News

Vista SP1 Expands Language Support, Hits USB Snag

Some existing SP1 users report problems with USB-based devices after applying a security patch

• By Kurt Mackie
• 04/16/2008

Vista Service Pack 1 is now generally available in all 36 supported languages. Microsoft had initially rolled out Vista SP1 in just five.

Microsoft stated through its blog that DVD images of Vista SP1 are available now in just some languages, but the company plans to make the remaining language versions available "over the next few weeks." Customers accessing Vista SP1 via DVD images typically include "TechNet Plus subscribers, MSDN subscribers, and Volume License (VL) customers," the blog explained.

The expanded availability of Vista SP1 signaled good news for Microsoft, which hopes that reluctant businesses will now choose to upgrade to Vista from the company's venerable but ever-popular Windows XP operating system, which currently runs on most computers today. A supposedly leaked internal Microsoft sales video available on U-Tube depicts businessmen dancing to Vista's tune after SP1's release. Helping Microsoft's case for upgrading is a new Forrester Research report, which argues that Windows Vista shouldn't be skipped by business users.

The bad news, for some users that currently have Vista SP1 installed, is that USB-based devices, such as mice and flash drives, are apparently not working after Microsoft's April 8 security patch was applied, according to various circulating news accounts. Removing the drivers and reinstalling them reportedly does not fix the problem.

It's not clear how widespread this USB problem may be, but Microsoft is officially on the case.

"We are aware of concerns that a recent Microsoft update may be causing problems with USB devices," stated a Microsoft spokesperson by e-mail. "We are investigating the matter and at this time do not have any additional information to share."

For those installing Vista SP1, Microsoft recommends using Microsoft Windows Update, which facilitates the upgrade by checking to see if updated drivers are present first.

"Windows Update will recognize PCs with known problematic drivers and postpone downloading Windows Vista SP1 until the PC has updated drivers or other applicable updates," explains a Microsoft TechNet primer.

Users can access Windows Update manually to install Vista SP1, but Microsoft has not as yet offered Vista SP1 via automatically delivered updates, even though Vista SP1 is now available in all supported languages.

The alternative way to install Vista SP1 is to get it from the Microsoft Download Center. Microsoft explains current SP1 update options here.