Notable Changes in Windows Server 2008 SP2 RC and Windows Vista SP2 RC
Microsoft® continuously improves the Windows Vista® and Windows Server® 2008 operating systems by providing ongoing updates while working with software and hardware vendors to help them deliver improved compatibility, reliability, and performance. These updates are provided to customers by Microsoft’s hardware and software partners, as well as directly from Microsoft in the form of regularly distributed updates delivered via Windows Update. Updates to Windows are also delivered directly to some affected customers and preinstalled by PC manufacturers.
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1.3.2009 Windows Vista SP1 RC will expire on June 30. Uninstall Now!
Just a small reminder. In case you havent, you must uninstall any RC builds (any build less than 6.0.6001.18000) before they expire on June 30.
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15.6.2008 Windows Vista SP2 RC official downloads
The download pages and TechNet website are now updated with the SP2 RC information.
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4.3.2009 Microsoft readying RC of Vista SP2 for February 2009
Citing a source at Microsoft, Techarp has revealed that Microsoft is targeting a release candidate (RC) version of Windows Vista SP2 for February 2009.
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24.11.2008 Vista SP2 RC in February, RTM in April 2009
Microsoft is laboring to serve Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista a little over a year after the availability of Service Pack 1, beating Windows 7 to the market.
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24.11.2008 Windows Vista SP2 RC to be released to public next week
A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed to Betanews this afternoon that the first release candidates (without numerals) for Service Pack 2 for both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 will be released to the general public for testing next week.
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25.2.2009 Windows Vista SP2 RC-Escrow build released to testers
Ars Technica reports that Microsoft has sent out the RC-Escrow build of SP2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 to testers.
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29.1.2009 Windows Vista SP2 RC Build 6002.16670.090130 released to testers
As various Windows blogs are reporting, Microsoft is issuing some test updates for the official Windows 7 Beta (that's build 7000) this month, on the 24.
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20.2.2009 Vista SP1 RC Leaves XP SP2 in the Dust, but What About XP SP3?
Although Microsoft has indicated a strong disapproval of benchmarking tests involving development milestones of Windows Vista Service Pack 1, the temptation is simply too big to ignore.
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17.1.2008 WSUS 3.0 SP2 RC Program now available on Microsoft Connect!
I am very pleased to announce that WSUS 3.0 SP2 RC will be available to the general public today, May 26, via the Connect Site.
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31.5.2009 Windows Server 2003 SP2 RC Refresh 1 Released to testers
Windows Serviceability is pleased to announce the release of RC Refresh 1 (build 2845) of Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 for Windows Server 2003.
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20.12.2006 Windows Server 2003 SP2 RC now available via Windows Update
Starting December 12th, the Windows Server 2003 SP2 RC build (build 2825) will be made available via Windows Update.
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13.12.2006 Public Vista SP1 RC in a Few Days - XP SP3 RC Next?
Yes, we have come quite a long way since the initial introduction of the pre-beta releases of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows XP Service Pack 3 to a limited pool of testers, in mid July.
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6.12.2007 Capture Windows 7 and Vista SP2 Images with ConfigMgr 2007 SP2 Beta
Capturing Windows 7 and Windows Vista Service Pack 2 images, but also client assessment, updating and deployment are tasks that can be performed with System Center Configuration Manager 2007.
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15.6.2009 Windows Vista SP2 and Server 2008 SP2 download
Microsoft has released a standalone installer for Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 today.
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27.5.2009 How to Uninstall Windows Vista Service Pack 2
Microsoft has officially release vista service pack 2 on May, 27. By now many users would have already installed Service pack 2 on Windows Vista. For those users who want to block vista Sp2 via automatic windows update windows update blocker tool is also available for download.
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5.6.2009 Uninstall or Remove Windows Vista Validation Update (KB929391) and Workarounds
Windows Vista Validation Update (
KB929391) has just been
released and deployed to Vista computer that are what called by Microsoft as “
frankenbuild” system that use the workaround of mixing files from RC and RTM build to activate the Windows Vista.
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20.12.2006 Install and Uninstall Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Release Candidate 1
The first public build of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is imminent and is planned by the end of this week. Microsoft has already made available Vista SP1 Release Candidate 1 via Connect, MSDN and TechNet, and is preparing for the next step, opening up the beta testing
process to the general public through the Microsoft Download Center.
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11.12.2007 Vista SP1 RC Refresh Ships – Windows XP SP3 RC Refresh Next?
Should you hold your breath for a new version of Windows XP SP3? Currently, Microsoft has opened up the testing process of the third and final service pack for Windows XP, and, now, all users of the operating system have access to the first Release Candidate of the refresh, as of late 2007.
