How do I know which service pack I need?

[total confusion]

I need to download the service pack 1 (stand alone version) for a 32 bit Windows 7 Pro version. I need it so I can do a clean install. I wasn't able to make a rescue CD after it installed itself via updates, the backup no longer works. Not only that, but I've found I can't right lick on my desktop and create a folder on the desktop. Yes, I know there are ways around that problem and that is what I've been using.
I've been working on some rather extensive files and I would like to back them up, and keep them backed up, to my external HD.
I can't do a repair because I don't have a rescue CD which includes the SP1.
There are about 10 different ones on that page and I don't know which I need. Is it the 1 GB one??

 

[zigzag3143]

It is a good ides to run the update readiness tool first to make sure you have all the required files.


Please run the update readiness tool and then update to SP-1


Ensure you install the correct 64 or 32 bit option for your system)
Download the System Update Readiness Tool (64bit)
Download the System Update Readiness Tool (32bit)


Now update to SP-1

Learn how to install Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1)

 

[AddRAM]

You download it through windows update.

 

[whs]

Here you find all the links for an .iso download: http://forums.mydigitallife.info/threads/28517-Windows-7-w-o-SP1-and-SP1-Media-Refresh-Direct-Download-Links

 

[DeaconFrost]

I agree with whs. If you are planning to do a clean install, why not just use the SP1-incorporated disc from the get-go?

 

[total confusion]

I didn't know I could do that. That sure would be easier. Will let you know how it goes
Thanks

 

[total confusion]

I went to the link site, again I am confused as to which one I am supposed to download? They also talked about having to run a file removal tool. I don't know if I need that do I?? I've included pics
I want to make sure I'm on the same page as you guys. The ISO image I will be downloading will be the full thing, SP1 included? I downloaded an ISO but it was only 4 MB, it was the second one with new releases. Then after I downloaded it I see there is one below that one, it has a "N" next to the the x86.

 

[DeaconFrost]

You want to download the Media Refresh version that you have a license for. The N version has components sripped out for European markets, so you can skip that one.

The removal tool will remove the file mentioned, and turn your disc into a multi-install...meaning if you have the x86 version, it will give you a menu to pick which version...Home Premium, Pro, etc. Most of us are installing from USB flash drives and have deleted the file from the flash drive.

 

[total confusion]

Want to make sure I'm doing this right. I have the ISO image for Media "refresh". If it's a refresh, can I do a repair from that instead of reinstalling?

My biggest problem is not being able to use the "backup" feature in the Pro version. For some reason it keeps telling me that the class is not registered. Is there some way to find that file on the disc and register it? I have my original Pro version disc too. I have so much stuff on my PC that I would have to backup before I could reinstall. I hate doing that if there is some way around it.

 

[DeaconFrost]

It depends. You should always try to repair with the same SP level as the installed OS. So, if you have SP1 installed, then the media refresh disc would be just fine. If you don't have SP1 installed yet, then I'd get the earlier disc.

Those are plain vanilla discs, so they can be used to repair or do clean, fresh installs.

 

[total confusion]

I have SP1 installed (along with a full year's worth of updates I'd have to replace if I mess up). So, if I use this ISO to repair the screwed up file, will fix something on the original program? Don't they have to be slip-streamed together?

 

[total confusion]

I found this,

resetwmi/tool to reset the WMI repository; useful for repairing WMI repository corruptions
what is a WMI?

 

[ignatzatsonic]

I have SP1 installed (along with a full year's worth of updates I'd have to replace if I mess up). So, if I use this ISO to repair the screwed up file, will fix something on the original program? Don't they have to be slip-streamed together?

What is "they"??

If you download a Windows 7 SP 1 ISO, what is there to slipstream? It's a Windows 7 SP 1 install disc once you burn it to a DVD.

 

[total confusion]

ignatzatsonic

Please flip back to page 1 of this post. Look at the picture I posted, is that a full windows 7 with SP1??

This is so much different than Vista. When I didn't have a backup copy that included the service pack (2) I was up the creek. My only option was to try to slip stream one. I was never able to do it successfully. That is one of the reasons I am now running Windows 7, I couldn't fix Vista. I ended up putting in a new HD and putting 7 on it. The Vista one sits on the shelf.

 

[DeaconFrost]

Vista had the same discs available, but through other legit channels. There used to be a website you could go to an order a disc directly from Microsoft, and you'd only pay shipping.

Windows 7 is identical, so I'm not sure what the confusion is about. There are discs that are Windows 7 pre-SP1, and then there are discs with SP1 incorporated. You want the latter, so you are closer to bein up to date once the install is finished. There's nothing else to slipstream or worry about. Windows Update will take you from SP1 to current. Once SP2 is released and those discs are updated, you can go grab one of them as well (assuming they are put online).

 

[ignatzatsonic]

Total Confusion:

As I understand it, you want Windows 7 Professional 32-bit, English, with SP1 already integrated into it, all in 1 package.

If that is correct, look here:

Official Windows 7 SP1 ISO from Digital River « My Digital Life

Near the top of that link, you will see this:

Windows 7 Professional SP1-U ISO

Immediately under that you will see:

English x86: X17-59183.iso

That's what you need: x17-59183.iso

If you are looking for the Service Pack ONLY repeat ONLY, without Windows 7, then you need something else.

I downloaded X17-58997.iso from that same link when I wanted Windows Home Premium 64-bit, with Service Pack 1, integrated.

But maybe I am totally misunderstanding what you want.

 

[total confusion]

ignatzasonic
Thanks that's the one I downloaded.

DeaconFrost:
I tried getting my hands on a disc with SP2 (Vista). I went to every site available including Microsoft. Microsoft told me they had no such thing available. They said I had two options, I could try to find someone who had a disc I could borrow (for a repair) or I could buy a retail version with it on it. I told them to go skip rope. I was more than willing to pay shipping, I even offered to pay a small fee for a disc. That's when I decided if I had to buy something I'd upgrade to windows 7.

Is Microsoft going to be putting out a service pack 2 any time soon??