Microsoft Backpedals, Moves Up Vista SP1 Release Dates

Nash also said that the timing for broad availability would not change from the original, mid-March target. Microsoft was reacting to an outpouring of criticism for announcing on Feb. 4 the release-to-manufacturing (RTM) of Vista SP1 but with the caveat that the software would not be available until March. Not only did people complain, but they also pirated copies of the service pack that began showing up on file-sharing sites; and frustrated users were downloading the software to get started on testing.

Microsoft said the disconnect between announcing the RTM of SP1 on Feb. 4 and the mid-March availability date was caused by issues with some device drivers that lose features when the service pack is installed. The device driver issue was uncovered by beta testers, who found that after the service pack was installed, certain drivers didn't work and the corresponding devices would not operate.

The issue is not one of compatibility, according to Microsoft, but the fact that the drivers do not follow driver-installation guidelines. The problem can be solved by uninstalling and reinstalling the affected device once SP1 is loaded. Microsoft said it would work to clear up the problem for good before it sends the software to volume-licensing customers or posts it to Windows Update for manual download.

Once the plan was announced, a virtual chorus of boos broke out on the Internet, with many IT pros slamming Microsoft for its decision and threatening to cancel MSDN and TechNet subscriptions. The delay also fostered questions about how deep the problem ran. Microsoft last week said it was not releasing details on the number of drivers affected or which ones they were.

Nash addressed the speculation in his blog, writing, "Windows Vista SP1 is final. It has been fully released to manufacturing, and we do not plan to make any changes to the SP1 code prior to public availability. We are confident in the quality of Windows Vista SP1 and know that it will help improve our customers' experiences with Windows Vista."