Setup Prerequisites

There are only two prerequisites for installing Service Pack for Windows Vista / Windows Server 2008 :

• Windows Vista must already have Service Pack 1 installed. Windows Server 2008 ships with Service Pack 1 built-in, so it's SP2-ready out of the box.
• The servicing stack must be updated (as described in knowledge base article 955430). This is the component that handles the installation and removal of software updates, language packs and optional Windows features.
   - This update is necessary to successfully install and uninstall Service Pack 2. It also improves the performance and reliability of the Service Pack 2 installation.
   - This update may require a reboot.
   - This update will be made part of the standalone Service Pack 2 package, but offered as a separate update in Windows Update.

When Can We Expect SP2 To RTM?

• Wave 0 will RTM in H1 2009. For the actual release dates Microsoft is gunning for, click here.
• Wave 1 will be released six (6) weeks after Wave 0.

Language Version Schedule

• Wave 0 : English, French, German, Spanish and Japanese
• Wave 1 : All remaining lanaguage versions

Mandatory?

Surprisingly, Microsoft has decided that it will not be mandatory for OEMs to implement Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. In their most recent update (Jan. 19, 2009), they announced that the standalone and integrated builds for both Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are optional.

What does that mean for OEMs and us, the customers? Basically, it means that OEMs will not be compelled to ship their systems with the new builds, which would have required extensive work (tests, implementation, logistics). They are also not required to send their customers the Service Pack 2 upgrades.

Microsoft's decision to make this update optional is likely due to the impending release of Windows 7. Many OEMs are probably hesitant about spending more money and effort into qualifying the new builds with their products, especially in light of the current economic situation. So, the onus will be on the consumer to update their Windows Vista or Windows Server 2008 installations via Windows Update.

Update @ Feb. 6 : Microsoft finally admitted that not making Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 mandatory for OEM implementation was due to the impending release of Windows 7. Microsoft has decided to release Service Pack 2 in the form of an OEM Preinstallation Kit (OPK) to their OEM partners 60 days after the date of Windows 7 General Availability (GA).

In other words, don't expect to see any products with Windows Vista SP2 or Windows Server 2008 SP2 until at least 2-3 months have passed after Windows 7 is launched. End-users, though, can receive Service Pack 2 via Windows Update (online).

Next Update

Microsoft will provide additional information on Service Pack 2 in February 2009.

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