Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 released to TechNet and MSDN subscribers

  • Article

Hi All,

Service pack 2 (SP2) for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 have been released for download by TechNet and MSDN subscribers, with general availability coming soon. SP2 represents the latest step in Microsoft’s commitment to continuous improvement. It includes all updates that have been delivered since SP1, as well as support for new types of hardware and emerging hardware standards.

Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008 supports new kinds of hardware and emerging hardware standards. This service pack includes all the updates that have been delivered since Service Pack 1, and it simplifies deployment for consumers, for developers, and for IT professionals.

More Information about Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008 can be found on the Microsoft Website here: https://support.microsoft.com/kb/948465 , and also on the TechNet SP2 page here: https://technet.microsoft.com/en-nz/windows/dd767623.aspx

Some of the key benefits of Windows Vista SP2:

· Windows Search 4.0 for faster and improved relevancy in searches

· Bluetooth 2.1 Feature Pack supporting the most recent specification for Bluetooth Technology

· Ability to record data on to Blu-Ray media natively in Windows Vista

· Adds Windows Connect Now (WCN) to simplify Wi-Fi Configuration

· Windows Vista SP2 enables the exFAT file system to support UTC timestamps, which allows correct file synchronization across time zones.

And since it comes with a single installer for both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, SP2 will be easy for IT Pros to manage, deploy, and support. For a complete overview of the changes introduced in SP2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008, check out the notable changes document on TechNet here https://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd335036.aspx

If your Windows Vista SP1 deployment is already underway we recommend you continue with SP1 as planned. Then you can deploy SP2 using your systems management infrastructure.  If you are in the early stages of deployment or still planning Windows Vista deployment our best advice is that you plan on testing and deploying Windows Vista SP2.

As a quick reminder, Windows Vista SP1 Service Pack Blocker Tool has been removed, as we announced back in January. For customers who previously had the blocker tool in place, Windows Vista SP1 will now be offered to them via Windows Update.

Nick.