Installing Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)

[This content is preliminary and subject to change.]

This document provides general information that you should know before installing Windows Vista® Service Pack 2 (SP2). Both this document and the installation screens will guide you through the installation process.

You can use SP2 to update all editions of Windows Vista:

Windows Vista Starter
Windows Vista Home Basic
Windows Vista Home Premium
Windows Vista Business
Windows Vista Enterprise
Windows Vista Ultimate

Before you begin
Installing SP2
Uninstalling SP2
Resources for advanced users and system administrators
Copyright information

Before you begin

Before you install SP2, do the following:

Make sure your computer is running Windows Vista with Service Pack 1 (SP1) installed. SP1 must be installed before you can install SP2. To find out if SP1 is already installed on your computer, click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Properties. If Service Pack 1 is listed in the Windows edition section, SP1 is already installed on your computer. For additional information on SP1, go to Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Resources on the Microsoft TechNet website.
If your computer is running on battery power, plug it in so that your computer does not lose power during the installation.
Close any open files and programs before installing SP2.
If you are trying to download SP2, make sure you select the 32-bit SP2 if you are running a 32-bit edition of Windows Vista. Select the 64-bit SP2 if you are running a 64-bit edition of Windows Vista. To find out which edition you are running, click Start, right-click Computer, and then click Properties. In the System section, you can view the operating system under System type. If you are installing SP2 from an installation disc, the correct version will install automatically.
Make sure there is enough free space on your computer's hard disk to install the service pack. The 32-bit SP2 requires a minimum of 7 gigabytes (GB) of free space; the 64-bit SP2 requires a minimum of 13 GB of free space.
Back up your files to an external hard disk, DVD or CD, USB flash drive, or network folder.
If the configuration of your antivirus software prevents certain system files from being changed, SP2 installation might fail. Try temporarily disabling your antivirus software. You can usually do this by right-clicking your antivirus icon (which typically appears in the bottom right-hand corner of the computer screen) and clicking Disable. If you disable your antivirus software before you install the service pack, be sure that you are aware of the risks involved, and be sure to enable it after the service pack is installed.

Installing SP2

You can install SP2 from the SP2 disc or download it from the Windows Vista Service Pack 2 website.

To install SP2:

If you install SP2 from the disc, insert the disc with your current version of Windows Vista running. The Welcome to Windows Vista Service Pack 2 screen should automatically appear. If the welcome screen does not appear, click Start, click Computer, right-click the drive containing the install disc, and then click Install or run program.
If you get SP2 from the website, download either the 32-bit SP2 or 64-bit SP2, depending on whether you are running the 32-bit or 64-bit edition of Windows Vista. To install the program immediately, click Open or Run, and then follow the instructions on your screen. To install the program later, click Save and download the installation file to your computer. When you are ready to install the service pack, double-click the file.
When the Welcome to Windows Vista Service Pack 2 window appears, click Next.
Follow the instructions on your screen. Your computer might restart several times as part of the installation. Do not unplug or shut down your computer during the installation.
If you disabled your antivirus software prior to installing the service pack, reenable it.

Uninstalling SP2

You can use Programs and Features in Control Panel to remove SP2 and restore your computer to its previous state.

To uninstall SP2:

Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
Click Programs.
Under Programs and Features, click View installed updates.
On the Uninstall an update page, click Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB948465), and then click Uninstall.
Follow the instructions on your screen.

Resources for advanced users and system administrators

To find additional information, such as release notes and the SP2 deployment guide, go to Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Resources on the Microsoft TechNet website.

Copyright

This document is provided for informational purposes only and Microsoft makes no warranties, either express or implied, in this document. Information in this document, including URL and other Internet Web site references, is subject to change without notice. The entire risk of the use or the results from the use of this document remains with the user. Unless otherwise noted, the example companies, organizations, products, domain names, e-mail addresses, logos, people, places, and events depicted herein are fictitious, and no association with any real company, organization, product, domain name, e-mail address, logo, person, place, or event is intended or should be inferred. Complying with all applicable copyright laws is the responsibility of the user. Without limiting the rights under copyright, no part of this document may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise), or for any purpose, without the express written permission of Microsoft Corporation.

Microsoft may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this document. Except as expressly provided in any written license agreement from Microsoft, the furnishing of this document does not give you any license to these patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property.

Microsoft, Windows Vista, and Windows Server are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.