one has been released - and has promptly caused serious problems for many Vista users.
A day after it was released for public download, Windows Vista SP1 is drawing barbs from some computer users who say the software wrecked their systems.
"I downloaded it via Windows Update, and got a bluescreen on the third part of the update," wrote "Iggy33" in a comment posted Wednesday on Microsoft's Vista team blog.
Iggy33 was just one of dozens of posters complaining about Vista Service Pack 1's effect on their PCs. "What a disaster," wrote "SeppDietrich" of the update. "It exiled all my Nvidia drivers to the Bermuda Triangle."
"Bikkja" said that "after installing SP1 things seem to go really slow, even though my computer shouldn't have any problems."
Other troubles reported by Vista SP1 users ranged from a simple inability to download the software from Microsoft's Windows Update site to sudden spikes in memory usage. "Went from using 650 MB RAM idle to 1 Gig… I'll be switching back," said "Kurrier."
It's not uncommon for major software patches to cause problems when first released. Windows XP Service Pack 1 inflicted numerous glitches on host computers when it shipped in 2002. Microsoft fixed many of the problems with subsequent patches.
Microsoft on Tuesday made Vista SP1 widely available for the first time. The company has admitted it's still not perfect.
The service pack will not install on computers that use peripheral device drivers that Microsoft has deemed incompatible. The list includes a small set of audio and display drivers made by Realtek and Intel, as well as drivers from several other manufacturers.
Microsoft said it's working to resolve the compatibility issues.
Meanwhile, my Linux laptop just chugs along taking care of all my Crabitat needs. But now I have to dread updating my daughter's laptop. Oh goody.
Geek Stuff | Gaius Wednesday, 19 March , 2008
By Anthony (Los Angeles), Wednesday, 19 March , 2008 @ 7:46 pm
Coincidentally, I was just looking at Dell’s web site for a new laptop. I was shocked at how few options there were for sticking with XP. There’s no way I’m downgrading to Vista. If need be, I’ll install Linux or buy a Mac, instead.
By Gideon7, Thursday, 20 March , 2008 @ 2:43 am
The most common problem - the "3 of 3" reboot-loop - can be fixed by visiting Microsoft Update before applying SP1.
By Neo, Thursday, 20 March , 2008 @ 11:13 am
I’ve noticed now that Microsoft Windows seems to have a parallel to Star Trek movies.Seems ever odd version s&*k$ .. err .. is less that satisfactory.
By Steev, Thursday, 20 March , 2008 @ 12:13 pm
Neo- I agree all the even Trek movies were the best.
Anthony- Save yourself the heartache and just go right to the Mac.
When Apple released 10.5.1 & 10.5.2 there were no issues like this (I’m sure there were some issues but not so extreme).
Seriously, the Mac is a sweet Unix machine.
By sam, Thursday, 20 March , 2008 @ 1:21 pm
My daughter bought a desktop with Vista last year and other than not being able to play DVD’s on it, hasn’t had any problems that she has told me about.On the other hand, I have no intention of "upgrading" my XP computer. Also, the computer whiz that works on our computers has had several persons convert their Vista PCs to XP. He is no fan of Vista.