Bloggers say Microsoft’s Vista SP1 wreaking havoc on machines

The first load of Vista SP1 users have written into Microsoft's Vista team blog, with various problems they have experienced due to downloading the application.

One blogger, named "Sherfiles" wrote: “I have followed the procedure as to click on "Check for Updates' on Windows Update in order to learn if the so called Vista Sp1 update will be listed but at the end of the procedure, the update is not listed but Windows Update states "Windows is up to date" but it mentions some optional updates. Within the INSTALLED updates I found the Microsoft Service Pack (Sp1) 936982 its installation date being March 12 2008. The Windows Edition (pre-installed) in my computer is Windows Vista Home Basic. The issue here is that I do not know if it is 32 bit or 64 bit. Under system states 32 bit operating system, therefore I assume it is Vista 32 bit. I am NOT a hi-tech person and I am totally a NEOPHYTE in this field of knowledge.”

Another blogger, "ObiWan" stated: “Since installing SP1 my battery tray icon has disappeared. I'm on a laptop and need to know my battery status. When I go under the Taskbar Properties -> Notification Area the option to show Power is grayed out. Has anyone that install SP1 lost their Power option as well? Any ideas how to get it back?”

While blogger, "Jamie Carl" said: I download the SP1 standalone executable for my Vista Ultimate install and try to run it. It fails because apparently my language is not supported? Funny thing is, my language is English. Unless "English (Australian)" is not considered English????? ... I'm switching back to Linux.

Microsoft's planned release of Windows Vista service pack 1 came to a close on 18 March, as Microsoft reported that Vista SP1 can now be downloaded manually from Windows Update.

Users who’d chosen the automatic update option in Windows Update, SP1 will start downloading to PCs automatically beginning in mid-April, according to a blog post by Windows Vista product manager Nick White.

English, French, Spanish, German, and Japanese were available for download straight away, with the additional 31 language versions due in mid-April.

Microsoft has yet to respond to user complaints.