This document contains information on issues and solutions related to updating to the Windows Vista Service Pack 1.

This document will be updated frequently as new concerns and information become available. Please check back for the latest information.

Microsoft is the primary source of information on SP1 issues

When updating a computer to the Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1), the Microsoft web site should be your primary source for information on known issues. When solutions to these issues are developed, Microsoft will publish updates and work-around information.

This document contains information on significant issues and solutions that have been reported on HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario computers. You may wish to bookmark this document. HP will update this document as new issues are reported.

Should I download the SP1 update from Microsoft’s website or use Windows Update?

HP strongly recommends that customers acquire SP1 using Windows Update . By going through Windows Update, the application will validate whether or not the computer is ready for SP1. If the computer is not currently ready, Microsoft can provide a variety of updates and fixes for drivers and other issues that will ensure that the computer will be ready for SP1 at the end of the process.

Many customers who Installed SP1 manually by bypassing the Windows Update validation and correction process, have encounter problems because the required drivers were not updated.

Beginning in mid-March 2008, SP1 became available for download in Windows Update as an update. Beginning in mid-April, SP1 will automatically download as a critical update on Windows Vista-based computers that have automatic updating enabled. This is the easiest and most convenient way to update a Windows Vista computer.

Why don’t I see SP1 in Windows Update?

SP1 is being distributed gradually by Microsoft, and will be available first in English, French, German, and Spanish. Other languages will become available over time. Continue to check back in Windows Update if you require support in other languages.

Before the Windows Update function displays the option to download SP1, it checks for the existence of specific versions of drivers on the computer. If the drivers are older than the specified version, Windows Update prompts you to install updated drivers (especially audio drivers) to meet SP1 requirements. To run Windows Update:

1. Click Start , right-click Computer , and select Properties .
   
2. On the system window, click Windows Update in the left column.
   
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to download any updates.
   
4. If multiple updates are needed, it may be necessary to install an update, restart the computer, and run the WINDOWS Update again to install the remaining updates.
   

Only when the Microsoft Windows Update has verified that the required updates are installed and working does it display the SP1 Update option. For more information on why your computer is not displaying SP1 in Windows Update, please refer to the Microsoft web site.

I saw a tip about renaming some files to get Service Pack 1. Is this a good Idea?

There are some documents on the internet suggesting that users change the names of some files on the PC to trick Windows Update into downloading Service Pack 1. Users have wondered if this was a good idea. The answer is no; do not change any file names . The best way – and safest way – to get Windows Vista SP1 is to use Windows Update and look for Service Pack 1 in the list of available updates. When using the Windows Vista Update feature the system checks for certain files on the computer before it displays the option to download SP1.

NOTE:

Some users who bypassed Windows Update and manually downloaded SP1 have encountered problems because drivers for their specific computer are not included in the generic download.

HP does not recommend manipulating or renaming or deleting any files just to download SP1. There are some good reasons for not changing files, especially files related to the Windows operating system.

• First, if the wrong file is accidentally renamed or deleted, the computer could stop working completely, or work with limited functionality.

• Second, the fixes required by Windows may be for hardware components from a specific manufacturer. If your computer uses components from a different manufacturer, you may lose functionality on that component.
  
• Third, Windows Update is checking for multiple conditions, and the act of renaming or deleting one file may not affect the results of the test.
  
• Fourth, in addition to checking for the existence of a specific file, the Windows Update may not have the required replacement file available for download.
  

Where can I find more information before I install SP1?

Important knowledge based (KB) articles available by searching on the www.microsoft.com web site include:

• KB 935791 How to obtain the latest Windows Vista service pack .
  
• KB 936332 How to obtain information about hot fixes and security updates that are included in Windows Vista Service Pack 1 .
  
• KB948343 Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is not available for installation from Windows Update and is not offered by Automatic Updates
  

Will SP1 correct all the existing problems with my PC?

SP1 may solve some problems, but it is an enhancement to the Vista operating system and is not designed to solve all the potential problems that users may have with a PC. For the list of enhancement provided by SP 1 please see Notable Changes in Windows Vista Service Pack 1 on the Microsoft web site. The document is technical in nature but provides a detailed list of the updates applied in SP1.

To solve other issues on your machine make sure all drivers and software are up to date, and run the HP Health Check (provide on select models) from the Help and Support .

Do I have to update my BIOS?

It is advisable to update to the latest BIOS and apply all HP and Microsoft updated drivers and programs for your PC before installing SP1. Go to the HP Software & Driver Downloads page and check for updated BIOS and drivers for your model. In some cases, if the BIOS is not updated before installing SP1, the PC may fail to start properly.

I did not update my BIOS and now the PC will not boot. What should I do?

When Vista SP1 was released, there were several issues that required the user to update the BIOS or the drivers AFTER Vista was updated. Most of those issues have been corrected because the Windows Update function performs more checks and dynamically downloads the required files. You may wish to visit the Microsoft and the HP web sites to search for solutions that match the exact startup or no-boot conditions you are experiencing; however, in most cases, running the Windows Update function will detect and resolve the problem.

