Microsoft has just released the official beta version of the upcoming first service pack for Windows 7. The beta version, unlike previous builds of the service pack 1, is available publicly. Home users who want to download the beta version need to register at the Evaluation Center before being able to do so.
Service Pack 1 Beta is made only available for IT Professionals and Developers, it is therefor required to pick an IT or developer related occupation in the questionnaire during registration.
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Windows 7 SP1 is offered for 32-bit and 64-bit editions of Windows 7. Supported languages are English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish.
The service pack is offered via Windows Update or as a 1.2 Gigabyte standalone iso image which needs to be burned to DVD before it can be used. It has to be noted that the beta will expire on June 30, 2011. Users with the beta installed need to upgrade to a newer build by then or uninstall the SP1 beta.
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All selections on the download screen will trigger a Java applet that is initiating the download to the local computer system.
We have uploaded the 32-bit and 64-bit updater to Ghacks for your convenience.
Executing the download enables the system to receive the Service Pack 1 Beta via Windows Update. It can take a while before the update shows in Windows Update. We had to download one important update first before the Windows 7 Service Pack 1 Beta was offered in Windows Update.
Windows 7 users who install the beta via Windows Update will notice that it’s size is considerably smaller than the size of the ISO image.
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Interested users should read the FAQ over at Microsoft which answers common questions.
The beta can be uninstalled without affecting the operating system. Microsoft is providing uninstallation information on this page.
The easiest way to uninstall SP1 Beta is using Programs and Features.
If you’ve used the Disk Cleanup Wizard since you’ve installed SP1 Beta, the backup files needed to uninstall the service pack might have been removed from your computer. If that’s the case, then use System Restore to uninstall the service pack.
1.
Click the Start button Picture of the Start button, click Control Panel, click Programs, and then click Programs and Features.
2.Click View installed updates.
3.Click Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932), and then click Uninstall.
If you don’t see Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932) in the list of installed updates, or if the uninstall option is disabled, use System Restore to uninstall the service pack.
Additional resources of interest:
- Deployment Guide for Windows Server 2008 R2 with SP1 and Windows 7 with SP1 [link]
- Documentation for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 Service Pack 1 Beta (KB976932) [link]
Windows 7 Service Pack 1 does not add new features to the operating system. This alone should be reason enough for most users to stay away from the beta and wait until the final version is released before upgrading.
If you have installed the beta, what’s your impression of it?
Related Articles:
How To Uninstall Windows 7 Service Pack 1 BetaDownload Windows Vista SP1 Beta through Windows Update again
Windows Vista SP2 Beta 6002.16497 Released
Windows Vista SP2 Beta Download
Windows Vista Service Pack 2 Beta Download
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Could I install this on a machine with Vista, or do I already need 7 on it?
You need Windows 7 for it.