Microsoft releases Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Server 2008
Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows Vista and Server 2008, which was finished one month ago, is now available to download. SP2 is also available as a stand-alone package. It can be used to update the English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish language versions of Vista and Server 2008 and is available for x86, x64 and ia64 systems. All three packages can also be downloaded together as an ISO image.
Currently, SP2 is not yet being distributed via Windows Update, however, Microsoft intends to start doing so "within the next few weeks".
Service Pack 1 must be installed prior to installing SP2. SP1 was included in Server 2008 out of the box, but Vista users will need to have installed it separately. SP1 synchronised the code bases of Vista and Server 2008, which is why SP2 is now updating both operating systems.
SP2 includes all patches Microsoft has released since the last Service Pack (overview). In addition to patches, SP2 also includes a number of additional features, such as Windows Search 4.0, Windows Vista Feature Pack for Wireless (including Bluetooth 2.1 support) and Blu-ray support. An overview can be found on Technet.
Microsoft has published a list of applications which will no longer work or will have limited functionality following SP2 installation. Compared to Service Pack 2 for Windows XP, the list appears to be fairly modest.
Applications do not run faster under Vista with SP2 and indeed boot-time is even a little longer. Copying data will also continue to be slower under Vista with SP2 than under XP or Windows 7. By contrast, with SP2 installed Vista now reacts to user actions such as launching the start menu, Windows Explorer or the system settings window noticeably faster, approaching the speeds achieved under XP and Windows 7. On modern desktop PCs, the speed of the operating systems feels more or less the same. However the amount of disk space it requires continues to rule out Vista as an operating system for netbooks.
http://www.h-online.com/security/Microsoft...8--/news/113380
Programs that are known to experience a loss of functionality after you install Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista or for Windows Server 2008
Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008 contains many security, reliability, and feature updates for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008. A program may experience a loss of functionality after you install SP2 for Windows Vista SP2 or for Windows Server 2008. However, most programs continue to work as expected after you install SP2.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...&spid=11734
Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008 contains many security, reliability, and feature updates for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008. A program may experience a loss of functionality after you install SP2 for Windows Vista SP2 or for Windows Server 2008. However, most programs continue to work as expected after you install SP2.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...&spid=11734
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone DVD ISO (KB948465)
Click to view attachment
Service Pack 2, the latest service pack for both Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista, supports new types of hardware and emerging hardware standards, includes all of the updates that have been delivered since SP1, and simplifies deployment, for consumers, developers, and IT professionals.
File Name: 6002.18005.090410-1830_iso_update_sp_wave0-RTMSP2.0_DVD.iso
Version: 948465
Knowledge Base (KB) Articles: KB948465
Date Published: 5/25/2009
Language: English
Service Pack 2 for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista (SP2) is an update to Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 that supports new kinds of hardware and emerging hardware standards, and includes all updates delivered since SP1. SP2 simplifies administration by enabling IT administrators to deploy and support a single service pack for clients and servers. Please see the Windows Server SP2/Windows Vista SP2 page on TechNet/MSDN for additional details and documentation.
Windows Vista SP2 TechNet
Windows Server 2008 SP2 TechNet
SP2 is an update to Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista that incorporates improvements discovered through automated feedback, as well as updates that have been delivered since SP1. By providing these fixes integrated into a single service pack for both client and server, Microsoft provides a single high-quality update that minimizes deployment and testing complexity for customers.
Service Pack 1 is a prerequisite for installing Service Pack 2. Please make sure that your system is running Service Pack 1 before you install Service Pack 2.
Note:
Windows Server 2008 released with Service Pack 1 included. Windows Vista SP1 information and downloads can be found on the Windows Vista SP1 TechNet page.
This is a DVD ISO image that contains Service Pack 2 for Windows Server 2008 SP2 for x86, x64, IA-64 and Windows Vista for x86, x64. This image is only applicable to computers that have one or more of the following languages: English, German, French, Japanese, or Spanish.
Support for Windows Server 2008 SP2 Beta and Windows Vista SP2 Beta can be received by visiting the All Language Standalone DVDto install SP2.
