Windows 7 SP1 pre-release: Hands off or try it out?

After 12 months of Windows 7, the first service pack is already available, at least in the form of a first pre-release ("beta"). Windows-Tweaks advises private users to only install SP1 in very rare cases. [Sandro Villinger]

Every 12 to 24 months, Microsoft bundles all previously released updates, unreleased special updates ("hotfixes") and occasionally also new functions into a so-called "service pack", bringing its operating systems and programs up to date. The first pre-release version of Windows 7 Service Pack 1 has now been published.

Do I need this?
In a nutshell: The first public beta of SP1 is not intended for home users of Windows 7. The beta is intended to give program developers a chance to test their software on Windows 7 SP1 and eliminate possible compatibility problems at an early stage. Network administrators can assess the impact of SP1 on their infrastructure at an early stage and - if difficulties arise - react in good time.

Home users, on the other hand, are best advised to use the Windows Update function. This keeps you up to date on a weekly basis - once Service Pack 1 has been sufficiently tested, it is expected to be available automatically via Windows Update towards the end of the year.

For emergencies: 3 steps to the SP1 beta
Only those who have massive problems with Windows 7 that cannot be resolved with a new installation should take a first look: SP1 Beta contains many updates that Microsoft has not yet released via Windows Update. There is a chance that SP1 will fix this problem. The following steps will get you safely to the SP1 beta:

1. create an image of the computer: With SP1, hundreds of Windows 7 system files are updated - the chance of something going wrong is extremely low thanks to sufficient testing by Microsoft. Nevertheless, better safe than sorry: create a complete backup before upgrading to Windows 7 Service Pack 1. To do this, click on "Create a backup of your computer" in the "Control Panel".

Click on "Create system image" on the left, plug in an external hard disk and start the backup!

2. download SP1: Visit http://technet.microsoft.com/hi-in/evalcenter/ff183870.aspx and click on "Get Started Now" at the bottom. Sign in with your Windows Live ID and make sure that you answer the question "What occupation best describes you?" with either "IT Manager" or "IT Worker". Otherwise Microsoft will refuse the download - ridiculous!

Confirm with "Continue", check your contact details and in the next step simply answer the question with "Evaluate Windows 7 SP1 Beta". You now have 3 options:

The first two downloads (approx. 0.7 MByte) ensure that you can download Service Pack 1 via Windows Update. This saves time, as Windows 7 only downloads and installs the missing parts of SP1.

The 1.2 GB ISO file contains the entire SP1 and therefore also updates that you have already downloaded. You must then burn the ISO image or install it with software (e.g. Virtual Clone Drive) as a separate drive.

3. install SP1If you have opted for the update variant, you must install the update "WUSignUpTool_x86" (for the 32-bit version of Windows 7) or "WUSignUpTool_x64" (for the 64-bit version).

Then open Windows Update and click on "Check for updates". Then install the update "KB976902".

If this is installed, you should be offered Service Pack 1 after a new search by Windows Update - otherwise a restart is required!

If you have the ISO, you must first mount it as a drive...

...and can then start the installation by double-clicking on the virtual drive in Windows Explorer:

The installation of SP1 Beta will then start! Our tip: If your problem with Service Pack 1 is not solved, you should uninstall the pre-release version again.