Updated at 9:54 PM PDT | 3/19/08 - Additional Below
Wow, there was a lot of excitement in the room, and of course the room is Twitter. Microsoft finally made SP1 for Vista (aka: Windows Vista Service Pack 1) available on 3/18/08 - although they dated the files 3/17/08 on the Microsoft Download site. Don’t ever question Microsoft logic. Perhaps they forgot to set their calendar ahead for Daylight Savings Time?
New Information as of 1:52 PM PDT: …with thanks to my super cool Twitter friend @NickStarr, I have added the important all inclusive download link: http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/Browse.aspx?DisplayLang=en&nr=20&productId=38DF6AB1-13D4-409C-966D-CBE61F040027&sortCriteria=date
The above link gives a chronological listing of the Vista related Service Packs, release notes and additional downloads necessary to prepare your Vista OS for accepting future Windows Updates.
Most of you will want the 32-bit version. That’s the normal one for mom, dad and the kids. The 64-bit version of Windows Vista is for those who boldly go, where no man has gone before. (Cue StarTrek Theme Music.)
Some important notes: Vista SP1 will break stuff and fix stuff. Read all the notes first before running the service pack. My Twitter pal @mickduc adds “SP1 install fails if sfc /scannow fails. Make sure it is clean.” I say, take a nice warm bath and scrub your lower bits and upper bytes too.
My other Twitter buddy @Lolagrrl tweets, @acomputerpro I’m afraid! So much stuff is broken on my compuker already! Will SP1 actually help?! I scared! Hold me!! 
Note: I will hold any of my female Twitterbuds at any time. That is written into my consulting agreement. Male Twitterpals, you’re on your own. Sure… call me a sexist, but I favor the ladies.
3/19/08 Late Night Update – Some of us (LIKE ME) can’t install SP1 into their Vista! Presenting Microsoft’s Top 8 Reason’s Service Pack 1 is not available for your Vista: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=948343
I love Reason #1: You can’t download and install Vista SP1 because you are already running Vista SP1. Hey Micro$oft… thanks for assuming we’re stupid.
So, in recapitulation… here is my instruction set:
1. Install Vista if it’s not already on your computer (and if you want it on your computer.) The service pack won’t work if you don’t have Vista installed, because it’s a Vista Service Pack… DUH!
2. Read all the readme.txt files and notes. Follow all the instructions. Run the built in Windows System File Checker [sfc /scannow] from a command line. Look it up if you don’t understand what that means. I’m not here to baby you. You’re running Vista you know!
3. I have no idea what to do at this point.
Happy updating…
-gj (a computer pro)
P.S. Follow me on Twitter if you aren’t already. www.twitter.com/acomputerpro
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