System Requirements
Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2008; Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems; Windows Vista; Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...ce-f4463d06d6cb
Note that this is an ISO - DVD image file, not an update or installer file.
Regular users may wish to wait until the SP2 update is issued through windows/microsoft update.
Click to view attachment
Service Pack 2, the latest service pack for both Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista, supports new types of hardware and emerging hardware standards, includes all of the updates that have been delivered since SP1, and simplifies deployment, for consumers, developers, and IT professionals.
File Name: 6002.18005.090410-1830_iso_update_sp_wave0-RTMSP2.0_DVD.iso
Version: 948465
Knowledge Base (KB) Articles: KB948465
Date Published: 5/25/2009
Language: English
Service Pack 2 for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista (SP2) is an update to Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 that supports new kinds of hardware and emerging hardware standards, and includes all updates delivered since SP1. SP2 simplifies administration by enabling IT administrators to deploy and support a single service pack for clients and servers. Please see the Windows Server SP2/Windows Vista SP2 page on TechNet/MSDN for additional details and documentation.
Windows Vista SP2 TechNet
Windows Server 2008 SP2 TechNet
SP2 is an update to Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista that incorporates improvements discovered through automated feedback, as well as updates that have been delivered since SP1. By providing these fixes integrated into a single service pack for both client and server, Microsoft provides a single high-quality update that minimizes deployment and testing complexity for customers.
Service Pack 1 is a prerequisite for installing Service Pack 2. Please make sure that your system is running Service Pack 1 before you install Service Pack 2.
Note:
Windows Server 2008 released with Service Pack 1 included. Windows Vista SP1 information and downloads can be found on the Windows Vista SP1 TechNet page.
This is a DVD ISO image that contains Service Pack 2 for Windows Server 2008 SP2 for x86, x64, IA-64 and Windows Vista for x86, x64. This image is only applicable to computers that have one or more of the following languages: English, German, French, Japanese, or Spanish.
Support for Windows Server 2008 SP2 Beta and Windows Vista SP2 Beta can be received by visiting the All Language Standalone DVDto install SP2.
System Requirements
Supported Operating Systems: Windows Server 2008; Windows Server 2008 for Itanium-based Systems; Windows Vista; Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition; Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...ce-f4463d06d6cb
Note that this is an ISO - DVD image file, not an update or installer file.
Regular users may wish to wait until the SP2 update is issued through windows/microsoft update.
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (x86)- Five Language Standalone (KB948465)
File Name: Windows6.0-KB948465-X86.exe
Version: 948465
Knowledge Base (KB) Articles: KB948465
Date Published: 5/25/2009
Service Pack 2 for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista (SP2) is an update to Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 that supports new kinds of hardware and emerging hardware standards, and includes all updates delivered since SP1. SP2 simplifies administration by enabling IT administrators to deploy and support a single service pack for clients and servers. Please see the Windows Server SP2/Windows Vista SP2 page on TechNet/MSDN for additional details and documentation.
Windows Vista SP2 TechNet
Windows Server 2008 SP2 TechNet
SP2 is an update to Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista that incorporates improvements discovered through automated feedback, as well as updates that have been delivered since SP1. By providing these fixes integrated into a single service pack for both client and server, Microsoft provides a single high-quality update that minimizes deployment and testing complexity for customers.
Service Pack 1 is a prerequisite for installing Service Pack 2. Please make sure that your system is running Service Pack 1 before you install Service Pack 2.
Note: Windows Server 2008 released with Service Pack 1 included. Windows Vista SP1 information and downloads can be found on the Windows Vista SP1 TechNet page.
Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone version can be installed on x64-based systems with any of the following language versions: English, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish.
If your system has additional languages please use the All Language Standalone to install SP2.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...12-a5c3199ea2b3
File Name: Windows6.0-KB948465-X86.exe
Version: 948465
Knowledge Base (KB) Articles: KB948465
Date Published: 5/25/2009
Service Pack 2 for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista (SP2) is an update to Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 that supports new kinds of hardware and emerging hardware standards, and includes all updates delivered since SP1. SP2 simplifies administration by enabling IT administrators to deploy and support a single service pack for clients and servers. Please see the Windows Server SP2/Windows Vista SP2 page on TechNet/MSDN for additional details and documentation.
