Learn how to install Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2)
Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) includes support for new types of hardware and emerging hardware standards and includes all of the updates that have been released since SP1. For more information, see What's included in Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2).
The recommended (and easiest) way to get SP2 is to turn on automatic updating in Windows Update in Control Panel, and wait for Windows Vista to notify you that SP2 is ready to install. You just need a few clicks to begin the installation and the rest of the process is automatic. You can also manually download SP2 from the Microsoft Download Center.
To learn if SP2 is already installed
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Click the Start button 
, right-click Computer, and then click Properties.
If Service Pack 2 is listed in the Windows edition section, SP2 is already installed on your computer and you do not need to follow the instructions below.
You need to have enough free disk space to install SP2 (though much of that space will be reclaimed after the installation). The amount of free disk space you need before installing SP2 depends on what method you use to install SP2. If your hard disk is getting full and you need to create free disk space, see Strategies for freeing disk space.
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Installation method
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Approximate disk space requirements
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Windows Update
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Automatic updating requires the least amount of disk space, and is the recommended way to get SP2.
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x86-based: 684 MB
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x64-based: 863 MB
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Downloading SP2 from the Microsoft website
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You can also download SP2 from the Microsoft website. This method requires more disk space than using Windows Update.
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Integrated installation
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This is an advanced method used by IT professionals to deploy both Windows and SP2 together to many computers, typically in an enterprise or business environment.
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x86-based: 10 GB
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x64-based: 13 GB
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Before you begin
Before you install SP2, do the following:
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Back up important files. Because this is a significant update to the Windows operating system, it's a good idea to back up your personal files before beginning the installation.
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Update any device drivers as necessary. You can do this by using Windows Update or by going to the device manufacturer's website. For more information, see Update a driver for hardware that isn't working properly.
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If you have an uninterruptible power supply (UPS) connected to your computer, disconnect the connecting serial cable before installing SP2. The installation automatically attempts to detect devices connected to serial ports, and UPS equipment can cause problems with the detection process. It's fine to leave your computer connected to a UPS for power.
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If you're using a laptop computer, connect it to an AC electrical outlet and don’t unplug or restart the computer during installation.
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Close all open programs. Note that if your antivirus program is on, it might slow the installation by scanning each file that is part of the installation.
If your computer is set to automatically install updates, you will be prompted by Windows Update to install SP2. Follow the instructions on the screen. If you are not prompted to install SP2, follow these steps:
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Make sure you are connected to the Internet.
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Click the Start button , click All Programs, and then click Windows Update.
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In the left pane, click Check for updates.
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Click View available updates. In the list of updates, select Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB948465), and then click Install. If you are prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
Note
If SP2 is not listed, you might need to install some other updates before installing SP2. Install any updates listed as Recommended or Important, return to the Windows Update page, and then click Check for updates.
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Follow the instructions on your screen. The computer might restart several times during the installation.
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After Setup is complete, log on to your computer at the Windows logon prompt. You might see a notification indicating whether the update was successful.
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Depending on whether you are running the 32-bit or the 64-bit version of Windows Vista, download the update for 32-bit versions
or download the update for 64-bit versions.
Note
To determine whether you have the 32-bit or the 64-bit version of Windows Vista, click the Start button , right-click Computer, and then click Properties.
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To install SP2 immediately, click Open or Run, and then follow the instructions on your screen.
To install SP2 later, click Save to copy the installation file to your computer. When you're ready to install the service pack, open the file you copied to your computer.
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Follow the instructions on your screen. The computer might restart several times during the installation.
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After Setup is complete, log on to your computer at the Windows logon prompt. You will receive a message indicating whether the update was successful.
If you installed SP2 yourself, you can uninstall it. However, if SP2 came preinstalled with your edition of Windows Vista (an integrated installation), it cannot be uninstalled.
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Click the Start button , click Control Panel, and then click Programs.
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Under Programs and Features, click View installed updates.
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On the Uninstall an update page, click Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB948465), and then click Uninstall.
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Follow the instructions on your screen.
