Mon 25 Feb 2008
Update: I posted a small guide of how to solve problems with Service Sack 1 for Windows Vista
Vista SP1 is officially only available for enterprise customers, but the reports about problems caused by this service pack are piling up. This post contains a list of all SP1 issues I am aware of.
I have discussed some of them before, but I thought it might be a good idea to create a list of all known Vista SP1 issues to keep track of them. I will update this post whenever I encounter new ones.
Device driver problems
This issue was the reason why Microsoft postponed the general release of SP1 to mid-march. It seems not to be a big problem for tech savvy Vista users. This article (KB 948187) has more.
Programs that have problems with Vista SP1
I mentioned before that Vista SP1 doesn’t solve compatibility problems, but it causes new ones. This article (KB935796) lists all known programs that don’t work properly with Vista SP1. I suggest you check them out before you install this service pack. Please, let us know if you experienced troubles with other apps that are not in this list.
The endless reboot issue
This problem of Vista SP1 is causing a lot of stir. A pre-requisite update (KB937287) triggers endless reboots on some machines. Microsoft suspended the automatic distribution of this update. I installed this update before, but I didn’t experience this problem. I just checked Windows Update and it was available again. Before that, I was able to install Vista SP1 without this patch anyway. So it seems like this issue is not as bad as it seemed at first. KB949358 has details on how to solve this problem if you are affected.
The sleep mode problem
Milo reports that some systems with SP1 crash when attempting to wake up their PC from sleep mode. I have experienced the same problem on some Vista machine without SP1. A BIOS update might be of help in such cases. However, I don’t know if the problem described by Milo is a new one. He thinks that it might be related to the reboot issue. However, I think it must be something different because the reboot problem isn’t about sleep mode.
The Windows Mobile Device Center issue
There are reports that Vista x64 SP1 has been released accidentally to Windows Update. ITWire received emails from users who experienced problems after installing SP1. One is that the memory and performance rating is not displayed anymore, and the other one is about the Windows Mobile Device Center. Based on the screenshot they published, the latter one looks familiar to me. I got the same meaningless error message sometimes when I connected my Windows Mobile 6 device to different desktops running the Windows Mobile Device Center. The only solution I found was to reset Windows Mobile. I don’t know if this is really the same problem, but it could be that SP1 causes an authentication problem which probably was the reason for the error message in my case.
GPMC (Group Policy Management Console) will be uninstalled
If you manage Group Polices for Vista machines in your PC, then I wouldn’t install SP1 because GPMC will be removed after the installation. Microsoft plans to release a new version, but as far as I know, this is not yet the case.
The sound problem
The German Windows Vista blog and Aaron discovered a problem with the sound system. It seems that this is related to the driver problem discussed above. However, Microsoft dedicated a particular article (KB948481) to it.
Even though some media are making a big deal out of this SP1 issues, I don’t think that they are really serious so far. Of course, those who are affected might have a different view about it. But do you remember about the troubles that service pack 2 for Windows XP caused? Well, XP is everybody’s darling now.
Are you aware of other Vista SP1 problems? Please, let us know.
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[...] List of Issues with Vista SP1 (4sysops) [...]
[...] List of Vista SP1 problems - be careful with Service Pack 1 A list of issue that have been raised so far with SP1. (tags: SP1 ) [...]
No problems ever. From the very first beta version through the RTM version I’ve never even got to submit a bug report because… no bugs.
Running Vista Ultimate 64 bit.
I installed SP1 and “gpedit.msc” is still there!
I installed SP1 and gpedit.msc from the 2K03 Admin Package is gone.
[...] List of Vista SP1 problems - be careful with Service Pack 1 Bookmark diesen [...]
To xs11e,
So Mind Sweeper is working pretty well, huh?
To add to the list,
I installed SP1 on my laptop and Vista no longer recognized my laptop speakers as an output device.
After a restart they worked though.
I installed SP1 about a week ago on my laptop, Windows Vista Business 32 bits. Works flawlessly.
I can’t access a Vista SP1 machine from XP. So this fails:
\\vistasp1machine\
and this as well:
\\vistasp1machine\c$
Both used to work fine before sp1.