Example A: After upgrading to Vista SP1 the system may intermittently hang (for 1-2 minutes), and fail to boot to the Windows desktop. The PC may boot to the Microsoft Startup Repair option or the Microsoft System Restore. To successfully boot the system to Windows Vista, cancel the System Restore and allow the system to continue the startup repair. Once Windows Vista is running, go to the HP web site and update the BIOS to avoid this issue for the future.

Example B: After upgrading to Vista SP1 the system may intermittently hang, display the black Vista boot-up screen, and the green activity bar may stop moving. To successfully boot the system to Windows Vista, reset system by turning off the PC, disconnecting the AC power, removing and then replacing the battery. Restart the PC. Once Windows Vista is running, go to the HP web site and update the BIOS to avoid this issue for the future.

After installing SP1, my audio stopped working. What should I do?

Microsoft has reported that certain audio chip sets will fail when SP1 is installed causing the sound features to stop working. Running the Windows Update function, even after installing SP1, may detect and resolve most problems. Additionally, you should run the HP Update and HP Health Check utilities at least once a week to check for all HP updated drivers.

You may wish to visit the Microsoft and the HP web sites to search for solutions that match the exact no audio conditions you are experiencing. See Resolving No Sound or Audio Problems in Vista .

My fingerprint reader stopped working. What should I do?

The Fingerprint reader on HP notebook PCs is a USB connected device, and drivers are only available on the HP website. Updated fingerprint reader drivers are not available on Windows Update.

If your computer has a fingerprint reader, go to the HP Software & Driver Downloads page, type the Product number for your PC, select Vista operating system , and check for the latest AuthenTec fingerprint driver.

Are there any known performance issues with SP1 that require updated drivers?

HP and Microsoft are working to provide updated drivers for Windows Vista Service Pack 1. Users who used the Windows Update function to check the computer for all the required drivers, before upgrading to SP1, have reported very few problems. However, there are known performance issues with the following components if the drivers are not updated.

• Option 1 : Run the Windows Update to detect the following known issues and attempt to install updated drivers.
  

• Option 2 : Run the HP Update and HP Health Check utilities to locate updated HP drivers.
  
• Option 3 : Manually locate updated drivers. Go to the HP Software & Driver Downloads page, type the Product number for your PC, select Vista operating system , and check for updated drivers.
  

I already installed a Beta version of SP1. What should I do?

If you had previously installed a Beta version of Windows Service Pack 1, you MUST uninstall the Beta version before installing the released version of Windows Vista Service Pack 1.

Can I uninstall SP1?

You can uninstall the service pack by using the Programs and Features menus in the Control Panel.

1. Click Start , Control Panel , and then Programs and Features .
   
2. Click View installed updates in the left panel.
   
3. Right-click Service Pack for Microsoft Windows , and then click Uninstall .
   

Will all my programs work in SP1?

Microsoft has identified some application that do not operate properly with SP1, and they are working with the program manufacturers about the issues. For detailed information, go to the Microsoft web site and search for the document   KB 935796: Information about programs that are known to experience a loss of functionality when they run on a Windows VISTA Service Pack 1-based computer .

Will HP Update help me get all the important driver updates?

The HP Update utility will check for updated drivers and software, however the older versions of HP Update (v4.000.005.007 or earlier) will not work properly after upgrading to Vista SP1. To install the latest version of HP Update, open the Control Panel and uninstall the older version of HP Update. Then go to the hp.com web site and search for the softpaq SP38202
HP Update and HP Software Update – Critical Security Update (English only).

If I don’t like SP1 can I revert to a pre-SP1 condition by selecting an earlier Microsoft Restore Point?

Yes, but it is best to uninstall the service pack instead of just using a restore point! Using a Microsoft System Restore restoration point can potentially revert the PC to a pre-SP1 condition, however installing Service Pack 1 takes at least 3.5 GB of free hard disk space. If the installation program determines that there is a limited amount of space on the hard drive, all restore points will be deleted and a single pre-SP1 restore point will be set. On a small number of PCs, this will mean that there is no restore point available for uninstalling SP1.

I got a message that I have to reactivate my PC. What do I do?

On some retail licensed computers, it may be necessary to reactivate the Windows Vista operating system after installing SP1. If, during the SP1 installation, a device driver is updated that is part of the computer signature, the computer will need to be reactivated. In this instance, you will be prompted to activate your original version of Windows Vista by connecting the PC to the internet and following the on-screen instructions from Microsoft.

NOTE:

Read the Windows activation notice carefully. You are being asked to reactivate your original version of Vista using the Product Key printed on the Windows tag on the bottom of your notebook. You are not being asked to purchase a new Product Key.

See also

HP Notebook PCs – Precautions to Take Before Updating to Vista Service Pack 1

HP Notebook PCs – List of HP-Certified Windows Vista Capable PCs

HP Notebook PCs – Windows Vista Upgrade Options

HP Notebook PCs – Upgrading to Windows Vista Using the HP Upgrade Utility

HP Notebook PCs – Obtaining a Recovery CD or DVD set for Windows Vista

HP Notebook PCs – Use Windows Basic Backup and Restore Center to Back Up Files in Vista

HP Notebook PCs – Using Disk Defragmenter in Windows Vista