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10.1.2008 All New XP SP3 RC Refresh 2 and Vista SP1 RC Refresh 2 Available for Download
Making headway with the development of Windows XP Service Pack 3 and Windows Vista Service Pack 1, Microsoft has made available new builds of both service packs.
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25.1.2008 Download Windows 7 XP Mode RC and Virtual PC RC
Redmond-based software giant Microsoft made available the release candidate flavor of Windows 7’s XP Mode add-on on Tuesday. The beta iteration of XP Mode was released on April 30, along with the beta variant of Windows Virtual PC, and the RC version comes as another step the company is taking towards launching the final iteration of the add-on.
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5.8.2009 How to Uninstall DreamScene from Windows 7
Windows 7 does not officially support Windows DreamScene feature, which introduced in Windows Vista as Ultimate Extras, and allows user to set a video or animation as desktop background wallpaper.
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14.6.2009 Uninstall WGA Notifications Manually
Here are a series of steps that will allow you to uninstall those annoying WGA notifications manually from your PC.
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16.6.2007 Internet Explorer 7 Beta 2 Uninstall Toolkit
Forces uninstall of Internet Explorer 7 Beta 2 using default files and settings.
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20.8.2006 User paid to uninstall Windows XP
A Sheffield man has won a refund from Dell for not installing Microsoft's Windows XP on a laptop he bought from the PC giant. Freelance programmer Dave Mitchell ordered a Dell laptop on 21 October, and the machine was delivered a few days later.
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15.11.2006 Pre-released WinFX Runtime Components Uninstall Tool
Overview
For best results, install on a computer that has not had pre-release versions of WinFX runtime Components 3.0 installed on it. If your computer has a pre-release version on it, follow the Uninstall Instructions below to uninstall these pre-release bits before installing the November CTP. You must remove them in the correct order to ensure a clean uninstall.
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20.11.2005 WinUpdateList - View, Uninstall or Remove Windows Updates & Hot Fixes
In past we have covered Windows Update Remover tool to uninstall and remove windows update and hot fixes from windows xp.
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29.9.2009 Disable and Remove OGA Office Not Genuine Notifications Uninstall KB949810
After installing Office Genuine Advantage (OGA) Notifications (KB949810) from Windows Update, OGA Validation will perform genuine test on installed Microsoft Office XP, Office 2003, Office 2007 and Office 2010 software. If Office product is validated as not genuine, “This copy of Microsoft Office is not genuine” notification message will be displayed on notification area (system tray), at splash screen during Office program (i.e. Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) startup, and at Office’s toolbar or ribbon with extra “Get Genuine Office” tab or element.
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18.10.2009 Uninstall Office Genuine Advantage Notifications Notifier (KB949810) with OGA Uninstaller
Office Genuine Advantage (OGA) is another initiative by Microsoft to stem the piracy and counterfeit copy of Microsoft Office business producitivity suite and applications.
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12.10.2009 Where is Vista SP2?
Even though Microsoft seems increasingly reticent to say the “V” word (Vista), some users still do care. I’ve had several readers ask me when the Redmondians are going to release Vista SP2 on the Microsoft Download site.
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20.5.2009Windows Vista SP2 RC to be released to public next week
Last week we had a rumor that Windows Vista SP2 RC was released to select testers. It turns out that it might be just a notification from Microsoft a
week ahead that RC is done and available for testing or it might have been a near final RC made available for testing to select testers. Microsoft
has announced today that the RC of SP2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 is available to TechNet and MSDN subscribers to test prior to final
release. Microsoft will make SP2 RC available to the general public via TechNet during next week. As expected the final version of SP2 will be made
available in the 2nd quarter of 2009.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
26.02.2009Vista and Windows Server 2008 SP2 RC released
Last week the Windows Team Blog announced that the availability of SP2 RC for Vista would be available soon. Today they have posted that the download
is now live and you can find the information needed here. If you have a beta install of SP2 loaded on your computer it must be uninstalled before
attempting to load the RC. It should also be mentioned that this, while close, is not a final product and a few hiccups may occur along the way. You
can download the RC directly from the Customer Preview Program or use the Windows Update Experience Kit to obtain the RC for your personal computer.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
05.03.2009Windows Vista SP2 RC build released to testers
TechARP predicted last month that RC-Escrow build of SP2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 will be released between the dates Jan 26-30 and
the RC build between the dates Feb 16-20. The RC Escrow build of SP2 was sent to testers at the end of January and the rumor is that now Microsoft has
released the RC build of SP2 to Microsoft Connect testers exactly between the dates predicted by TechARP. Ars reports that RC build is available for
download as a standalone installer package or via Windows Update or as a slipstreamed download which includes 691 individual hotfixes.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
20.02.2009Microsoft readying RC of Vista SP2 for February 2009
Citing a source at Microsoft, Techarp has revealed that Microsoft is targeting a release candidate (RC) version of Windows Vista SP2 for February
2009. Microsoft sent invites to testers in mid October asking them to take part in the SP2 beta. Build 16489 was released to special group of testers
in late October but Microsoft has been quiet since then. TechArp also believes the RTM of Vista SP2 will be in April 2009. Microsoft is readying SP2
so there are additional incentives for customers to upgrade to Window Vista now, instead of waiting for Windows 7.