Xs11e, it seems like you are lucky then. I think you’re the first person I met who says that Vista x64 didn’t cause problems. In fact, all those I know who tried Vista x64 moved to the 32-bit version after some time because at least one of the apps they need didn’t work.
GP, Gpedit.msc is indeed still available on Vista SP1. However, you can only use it to edit local polices. You need GPMC to manage Group Policies domain-wide.
Christoph, did you try to reinstall the Adminpak?
Dave, I added you to my list of frustrated Vista x64 users.
Aaron, Microsoft confirmed your problem: It seems like you belong to the lucky ones who could solve it by just rebooting. I added this issue to the list.
Gordon, I am sure you belong to the majority.
naveed, did you check the settings of the Windows Firewall?
I’m using vista ultimate 64 bits for a dedicated media-center machine. I had to rollback the SP1 because of a problem with my legit DVD’s. Image is all scrambled, but sound is ok. If I use a tool to decrypt my dvd (anydvd), all is fine.
After removing sp1 everything was back to normal.
Sorry for the bad English - French Canadian
Running Windows Vista Business 64Bit. Installed SP1 and after a couple of days I lost my Direct wired Network Connection, I could not fix this problem.I installed a wireless adapter and it works.I am going to re install and leave the SP1 OUT.
Help!!!!!
Yes, x64 machines will experience more problems. But generally, they will experience more problems with any version of Windows. That’s owed more to the fact that there is a dirth of compatible drivers for x64-based systems (and this is NOT normally Microsoft’s fault or even their responsibility). x64′ers make their beds when they choose that route.
And XP the new darling? Ha! Yes, it is. Does anybody still remember the howls of anger with 2000 and ME. It seems that people do get attached to their older versions of Windows. I think much of the anger aimed at Vista is aimed at it becuase it does not behave like XP, i.e. people have a hard time adjusting to the learning curve.
Personally, I loved Win98 and everything since has been a learning curve.
PingBack from:
http://windowsaddict.blogspot.com/2008/02/list-of-vista-sp1-problems.html
GRTerrero & Xs11e,
I too have had great luck with my x64 Vista systems. Seems I am good at minesweeper. once I swept the x64 driver issues, the x64 systems have had No Problems. My lucky star here is we have little to know legacy hardware or it was replaced. We’re less than 10 systems here.
The x86 systems here have had many problems. But, it is because I didn’t do them justice in setting them up properly (Personal Gaming systems don’t get enough attention). You know, need to make money over making fun.
Mbus, that is interesting. I wonder if that is a feature of SP1 and is not just a bug. I think in Germany anydvd is forbidden.
Vince, that sounds like a device driver problem. I would check the web site of the network card’s vendor for a new driver.
GRTerrero, I think you named the number one reason why people don’t like Vista. It is not like XP. I do remember the bad reviews Windows 2000 got. Only when XP was released shortly afterwards did people start giving up ME and Windows 95.
Greg, rest assured that if you had 100 systems there, you would have had some problems.
Well I installed SP1 on an XP and Vista dual boot and during the reboot I received message ntoskrnl.exe corrupt.
Vista repair didn’t fix it. I am restoring the system to original state.
I am not a happy camper.
Armin, did you read this thread.
Vista ultimate 64bit…
Installed Vista SP1
blue screen/STOP error
ntclearallsavepoints not found in ntdll.dll
(evidently function call was removed from ntdll… and one of the drivers on my new HP HDX laptop uses it)
Recovery won’t work. and to restore of an image.
I have Vist Home Perimium, My windows Media player got crashed, and it now working now,
i thought SP1 will fix, but it failed.
After Vista SP1 my pc is totally silent - I have tried uninstalling, updating, rolling back the soundcard drivers, checked all the settings…nothing.
I am furious.
