Windows 7: SP1 takes a lot of space?

Is it just me or does it take several GB, even tho the downloaded update is less than 100MB?

I've seen some ways to delete the temporary files or something afterwards, but this is really something Microsoft needs to do automatically. Why would a user need to bother with this?

Hello Eyo,

The extra GB+ are the SP1 backup files in case you wanted to uninstall the SP1. Since most people do not need or want to, you could use the SP1 Disk Cleanup Tool to remove the backups and regain the HDD space the backups use. Of course, you will not be able to uninstall the SP1 afterwards though.

Hope this helps to explain why.

Shawn

It is recommended, however, that you wait at least a month or two before removing the SP1 installation files.

Ohhhhhh.
I waited a day.
Corrine,
can you elaborate on the consequences?
Is it worth reimaging and redoing the SP1 installation?

Hi, mjf.

The reason for the recommendation to wait before removing the SP1 installation files is to ensure there are no issues. Just because everything seems fine immediately after installation does not mean that there are no issues with all installed software on the computer. people have tested all the programs on their computer.

At this point there are only two known programs that do not work after the installation of SP1 and two that lose functionality after install. That is not to say that the list could not grow as more people install the service pack. Should such a program be "business critical", not having the ability to uninstall SP1 could cause a hardship.

As to your situation, mjf, no, I do not think it is necessary to re-image and reinstall SP1.

Beg to differ with you slightly there Corrine- people/organizations that need to ensure anything business-critical is not killed by SP1 are far better off using MS's service pack blocker kit.

Download details: Windows Service Pack Blocker Tool Kit

Nobody in that situation would install SP1 heedlessly, then "hope" all their software works well with it.

I agree about the SP blocker. In fact, even though SP1 is marked "Important", it is not pre-checked so it does take user action to install. I meant the "business critical" as a catch-all phrase. After all, there are many, many people who work out of their homes who would not know about the SP blocker. Certainly one or more of those home-workers uses Incredimail. Discovering after installing SP1 that Incredimail does not function with SP1 could indeed be crippling to those people.

Corrine,
What are the two programs affected?

and Bill2,
I'd agree in a business critical situation you'd be more cautiously (some lag OS upgrades don't they)
but I'm keeping regular staged images. Won't this get me out of trouble and a small business taking the plunge?

Hi, mjf.

What has currently been identified is only two that do not work and two with reduced functionality: Some programs have compatibility issues with Service Pack 1 for Windows 7 and for Windows Server 2008 R2

Thanks Corrine.