Windows Vista SP2 TechNet
Windows Server 2008 SP2 TechNet
SP2 is an update to Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista that incorporates improvements discovered through automated feedback, as well as updates that have been delivered since SP1. By providing these fixes integrated into a single service pack for both client and server, Microsoft provides a single high-quality update that minimizes deployment and testing complexity for customers.
Service Pack 1 is a prerequisite for installing Service Pack 2. Please make sure that your system is running Service Pack 1 before you install Service Pack 2.
Note: Windows Server 2008 released with Service Pack 1 included. Windows Vista SP1 information and downloads can be found on the Windows Vista SP1 TechNet page.
Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 - Five Language Standalone version can be installed on x64-based systems with any of the following language versions: English, French, German, Japanese, or Spanish.
If your system has additional languages please use the All Language Standalone to install SP2.
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...12-a5c3199ea2b3
Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (x64)- Five Language Standalone for x64-based systems (KB948465)
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...d7-b1a6fedf51a7
http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/details...d7-b1a6fedf51a7
QUOTE (Terryala @ May 26 2009, 10:51 AM) 
Programs that are known to experience a loss of functionality after you install Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista or for Windows Server 2008
Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008 contains many security, reliability, and feature updates for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008. A program may experience a loss of functionality after you install SP2 for Windows Vista SP2 or for Windows Server 2008. However, most programs continue to work as expected after you install SP2.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...&spid=11734
Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008 contains many security, reliability, and feature updates for Windows Vista and for Windows Server 2008. A program may experience a loss of functionality after you install SP2 for Windows Vista SP2 or for Windows Server 2008. However, most programs continue to work as expected after you install SP2.
http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?...&spid=11734
Add:
Addition: ESET NOD32 Anti-Virus v4.x programs can cause severe problems (e.g. BSODs) after Service Pack 2 install.
More info on the official ESET Support Forum: www.wilderssecurity.com/
Here are the Official Release Notes
Release Notes for Windows Server 2008 with Service Pack 2
Updated: February 26, 2009\
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd540765.aspx
Release Notes for Windows Vista with Service Pack 2
Updated: February 26, 2009
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd537674.aspx
Hotfixes and Security Updates in Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Windows Vista SP2
Updated: April 28, 2009
Applies To: Windows Server 2008,Windows Vista
Windows Server® 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista® Service Pack 2 include all the previously released updates for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista. Many of these updates are available to the public on the Microsoft® Download Center and Windows® Update, while others are only available to specific customers or partners. It is a standard practice to include all of these updates in a service pack, and they are included in Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2.
For a list of these updates with links to their descriptive pages on the Microsoft Web Support site, download the HotFix List for Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Windows Vista SP2 (Microsoft Excel spreadsheet).
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library...28WS.10%29.aspx
Release Notes for Windows Server 2008 with Service Pack 2
Updated: February 26, 2009\
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd540765.aspx
Release Notes for Windows Vista with Service Pack 2
Updated: February 26, 2009
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/dd537674.aspx
Hotfixes and Security Updates in Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Windows Vista SP2
Updated: April 28, 2009
Applies To: Windows Server 2008,Windows Vista
Windows Server® 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista® Service Pack 2 include all the previously released updates for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista. Many of these updates are available to the public on the Microsoft® Download Center and Windows® Update, while others are only available to specific customers or partners. It is a standard practice to include all of these updates in a service pack, and they are included in Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2.
For a list of these updates with links to their descriptive pages on the Microsoft Web Support site, download the HotFix List for Windows Server 2008 SP2 and Windows Vista SP2 (Microsoft Excel spreadsheet).
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library...28WS.10%29.aspx
It's also up on Windows updates now; it's a slow download - speedwise 6% via WinUpdate vs 34% from the above download links in the same time-frame. Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment
Click to view attachment
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