Black screen upon wake up with SP1 and cursor can be moved, but had wake up issues before SP1, computer would wake up but cursor would be frozen. Flashed Bios before SP on an ASUS P5W DH deluxe MOB. Was hoping SP 1 would fix this issue. No wake up issues on 3 other computers that I have installed vista(32 bit version)/SP 1
No problems here so far. Custom themes were broken, but aren’t they always? System seems more “responsive” if that’s the correct term…although fractionally so. However, (and this I really, really, really, have to thank the guys in Redmond for), moving and deleting files is now almost a joy.
lljwagg, make sure you’re not on mute. Now, this is not meant to be funny. My brother spent nearly a month with no sound before realizing he had somehow muted it. Second, make sure that your sound card config is set correctly.
I know that on my personal computer sound will not work if it is set to 2/2.1 stereo. I have a 7.1 stereo set up with a powered amp. Unless I go in and set the configurations correctly for 7.1 stereo after upgrading the sound card drivers, I will get no sound whatsoever.
Lastly, check to see that the drivers for your sound card are not on SP1’s unsupported list of drivers.
Good luck.
I had updated to the Window Vista 32 bit SP1 Release Candidate. I can’t get to the real SP1 now because it says I must uninstall Powershell. Powershell isn’t compatible?! The installation always thinks Powershell is installed now… even after a couple reboots.
Add a new problem with SP1
try doing a file copy larger than 1GB to a windows 2000 server (SBS)shared folder - it fails !!!!! : (
sorry I meant larger than a 1MB file : (
This is unforgivable Microsoft !
The first file I moved after SP1 deployed was 1.23 gigabytes. It was moved to a storage drive. That file finished moving to its new location in under 35 seconds.
I was so happy I grinned like an idiot for the rest of the day.
I updated a couple of PCs before with SP1 and I never had problems. Today, I updated my own PC which is full with countless useful and not so useful tools. No problems so far.
GrTerrero, send me a picture of your grin. I will add it to the list of Vista SP1 problems then.
[...] http://4sysops.com/archives/list-of-vista-sp1-problems-be-careful-with-service-pack-1/ [...]
I’ve lost wired ethernet LAN connection to my broadband router three times now, though the router shows internet connectivity.
It happened twice when checking for Firefox updates, once when checking for Open Office updates.
ps: Also noticed this happening every few hours. It’s not sleep-related and not traffic-related: I run a web site on the machine.
Router is BT Voyager 205; net card is Realtek 8139.
I have Vista Home Premium. Before SP1 no problems except slow shut down. After SP1 everything worked better except wireless card failed to connect to router( but recognized there was one).I thinks this is a common problem. Try everything to repair but ended up uninstalling SP1. Everything is back to normal. What will they update the SP1?
I get the distinct impression that most of the SP1 issues are related to drivers for third-party peripheral hardware or third party software that alter default system registry settings.
This has been an issue with Vista since day one. It was and (still is) no secret that most developers either didn’t anticipate the problems or were not ready to address them as Vista went public.
I still am amazed at the fact that most people plunged headlong into Vista upgrades without reading about the real lack of Vista third-party support. It may take several years before developers are fully caught up. I remember my frustrations searching for XP-compatible software and drivers some years back. This is not unusual with the release of any new OS. Vista, like any previous incarnation of Windows, has a hardware baseline for proper installation. Whether the hardware’s manufacturer(s) have followed suit with updated drivers is another story altogether.
After installing Vista SP1 my external hard drive will not work anymore. Once I turn on the drive the computer crashes blue screen memory dump error. No problems with this drive until after I installed sp1.
Regarding my earlier comments about losing LAN connection to the router (’Local only’): I wondered if the network adapter was occasionally going to sleep? So I navigated to Start menu - Settings - Control panel - System - Device manager - Network adapters. Right clicked and selected Properties. Selected tabbed page Power Managemant. Deselected ‘Allow the computer to turn off this device to save power’ … Haven’t lost the connection since.
Installed SP1 on my X86 Pc and had problems with distorted sound ever since. Soundcard driver is Realtek 6.0.1.5413 Updating/reinstalling driver didn’t work. Tried uninstalling SP1, problem still didn’t go. System restore just didn’t do anything as machine just froze halfway through process. Have little faith in microsoft coming up with an easy fix solution. Any help out there?
Installed SP1, now my computer keeps dumping everything on my RAM and shuts down!!! Pain in the arse!!!