Read full story.....
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24.11.2008Windows Vista SP2 RC-Escrow build released to testers
Ars Technica reports that Microsoft has sent out the RC-Escrow build of SP2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 to testers. An email has been
sent to SP2 testers regarding this release. The RC-Escrow build is available for download from this Thursday as a standalone installer or via Windows
Update or as a slipstreamed download. Microsoft claims that the service pack includes 656 individual hotfixes. The Escrow Build is a build where
development halts and developers & beta testers start testing the product for any show-stopper bugs. Microsoft has emphasized this to testers to
concentrate only on the regressions and confirmation of fixes when asking for feedback which includes the RC Escrow install survey.
Read full story.....
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29.01.2009Exclusive: Windows Vista SP2 RC released to general public
As expected, Windows Vista Service Pack 2 RC and Windows Server 2008 Service Pack 2 RC is now available to general public for download. You can
download the SP2 RC for both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 below: ISO for Windows Server 2008 x86/x64/ia64 and Windows Vista x86/x64x86 for
Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista x86x64 for Windows Server 2008 and Windows Vista x64IA64 for Windows Server 2008 ia64 The service pack is
delivered as a single release for both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. There will be a single 32-bit standalone installer (302 MB to 390 MB)
for both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
04.03.2009Windows Vista SP1 RC will expire on June 30. Uninstall Now!
Just a small reminder. In case you havent, you must uninstall any RC builds (any build less than 6.0.6001.18000) before they expire on June 30. After
this date, the kernel will stop with an END_OF_NT_EVALUATION_PERIOD error message an hour after the machine has booted. If you do wait until after
June 30, just reboot your PC and start the uninstall process.
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15.06.2008Deployed: Windows Vista SP1 RC on ALL of my PCs
Brandon LeBlanc: Today Nick announced the availability of the release candidate for Windows Vista SP1. I had a chance to get the RC build of Windows
Vista SP1 installed a few days ago. I decided to roll the RC out on all of my PCs which showcase a variety of device types and scenarios:
- My Main Desktop PC running Windows Vista Ultimate x64 - check.
- My Test/Work PC running Windows Vista Business - check.
- My Dell Vostro 1500 Laptop running Windows Vista Ultimate - check.
- My Samsung Q1 UMPC running Windows Vista Home Premium - check.
- My Digital CableCard PC running Windows Vista Home Premium - check.
In installing the RC on my PCs, I did a combination of
using the standalone installer and Windows Update. Before proceeding to install the SP1 RC bits, I first needed to uninstall the SP1 beta bits first.
Users looking to install the Windows Vista SP1 RC will need to uninstall any previous version of SP1 prior to the installation of the RC from either
Windows Update or the standalone installer.
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06.12.2007Windows Installer 4.5 for Vista SP2, 5.0 for Windows 7
In June 2008, Microsoft
released Windows Installer 4.5 on the Microsoft Download Center for XP SP2+, Server 2003 SP1+, Vista, and Server 2008. Now, with yesterday's release
of the
SP2 RC-Escrow
build, it has been confirmed that the new version will also be bundled with the second service pack for Vista and Server 2008.
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29.01.2009Testers get RC-Escrow build of SP2 for Vista and Server 2008
Microsoft has sent out an e-mail to testers announcing that the RC-Escrow build of Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 is
available for download. The company is letting testers grab it via Windows Update (available this Thursday in available languages of Vista and Server
2008), as a standalone installer package, or as a slipstreamed version in English, Spanish, German, French, Japanese. For those interested, the build
string is "6002.16659.090114-1728" and Microsoft claims the service pack includes 656 individual hotfixes.
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29.01.2009Microsoft releases Windows Vista SP2 and Server 2008 SP2
Microsoft has released a standalone installer for Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 today. The software giant posted some things to know
about the service packs last month, one of the warnings is if "vLite" was used to customize your Windows Vista installation, you may have removed
required system components which prevent Service Pack 2 from installing. Microsoft has a workaround for this issue. Microsoft is expected to post the
bits to Windows Update in the coming weeks but if you are eager to install SP2 today then the download links are listed below. Download: Vista
SP2/Server 2008 SP2 32 bit Download: Vista SP2/Server 2008 SP2 64 bit
Read full story.....
