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Microsoft backtracks on Vista SP1 update
'Necessary' software causing system problems

By Tom Espiner

Published: Thursday 21 February 2008

Microsoft has stopped automatically distributing a prerequisite piece of software for Vista Service Pack 1, following customer complaints it had caused system problems.

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Servicing stack update KB937287, released last week, contained updates to Windows Vista installation software, and was billed as being "necessary to successfully install and to remove Windows Vista SP1 on all versions of Windows Vista."

Microsoft has now stopped distributing the update, according to a blog post by Microsoft product manager Nick White.

White wrote: "We've heard a few reports about problems customers may be experiencing as a result of KB937287. Immediately after receiving reports of this error, we made the decision to temporarily suspend automatic distribution of the update to avoid further customer impact while we investigate possible causes."

Vista SP1 is already available to subscribers to the Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) but won't receive a formal public release until mid March.

One irate Windows Vista Ultimate user replied to White's blog post, saying the prerequisite had corrupted their PC and they had needed to reformat the hard drive, losing all of their files and programs as a result. When advised by an anonymous contributor that they could have used System Restore on their Vista installation disc, the Vista Ultimate user replied that they had purchased and downloaded their copy of Vista from the internet and so had no disc.

Two users complained that Windows Update prompted them to install the prerequisite, even after they had installed it.

According to White "this problem only affects a small number of customers in unique circumstances".

If you have experienced similar problems, let us know by submitting a reader comment below.