I’ve found out you can contact the Microsoft support team about SP1 install problems at http://www.microsoft.com/uk/support They have set up a free of charge service until March 2009.
Whether they will be able to solve our issues is another matter. We can but hope. I’ll keep the site posted.
Cyberlink DVD software no longer runs after sp1 install.
But what the heck, in less than 2 years microsoft will release a new OS (Windows 7). It’s just like ME and 2000, lol.
[...] detectados. El autor de este post actualizará la lista, de momento puedes ver los siguientes: http://4sysops.com/archives/list-of-vista-sp1-problems-be-careful-with-service-pack-1/ [...]
When copying files across the LAN, if I get impatient and try something else, such as opening another window or application, sometimes the copying window stops responding and I need to go into task manager to stop it. As a result, often several of the tray icons disappear, though the processes stay running, so I can’t access these tray icon items without a reboot.
p.s. Trying to change directories in the target copy window (eg to get ready to copy files to a second backup location) is almost guaranteed to cause the copying dialog to stop responding.
Through Windows update I receivedand installed SP1.Worked fine till I switched Cable supported LAN to Broadband (512).Downloads not working through IE7 and Firefox 3 beta 5. Another coumputer connected to same broadband has no download problem using WinXP SP2.Any support?
When i installed windows service pack 1, i lost all the vista themes, and it takes bloodly long to load everything!
Hello,
I’m using Vista Ultimate x64 with 2GB DDR2.
My PC is set to Sleep Mode. It exits the window when put to sleep, but the power is always on. When, I click the mouse, everything is resumed normally.
Another problem is that, when I open a file or a folder, the mouse freezed and the explorer says “not responding” for like 3 seconds even when there is enough RAM.
The normal amount of RAM that my PC uses is between 800MB - 1.2 GB.
i have also noticed that my folders now can only view as details, except the Picture folders and Music Folders.
I set to view as Medium and Group by Type, but when i close the explorer and return back, it gets back to view as details.
I noticed that Vista x86 was much faster and stable than Vista x64. x64 crashes very often. x86 was smooth and never crashed.
I downloaded quite a few x64 Drivers for my printer and other stuffs , but when i installed them, they are installed automatically to the directory c:\Program Files (x86). So, that means the drivers are actually not x64 bit but they support x64 OS, right?
I think that, if you want to benefit from x64 OS, then you must have all the system software and application software x64, else there will still be problems from time to time. But, we’ll have to wait long to have everything 64 bit.
Arnav, 32-bit device drivers do not work under Vista x64. Every device driver for Vista x64 is 64-bit.
Yes, That’s what I believe, but why is it that the drivers are installed on C:\Program Files (x86), instead of just the C:\Program Files?
I want to have a pure x64 system, but there are many programs still x86. Any download site for useful x64 softwares?
Thanks!
I suppose your device comes with additional software that is installed in C:\Program Files(x86). Drivers are usually installed under c:\windows\system32\drivers. As to the pure 64-bit system, it is almost impossible to run Vista x64 without 32-bit apps because 64-bit apps are very rare.
Yes, understood now.
Thank you very much!
Dear All,
I installed SP1 on my wife’s Vista Premium Toshiba laptop only to get the following error:-
!!O*0190036!! and the startup (in debugging mode) stops at 4342/67053(wininetplugin.dll). The computer is unusable and won’t even boot in safe mode. The only issue pre-install was Vista’s inability to install the cumulative update for explorer 7. I guess I’ll have to erase the hard disk and start again…
JT, you can boot from DVD and then use Startup Repair. If it worked, then I would uninstall all low-level apps such as anti-virus software or firewalls and drivers from external devices you added. If it is an old laptop you should also check if there is a BIOS update. Then, try installing SP1 again. You might want to backup your installation to an external drive first.
I bought a new Gateway desktop in April. I spent the first week downloading half a gig of patches for the thing. When the service pack became available, I installed that also. What a nightmare!!!
Nothing but problems on startup. Eventually I figured out how to use the startup repair feature, which removed the deleted blank service pack, and returned the machine to its previously buggy, code hog Vista condition.