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26.05.2009Windows Vista SP1 RC released to public
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 RC is now available through Windows Update. Experience the WU based Vista SP1 installation by following 4 simple steps.
Windows Vista SP1 RC distributed through Windows Update will be applicable to Windows Vista machines that are running on any of the 36 languages
supported by Vista RTM.
If you already installed the Service Pack to your machine by using the standalone package, you must uninstall
before you scan Windows Update for Windows Vista SP1.
Systems running on Windows Vista RTM require as many as three updates before SP1 can
be installed. These updates are permanent to your Windows Vista systems. Windows Update will detect your system configuration and offer the
prerequisite packages that are applicable to your system.
neowin.net -
12.12.2007Vista SP2 Released to Testers
Yesterday, Microsoft sent an email to select testers notifying them that the RC-Escrow Build of Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Server 2008 was
available for download.
This Service Pack was made available to testers via Windows Update, as a standalone installer, and as a
slipstreamed version. This service pack includes 656 hotfixes, and the usual tweaks.
At this "Escrow" stage in development, the Service
Pack is essentially complete; unless major errors are spotted, this version will likely be very close to that of the RTM version.
One
more public beta is expected before it RTMs however, so if you'd like to get your hands on one more beta build, your chance will come soon enough.
The only pre-requisite for the SP2 install is that you have SP1 installed; all other updates are included in SP2. Their reason for not
making a cumulative update with SP1 already included is because of the huge filesize that would result. Most clients already have SP1 installed; new
Windows Vista discs and Server 2008 was shipped with it included.
It would seem that, contrary to some recent rumors, SP2 will ship long
before June.
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31.01.2009Vista SP2 update sent to testers, but is really an RC?
What really, really looks like a release candidate for Windows Vista Service Pack 2 -- which first entered beta in December -- is officially being
called an "update" this afternoon, after Microsoft declined to give it a more formal title...
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21.02.2009Vista SP2 update sent to testers, but is it really an RC?
What really, really looks like a release candidate for Windows Vista Service Pack 2 -- which first entered beta in December -- is officially being
called an "update" this afternoon, after Microsoft declined to give it a more formal title.
..
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23.02.2009Reminder - Windows Vista SP1 RC Builds Expire soon
Quick reminder for all of you out there who helped test Windows Vista SP1 and may still be running Release Candidate builds (any build less than
6.0.6001.18000). The RC builds will expire on June 30th - so if you happen to running one, be sure to uninstall it before the end of the month.
More info is available in the
SP1
Forum.
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14.06.2008Microsoft: Vista SP2, Windows Server SP2 betas Thursday
Not one half-hour after Microsoft responded to BetaNews' inquiry, the company reversed its position, effectively announcing that the first public
betas of Vista SP2 not in February, but next Thursday...
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03.12.2008Vista SP2 RC image goes live
Download Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Release
Candidate from Fileforum now.
..
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04.03.2009Microsoft Office 2007 SP2 leaks
Microsoft is currently working on SP2 for Office 2007 and could be ready to release a final version as early as Q1 2009. Today an early copy has
leaked to BitTorrent according to Windows Vista Magazine. The file weighs in at 287.14 MB and is named office2007sp2-kb953195-fullfile-en-us.exe.
It's not clear whether the leaked copy is a beta, RC or final version of SP2 but the EULA states "012.0_B2TR_PRE.0_BTA_EN" meaning it it's
likely to be a test version. The build number is 12.0.6416.1000, compared to Microsoft Office 2007 SP1 which has the build version of 12.0.6331.5000.
SP2 will support Open Document Format (ODF), XML Paper Specification (XPS) and Portable Document Format (PDF).
Read full story.....
neowin.net -
02.04.2009Windows Vista SP1 RC Public Availability Program
Install Windows Vista SP1 RC through Windows Update!
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 RC is available through Windows Update.
Experience the WU based Vista SP1 installation by following 4 simple steps.
Windows Vista SP1 RC distributed through Windows
Update will be applicable to Windows Vista machines that are running on any of the 36 languages supported by Vista RTM.
If you
already installed the Service Pack to your machine by using the standalone package, you must uninstall before you scan Windows Update for Windows
Vista SP1.
Systems running on Windows Vista RTM require as many as three updates before SP1 can be installed. These updates are
permanent to your Windows Vista systems. Windows Update will detect your system configuration and offer the prerequisite packages that are applicable
to your system. For details, please see the instructions below.
winbeta.org -
12.12.2007
