Microsoft began distributing a pre-beta release of Windows Vista Service Pack 2 just a few days after announcing a second service pack for Windows Vista which according to Microsoft would come out before the release of the next Microsoft operating system Windows 7.
The pre-beta release is distributed to a select group of testers who have to run a program that adds a few keys to their Registry which enables the download of Windows Vista service pack 2 on Windows Update.
The release which has the build number 6002.16489 has a size between 290.7 MB to 296.9 MB. It contains all released updates but no obvious changes or additional features according to Within Windows.
KB955430 is the hotfix that has to be installed after making the changes to the Windows Registry. After installing that hotfix the real Windows Vista Service Pack 2 download becomes visible in Windows Update.
It will probably be only a matter of time until the Registry changes leak on the Internet which would enable the Service Pack 2 downloads for anyone making the changes to their Registry.
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I’d totally advise against installing a pre-beta service pack, unless you are just curious and don’t fear reformatting and starting up from scratch.
The pre-beta builds are almost always not fully uninstallable and they almost always leave sufficient trash behind to definitely prevent installation of the next retail service pack, which will *never* be tested to upgrade from any pre-beta or beta service packs nor to clean any junk that might have been created or left behind by these.
Plus, you’ll break your ability to get patches from Windows Updates and/or your computer, as subsequent patches will not, either, be tested against any pre-beta version of Windows. You might also break some existing or future 3rd party drivers. This is a sure-kill recipe for total disaster.
Don’t even think about installing it!
That is simply not true, Beta -> Retail installs of SP1 were fully supported as they tested the ability to uninstall the SP (which is a valid scenario for the real world)
“pre-beta”. Doesn’t that mean “alpha”. And I’m supposed to drop this on my OS? Ya right!
@Luthian: You must be new to this business.
Google Vista SP1 infinite loop
Well this SP is intended for Tester only and should not be install on everyday use computer as it might create problems,
Anyone downloading this should know this is not the official sp2 for vista, but more a beta version, To give tester a chance to test out the software and report any bugs it might find.
So if you are downloading this, then you probably know the risk behind downloading beta software..
I have downloaded this today, and have it install on my computer and so far it has not cause me any problem, I created a image before installing this SP2 , So oncethe official one comes out or this one expire, I just restore my computer back with the image I created and I be ready for the official SP2 for vista .
I Bought Vista Business Package But I Cannot Get Vista To Save My Files And Folder To Save It’s Settings And It ‘s Frustrating To Keep On Redoing Them What Must I Do To Correct This Problem
gooooooooooooooood
good