Service Pack 1 helps the Windows Vista operating system work better.
Microsoft service packs are bundles of fixes, updates and security enhancements added to your Windows operating system in order to keep it up-to-date. If you have not installed Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1), the update is still available on the Microsoft website. SP1 includes changes to Vista's speed, support for hardware drivers like Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) and changes to Disk Defragmenter.
Vista Home Basic
You need an 800-megahertz (32-bit or 64-bit) processor with at least 512 megabytes (MB) of system memory available for installation (you will need more if your computer uses system memory for graphics memory). The computer also needs a 20-gigabyte (GB) hard drive with about 15GB available for installation. You also will need a DirectX 9-class graphics card with 32 MB of graphics memory.
Vista Home Premium, Business, Enterprise and Ultimate
For versions other than Home Basic, you need a one-gigahertz (GHz) 32-bit or 64-bit processor with one GB of system memory available for installation. Your Windows Aero-capable graphics card, which includes DirectX-9, also needs to have a Windows Display Driver Model (WDDM) driver and Pixel Shader 2.0.
Service Pack 1 Update Methods
You can update your Windows Vista operating system in several ways. Windows Update, which is provided with the operating system, automatically updates Windows. You set the schedule of the update, and the computer does the rest. Another way to install Vista SP1 is by downloading a stand-alone version. This version is designed for network administrators and power users who want to control what updates are added to their operating system. Another method of updating is to use the integrated installation update method. This is mainly used on new computers which need to have Vista and SP1 installed.
Pre-Installation Checklist
Microsoft recommends you check your available hard drive space before installation. Since pieces of Vista SP1 were released prior to the full update, Windows Update may have already installed some components for you. Back up your data before installation; unplug any USB devices. Update your device drivers; check for file corruptions using Check Disk and System File Checker.
Cautions
Because the installation process requires you to restart your computer several times, it is important to close all open applications and to plug in laptops during the update. Some drivers may no longer function after you install SP1. If you experience problems with a printer or other device after SP1 is installed, Microsoft recommends downloading the driver for the device and reinstalling it. For sound problems, use the Microsoft FixIt, an automated troubleshooting services wizard which tries to resolve audio problems.
Tags: operating system, Service Pack, Windows Vista, available installation, system memory