Windows 7 SP1 RC FAQ

[mikedl]

just got this email:
Keith, as a secondary issue, you reported that you wanted more information about the windows update kb976902. I will be happy to probe the issue for you and send you any information I can gather in the next 3 days.

Thanks, kword88 (may I call you Keith?), it appears the techs at MS are a bit stymied regarding information on kb976902 as well. I suppose its moniker, "the black hole update," is well deserved so far.

 

[johngalt]

UPDATE: When I had installed SP1 RC1 (build 721) from the ISO I had downloaded all my games were broken.

This afternoon, WU added SP1 RC1 to my list of updates and I didn't pay attention and let it install. To my chagrin, all my games are now working under SP1.

Don't know why, but I also used the same ISO on my laptop, so I'll double check and see if it was a bad install or a bad ISO.

 

[Night Hawk]

Here I went with both ISO and individual stand alone for both the 32bit and 64bit. The SP1 beta refused to go on and now the RC won't either on the 64bit. At 99% or 100% on one occasion you see "Failure to configure Service Pack; reverting changes" and still see the evaluation copy watermark following the restart. On the second full startup that disappears however apparently completeing the reversal.

Note all services(non MS) in the services tab as well as all startups were disabled and still no go on repeat attempts. A fast install of the 32bit for a look at the 32bit IE 9 saw the SP1 RC go on there however once the ThreatFire(free version) anti-adaware/spyware program was removed entirely.

It's a mystery why it won't do the same on the 64bit for any so far since I've never ran into problems with any SP at any time on the previous versions. I beginning to think the only way it will go on is when seeing a fresh install with nothing else on until after the RC has finished installing.

 

[Sunimar]

So if i got this correct in the near future when the this will be available through Windows Update then do i again have to uninstall my Windows7 7600 RTM to get it or will it be like any other update????

 

[kword88]

you will have to uninstall SP1 RC before you can install SP1 RTM. if i remember correctly, there is an expiration date on both the Beta and the RC, so you eventually HAVE TO uninstall it.
be sure to read the whole discussion thread so you dont make the same mistake i did.

 

[Sunimar]

you will have to uninstall SP1 RC before you can install SP1 RTM. if i remember correctly, there is an expiration date on both the Beta and the RC, so you eventually HAVE TO uninstall it.
be sure to read the whole discussion thread so you dont make the same mistake i did.

kword but buddy my copy of Win7 is RTM & not the RC that's why i want to know as the article discusses about the RC SP1...that's what i want to know....

 

[kword88]

if you're asking if you will have to reinstall the entire operating system, the answer is no, unless you make the same mistake i did.
you only have to reinstall the Service Pack. you cannot install Service Pack 1 Release To Manufacture on top of Service Pack 1 Release Candidate.

 

[Night Hawk]

If you are unsure about things with the RC release you may want to consider holding off until the finished SP1 is available. The beta release and now the RC are still the testing phases intended for developers and experienced users where MS can collect feedback on any issues(or bugs) that need to be worked out before the general release is seen.

 

[kword88]

just received this link from microsoft tech support regarding kb976902.

Description of the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 installation software feature update

 

[Night Hawk]

Now there's a new Wave 1 prerequisite for the SP1 RC available. Apparently due to installation problems many are having for the SP1 RC MS has a new fix seen in this.

 

[dgwin7]

Guys,

If you want try to install SP1 on Win 7, Best result is reinstall clean OS then second install SP1 should be no problem that what I did and feel snappier and stable so far for about 2 weeks.

dg

 

[Night Hawk]

That's precisely what saw the RC go onto a fast clean install of the 32bit 7 when seeing that since the IE 9 beta for Vista wouldn't go on the previous dual boot for some reason. But a clean install of the 64bit host will be eventual only when the softwares need to be renewed.

The Wave 1 turned out to be the RC seen through the regular updates not downloaded separately and still reached the 99% mark despite trying find the one item preventing the install from finishing. But I don't want to exceed the number of times you can activate other softwares and have been still trying to get it on the present install. Disable this, debug that, find reg entries for programs already removed still present, etc.

 

[mikedl]

just received this link from microsoft tech support regarding kb976902.

Description of the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 installation software feature update

I just noticed your post, Keith, thanks!

With kb976902 specifically mentioned, I guess that clears it up a little. Odd, being an "uninstallable" update, there is not more information regarding it.

I did find a bit more information here:

Demystifying KB976902, a.k.a. Microsoft’s “Blackhole” Update

I have verified with Microsoft that this update is designed to smooth the way for the deployment of future updates on Windows 7 systems (read on to the very end if you’d like the official response from Microsoft). The confusion appears to stem from a timing mistake by the folks at Microsoft, but this incident illustrates the hysteria that can ensue when the world’s largest software company fails — for whatever reason — to be fully transparent with a user base that has come to expect detailed advisories with every patch.

On Tuesday Microsoft released KB 976902 to customers of Windows 7 through Windows Update. This update was pre-maturely released in English and the KB article had not been published yet. We are in the process of releasing the KB Article so users have more information about the update. This update is a Servicing Stack Update, which can’t be uninstalled. The update will be released at a later date, and it will be required to ensure compatibility with some future updates.

If you have already installed the update, there is no action required – there is no impact from the update being on your system. We apologize for any confusion this update may have caused.

Also, for extra context – Microsoft did a similar update when we were about to release the SP1 beta (what’s known as a “service stack” update – it helps the OS recognize and work better with the service pack code). As things like a service pack in development hit new milestones (i.e. we just hit RC, before that it was beta), the service stack update gets updated. That’s why folks don’t need to worry about removing it

Well, I guess, that's that! Thank you, Keith. I am grateful for your queries into kb976902 while you had the opportunity and thankful to you for relaying the information to us that was passed on to you. Very much appreciated.

 

[Night Hawk]

You have to love the reader comments there. "True Paranoia"! When looking over the 70+ updates just seen added on along with the KB976902 they appear normal except for when going to look at two previous updates that lack the MS corporate name.

 

[Crispy]

Have you been on Google then to find out what they are?

 

[Night Hawk]

The first was identified as An update is available for Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5 Service Pack 1 on Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

Note the dates pointing at June before the first SP1 beta release. The previous one from May isn't one of your typical security updates but for Windows activation. Description of the update for Windows Activation Technologies

Thanks to Bing no less! While the RC still fails to go onto the existing 64bit install the remaining rollup of updates went on as you can see from the 11/4 date. At least that much was accomplished.