The functionality of Vista is pathetic. I don’t spend a thousand dollars on a new computer because I want to spend the rest of my life trying to fix it. I spend a thousand dollars on a new computer on the assumption that in the 8 years since I bought my last one, the state of the art has improved. And, of course, the anti trust folks at Microsoft no longer support the software they sold me with my last computer. As amazing as it may seem, my old AMD K6 500mb processor, with 256 ram, on windows 98 is faster and more functional than the new 3 gig processor, with 3 gigs of ram on Vista.
What’s wrong with developing a light, fast, functional OS that works correctly right out of the box, and is backward compatible with existing software?
I’m running Windows VIsta Business. On the 31/05/08 windows did the normal windows update and installed Vista SP1. SInce then I’ve had nothing but problems as listed below however these problems only seem to happen when I leave my PC for a period of time - logged off.
1. Clock stops working
2. Taskbar icons missing - right hand side
3. Minimize programs - not showing however can use ALT+TAB and can pick a window
4. Control panel -can not open some programs ie System, Event log unless go through Recent Tasks
5. Some programs can not be opened at all ie Mozilla Firefox
6. Outlook - shows receiving emails however nothing display until reboot
7. Router - wireless page with info setup not showing
8. Cut/Paste in Word/Excel does not refresh the screen - still show the options
These are just SOME of the problems I’m having. Microsoft has been on my PC and I’m still waiting to get feedback on the cause of the problem. All these problems is fixed if I reboot the pc again. Need I say more?
Acer Apire 7000 series, 2 different laptops, both suffered a loss of touchpad control about 2 boots after the SP1 automatic update.
Cured by a System Restore to the last good configuration.
there is too many issues in vista. I think Microsoft should fix those issue. I am using Win xp now. I won’t swich to vista until they fix aserious issues.
I installed SP1 last night and my computer crashed. It will not reboot back to Windows at all. The only thing I can see to do is reinstall the operating system. Does anyone have any suggestions?
Thanks
Randy, just restore the backup you made before you installed SP1.
Oh you don’t have one? Then check out this post.
Thanks for the article. SP1 had many of the mentioned problems from my internet not working to the endless reboot screen cycle. I finally had to uninstall it and go to a recovery point to get back on track. My friend also had similar problems and after finding this article we were able to get her up and running.
Again many thanks.
Similar story to Randy. Installed SP1 and when I rebooted the computer would not boot. I worked for 5 hours with Microsoft technicians and then it blue screened me. Took the computer to a technician and was told that the hard drive needed to be replaced and all data was lost. Reasonable backups but you never regain all. Microsoft has told me it is total coincidence and that SP1 could not have caused this problem. Had to be a hardware issue. I guess it is a coincidence that more than one person experienced the same problem on the same day.
Just wish I’d read these comments before trying to install SP1. I left my new laptop on all night because it was installing, then discovered it had spent half the night rebooting and shutting down! Then it told me it had not installed SP1 and was returning to the original programme. Should I uninstall and load XP instead?
I’ve loved vista since day one, and haven’t had any problems with any updates until SP1.
Since SP1 was installed on my Toshiba Satellite, (Vista Ultimate 32 bit) I can’t play World of Warcraft at all… it’s become completely useless.
It’s like the video is completely locking up. I heard something about a DX upgrade? I really hate windows… (pictures the South Park move where the general takes care of bill gates)
My daughter tried to install Vista SP1 and the monitor screen went crazy. She couldn’t get it to project normally. Screen resolution wouldn’t respond. We restored to a date before the upgrade and the computer is back to normal. Do we try to update to SP1 or leave it until Microsoft wakes up and does something right for a change?
Last week I tried to use Update to download and install SP1. It failed and got the endless boot problem (system is a Dell XPS410). Spent about 15 hours on the phone with MicroSoft who screwed my system up so badly with their tweaks and changes that I ended up having to do a complete re-install. One extra REALLY bad effect was that the SP1 install caused by USB connected backup disc to fail … not nice !
I finally got the disc up to be able to repeat backups before the re-install.
Vista will be the death of MicroSoft if they don’t watch out.
