Installing Vista SP1 on a fresh Vista install.

[Le Québécois]

I know my question might sound stupid but it's the first time I install a service pack over a fresh windows installation. With 2k and XP I've always used slipstreamed version but since you can't do that with Vista, here's my question:

After installing only Vista (no driver, no nothing), should I apply the SP1 patch right away or should I install my chipset, sound card and video card drivers before applying the SP1?

I'm using Vista Home Premium 64 bit OEM on a nforce 680i mobo.

 

[Aberforth]

After installing Vista, run Windows Update - SP1 will show up, so install it from there. And only install drivers if your windows is unable to find one otherwise don't install drivers from the disc as it usually contains old versions.

 

[Le Québécois]

I don't plan on using Windows Update, since I've already downloaded the standalone SP1 of Vista and burned it on DVD. I was planing on installing Vista then running the standalone SP1. The question is, installing important driver before or after applying the SP1 standalone.

 

[Aberforth]

Originally posted by: Le Québécois
The question is, installing important driver before or after applying the SP1 standalone.

okay..install the drivers first.

 

[The Keeper]

I disagree. If you can, install SP1 first and only then everything else, including drivers. You MAY have to reinstall drivers anyway after SP1 installation, so just do them after. And by the way, Microsoft should release full DVD images for download that includes SP1. You may want to wait for those if slipstreaming is what you're after.

 

[Le Québécois]

Originally posted by: The Keeper
I disagree. If you can, install SP1 first and only then everything else, including drivers. You MAY have to reinstall drivers anyway after SP1 installation, so just do them after. And by the way, Microsoft should release full DVD images for download that includes SP1. You may want to wait for those if slipstreaming is what you're after.

That would be the best option for me since I need to remove 2GB of ram(down from 4 to 2) to be able to install Vista. But where did you see that information about Microsoft releasing full DVD image? I've seen such image distributed to some "group" but nothing public, unless you count less than legal means like bittorrent.

 

[The Keeper]

I believe I saw it mentioned somewhere in Windows Vista blog that Microsoft would release full DVD images of Vista SP1 because there's no slipstreaming option available. Unless you use Windows Automated Installation Kit. Supposedly the images would be available in MSDN and TechNet.

 

[Starrx05]

I would do drivers later. If you it first, SP1 may override some. If you do later, Vista will stop OEM manufacture installer from deleting any built-in MS drivers. Actually it may not matter, but if you put SP1 first, it may have new generic driver so you dont have go download from your laptop/desktop manufacture.

 

[QuixoticOne]

Originally posted by: The Keeper
I believe I saw it mentioned somewhere in Windows Vista blog that Microsoft would release full DVD images of Vista SP1 because there's no slipstreaming option available. Unless you use Windows Automated Installation Kit. Supposedly the images would be available in MSDN and TechNet.

The Vista + SP1 images ARE available on MSDN / Technet.
They confirm that fact with specific file names and so on here, so you can look for those specific searches to find what you need if you're having problems locating it:
http://www.mydigitallife.info/...-version-with-torrent/
http://www.mydigitallife.info/...-download-via-torrent/

You CAN slipstream your own SP1 + Vista Install image using this gargantuan 1GB bootable ISO image / tool set to get the job done after some slow and complex and difficult processes of installing vista, installing SP1, cleaning up SP1, making an install image from the installed system, etc:
http://www.microsoft.com/downl...657de08&DisplayLang=en

Frankly IMHO it is easier to just get the Vista+SP1 disc already slipstreamed from MSDN/Technet/a colleague etc.

If you are going to install SP1, I suggest you do NOT install unnecessary drivers (other than the ones needed to install vista and SP1 itself) before you apply SP1.
Here is a procedure that seems sensible to me:
http://trix-rox.spaces.live.com/blog/cns!C2D60DDA0CFEED94!380.entry

If you DO want to find out more about automating the deployment or generating your own slipstream version of the installer, read these:
http://www.neowin.net/news/mai...sub=c_reply&cid=618531
http://blogs.technet.com/mnieh...ou-ready-for-them.aspx
http://blogs.technet.com/james...ploying-vista-sp1.aspx
http://www.svrops.com/svrops/articles/sysprepvista.htm
...and of course the WAIK documentations after your 1.3GBy download and burn of the WAIK ISO just to get started.

 

[Le Québécois]

Any idea what version of Vista is in that ISO(Home Premium, Business or Ultimate)?

Anyways, I thank you all for your help.

 

[badnewcastle]

I had problems... I can tell you that you should use Windows Update...

What you want to do is install your ide/sata drivers at the begining of the windows install. Then get your chipset drivers from your mobo's driver disk... then logon to windows update there are 2 updates for nvidia chipset and network controller that came out late last week. You want to get these then go ahead and install SP1.

With that chipset in particular, make sure you manually set the ram timings and voltage... set it to what your ram manufacturer recommends on the side of the dimms.

 

[Le Québécois]

With that chipset in particular, make sure you manually set the ram timings and voltage... set it to what your ram manufacturer recommends on the side of the dimms.

Don't worry, the computer is not new and I've been using it for some times now so the ram is already correctly set. I'm doing a fresh install since I suspect my current one is having problems because I installed it 3 months ago with a defective stick or ram(of course I didn't know it at that moment) and had many problems with the installation process. That and I also bought a new hard drive for storage and now plan to use my WD Raptor only for Windows and programs, nothing more.

 

[Damn Dirty Ape]

I'd do sp1 as the first thing. Get the standalone.

 

[soonerproud]

Originally posted by: Aberforth
After installing Vista, run Windows Update - SP1 will show up, so install it from there. And only install drivers if your windows is unable to find one otherwise don't install drivers from the disc as it usually contains old versions.

You should never depend on Windows Update for your drivers, but should instead go directly to manufactures web site to obtain them. Microsoft does not publish complete drivers and it had been known to give people the wrong ones for their hardware. Microsoft has a nasty habit of posting outdated drivers on Windows Update.

To the op:

Yes, install all updates and service packs first, then your drivers because SP1 has some known issues with installed drivers that can be avoided by waiting until after SP1 is installed. Have all your drivers ready before you reinstall on a flash drive or a cd/dvd to make your job much easier.

 

[QuixoticOne]

Originally posted by: Le Québécois
Any idea what version of Vista is in that ISO(Home Premium, Business or Ultimate)?

Anyways, I thank you all for your help.

Home Premium, Business, Ultimate are all on the same install Disc with Vista, it just offers you the choice as to which one to install or will install the one that matches your key if you enter that.

 

[Le Québécois]

Ok, thx again to all of you for your help.