Vista reinstallion question

O'Prez

Hi lads. I've formatted a customer's hard drive and am reinstalling the Vista operating system. This reinstall brings it right back to pre-service pack 2. Can I just download service pack 2 and put it straight on there or do I have to go through the endless updates...then service pack 1...and finally service pack 2? Is there a way around this?

burrentech

O'Prez wrote: »

Hi lads. I've formatted a customer's hard drive and am reinstalling the Vista operating system. This reinstall brings it right back to pre-service pack 2. Can I just download service pack 2 and put it straight on there or do I have to go through the endless updates...then service pack 1...and finally service pack 2? Is there a way around this?

You will need SP1 before you install SP2, check this article from Microsoft on where to get the service packs.

O'Prez

burrentech wrote: »

You will need SP1 before you install SP2, check this article from Microsoft on where to get the service packs.

Thanks for the link. So instead of going through all the automatic updates can I just download both service packs and install them one after the other?

burrentech

I've only done one Vista reinstall so couldn't say. You could check the Update app, and see if it requests SP1 right off. There will always be some additional updates other than the Microsoft ones.

If you see this as being something regular, then downloading the service packs would make sense. If this is likely to be a one off, or at least an uncommon event, I'd probably just let it run through the updates itself, probably won't take any longer. Just set up for the automatic updates to install and you should be done.

O'Prez

It's a pain in the arse is what it is. Why they ever came out with Vista I'll never know. I usually put XP on Vista computers. I don't know why I changed from that routine

burrentech

O'Prez wrote: »

It's a pain in the arse is what it is. Why they ever came out with Vista I'll never know. I usually put XP on Vista computers. I don't know why I changed from that routine

That it is for sure I'd start suggesting to go with w7 from now on. If the PC/Laptop is current and they're happy with going with the upgrade its worth it, especially if its a well spec'd machine the a w7 64 bit install will release more power. Costs a bit, but its an improvement on XP/Vista.

O'Prez

Jaysus chance would be a fine thing. 99% of the computers I get are bargain basement...and that goes for the clientèle too. Parting with lots of cash scares them hahaha. Well I'm off to bed. You've probably just got up!!!

burrentech

LOL, there is that to it. I take a clone of the installations when complete. It makes it much easier to get the machines up and running quickly. Just a case of installing the correct drivers for the different boxes after that.