SP1 has caused one serious problem with our Vista Business machines: the “trustedinstaller” has taken over ownership of the ProgramFiles and Windows directories (inc. subdirs of course), AND has completely removed all permissions for administrative users on those same folder (sometimes they have “special access” but full control is gone).
Was using an HP for a year with no problems. Now tried to install SP1 - Blue screen of death. one root problem - bad driver. Cannot log in as administrator, system recovery says it failed and system restore says I’ve never made a back up point. Is this a horrible virus or a genuine screw up?
Briefly…………
New install of Vista Business edition (pre SP1). Ran updates manually and was eventually offered SP1. Downloaded and installed manually. Computer failed to restart afterwards in either normal, safe mode or last known good configuration therefore could not get to the Restore Point function. Had to run a “Repair Install” from the install DVD that identified a “patch” as the culprit and it uninstalled SP1. Computer then started normally.
[...] Comment on List of Vista SP1 problems - be careful with Service … New install of Vista Business edition (pre SP1). Ran updates manually and was eventually offered SP1. Downloaded and installed manually. Computer failed to restart afterwards in either normal, safe mode or last known good configuration … Original post by somebody [...]
I just installed SP1 and it completely crashed my computer to the point where it will not boot up. I’m doing a system restore to try and get it back up and running….So far Windows Vista has been a real pain in the arse. If I had the drivers I’d uninstall Vista and install XP.
After the completion of sp1 installation I have no internet connection.
says” connection status: unknown
the dependency service or group failed to start.”
startup repair cant fix it and system restore fails to complete restore prior to installation date.
Windows auto update downloaded and installed this sp1 for me … how do I fix it especially with no connection to the internet?? Help!!
Ahh…you just have to love Microsoft. Nothing like the royal screw-job called Vista. Vista ‘anything’ - Home/Pro/Bus/Ult - whatever, how can you design and code an entirely new OS and not make sure the things you’re coding ACTUALLY work?
My machine literally ground itself to a white-screen freeze/halt because of, we’re thinking, SP1 problems causing Outlook and Word (hmm…two Microsoft products also, right?) to crash. There is a KB article telling you to delete a registry key - boy, that sounds promising as a solution, doesn’t it?
Installed “Important Vista Update” this morning, that was all it said, I said ‘yes’, it popped up the dialog box saying it was d/l’ing and installing SP1- the download and following ‘install’ took 30 mins (the d/l took about 11 seconds of that BTW)- then it said “SP1 Install completed successfully” and wanted a reboot- I said ok, and then it went to the ‘Stage 1 of 3, % complete, DO NOT TURN OFF THE COMPUTER’ screen…..it literally took 45 minutes to install (again??) SP1…..
When that finally finished, I got the logon box-
I immediately noticed some odd things- in control panel, it had reverted back to ‘classic view’, only the icons were changed to ‘extra large’ size….
What is even better, when I am using Word, (2007 of course) and I close the doc, it immediately pops up a “Microsoft Office Word has stopped working” warning, followed immediately by a claxon horn “Word cannot open the file” error- I have double and triple checked the docs I am working in to make sure changes are actually being saved, they are- I cannot discern any reason for Office or Windows to be complaining here…
Another annoyance, upon bootup, after the little scrolling warmup bar stops, and the glowing Windows medallion should appear, I now have a 15 to 20 second delay and a black screen, then the OS finally starts up……
Very annoying Bill- very freaking annoying…..
BTW, Vista has been on this laptop for almost 2 years now, its a 4Gig, dual proc H/P laptop- I have never had the first problem with it, or with Vista, until today…..
Recently when i have started up Vista after installing SP1 it seems to have to “configure updates” every time it starts up - is their a known solution to this problem?
After the installation I began having configuration problems also. Eventually I just had to wade through it and refer to the list of problems and solutions (re-checking for solutions). After this was over I found that I was not done yet and had to update my anti-virus and spyware programs. The SP1 also put me to “have to” seek a 4.0.3 upgrade for the music service I had no problems with before SP1. AS i am a wireless user…yes this too had been affected, luckily all I had to do was re-install a few items.