Windows Vista SP2 RC build released to testers

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TechARP predicted last month that RC-Escrow build of SP2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 will be released between the dates Jan 26-30 and the RC build between the dates Feb 16-20. The RC Escrow build of SP2 was sent to testers at the end of January and the rumor is that now Microsoft has released the RC build of SP2 to Microsoft Connect testers exactly between the dates predicted by TechARP.

Ars reports that RC build is available for download as a standalone installer package or via Windows Update or as a slipstreamed download which includes 691 individual hotfixes. Public beta of SP2 was released in December 2008 and the final release is expected to happen around April or May according to TechARP.

Windows 7 also appears to be moving towards the release candidate build at the end of February, which raises a serious discussion over whether users would still stay on Vista or jump to Windows 7. Not to forget that Windows 7 is also rumored to hit RTM in August.

(7 replies) #1 Intelman on 20 Feb 2009 - 06:25

If this Service Pack is just a roll up of hot fixes, why does it require so much testing and break things?

#1.1 unknownsoldierX on 20 Feb 2009 - 08:43

It also includes new features. Bluetooth 2.1, Blu-ray burning, Windows Connect Now WIFI config, and others.

#1.2 Intelman on 20 Feb 2009 - 14:22

Those updates were previously applied through hotfixes.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/942567

This was available to the public at one time, I installed it...

#1.3 JonathanMarston on 20 Feb 2009 - 15:04

You're right, I'd much rather that they didn't test service packs before they released them!

Hot fixes aren't as thoroughly tested as version releases and service packs, and especially aren't tested together. Imagine if you had 2 hot fixes that modified the same files - there's a chance of a conflict that could cause a new bug while fixing the first two. Regression testing is a vital part of software development...

#1.4 artfuldodga on 20 Feb 2009 - 15:37

"You're right, I'd much rather that they didn't test service packs before they released them!" lol, uhm... thats a bad idea if i ever saw one

#1.5 The Burning Rom on 20 Feb 2009 - 16:08

RE: Intelman

The Windows Vista Feature Pack For Wireless was never officially available for public download. It was released to OEMs only. It leaked out from those OEMs, which is how the public got a hold of it.

#1.6 +macf13nd on 20 Feb 2009 - 18:10

Sarcasm??

#1.7 Jotnar on 21 Feb 2009 - 21:59

The Windows Vista Feature Pack For Wireless didn't really leak, it was just finally made available by the OEMs like Dell/Lenovo.

(1 reply) #2 see-seA on 20 Feb 2009 - 07:01

Service packs go through much rigorous testing than normal windows patches.

#2.1 excalpius on 21 Feb 2009 - 00:36

And...all at the same time. Like a Windows user would use it day to day.

#3 FoxieFoxie on 20 Feb 2009 - 08:10

Win 7 won't be releasd on Feb, MS confirmed that few days ago they have only tested build xx46

(2 replies) #4 rakeshishere on 20 Feb 2009 - 08:49

Too many speculations in this article...

#4.1 Chaks on 20 Feb 2009 - 09:01

If so then you wont hear anything unless and otherwise Microsoft releases anything in public!

#4.2 CalumJR on 21 Feb 2009 - 09:15

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(1 reply) #5 agreenbhm on 20 Feb 2009 - 13:05

Are there any known differences between the RC and the RC-escrow build?

#5.1 Chaks on 21 Feb 2009 - 01:21

Please follow the Ars Technica link to know about the hotfixes

(1 reply) #6 Pierreken on 20 Feb 2009 - 13:30

I would also like to know what the hotfixes are in the new RC build. Does anyone have this information?

#6.1 Chaks on 21 Feb 2009 - 01:21

(2 replies) #7 HeartsOfWar on 20 Feb 2009 - 15:29

Does anyone know if you can manually slipstream this SP? I was so bummed out that SP1 didn't support slipstreaming

#7.1 tntomek on 20 Feb 2009 - 16:28

My MSDN Vista had SP1 slip streamed, but that was a MS release.

#7.2 neufuse on 20 Feb 2009 - 21:34

tntomek said,

Why slipsteam when you can download the trial ISO on MS's download site and just use you key with that?

#8 artfuldodga on 20 Feb 2009 - 15:35

its tested and tested again because of all the different variables, configurations... ways people screw up their systems, so along with applying a patch, attempts to fix itself... along with other things, MS has their work cut out for themselves

#9 BoDEAN on 22 Feb 2009 - 00:27

Running good here.

#10 kevpan815 on 24 Feb 2009 - 00:48

Any word on if and/or when either MSDN. Microsoft Technet Plus. and/or the general public is going 2 be ablle 2 test this RC?

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