What is a Service Pack?
Vista Service Pack 1 and XP Service Pack 3 are upgrades for the Windows operating systems that install a number of critical security features and updates for Windows. These upgrades have proven to provide significant additional security for those who use it, and OIT strongly recommends their installation. Windows Vista users will noticed improved performance.

How will the upgrade be distributed to my computer?
If your computer is joined to the Princeton domain (you type your Princeton netID and password into your computer when logging on), then it is automatically configured to point to the Princeton Windows Software Update Service (WSUS). All machines that are configured to look to the WSUS server will begin to download the service packs automatically. The University's Windows Software Update Service will send the service packs to all undergraduate student Windows computers that do not already have them. The download and installation of Windows XP Service Pack 3 is reported to be relatively transparent to end users; the distribution and installation for Vista Service Pack 1 takes approximately 45 minutes and requires two or three reboots.

How will the service packs be installed once it is downloaded?
Once the service pack has been downloaded to your computer, it will be installed by ONE of the following methods:

• Manually (prompt mode) - If you are logged into your computer after the download completes, the lower right hand corner of your screen will show the Windows Update Icon. A window will pop up, stating "New Updates are ready to install."
  
  Double-click the bubble to launch the Automatic Updates window where you can select the option to install. For windows XP SP3, one re-boot will be required to complete the install. For Vista SP1, two to three re-boots will be required depending on the version of Vista you have.
  

• Automatically (force mode) - If the service pack downloads to your machine and you are NOT logged in, WSUS will automatically install the Service Pack at 4:00 a.m. as long as one of the following is TRUE:
  • If XP, your machine is powered on with Windows up and running at 4:00 a.m. AND your machine is NOT in sleep or hibernate mode.
  • If Vista, your machine is powered on with Windows up and running at 4:00 a.m.
  • If Vista, your machine is a desktop and went into sleep or hibernate mode AFTER Vista SP1 update fully downloaded.
  • If Vista, your machine is a laptop and went into sleep or hibernate mode AFTER Vista SP1 update fully downloaded AND the AC power supply is connected (machine is NOT on battery power).

Note: Windows Vista machines connected to AC power in sleep or hibernate mode will automatically wake at the scheduled install time (4:00 a.m.) to install updates.

How long will the update take?
Depending on the speed of the computer, it could take upwards of one hour once the install begins. You should be careful to have your machine plugged into an outlet when the update starts, and make sure you do not turn your machine off, or put the computer into standby while the update is progressing. Windows XP machines will re-boot once at the completion of the install. Windows Vista machines will reboot 2 or 3 times depending on the version of Vista installed.

Can I continue to work if the process is running?
Yes, during the download, not during the installation. The background process that is used to download the updates should not conflict with the use of your computer. It is recommended that you do NOT use your computer while the installer is running.

What if my machine isn't turned on when the update is available?
Windows checks for updates periodically when the machine is on and connected to the network. The next time the machine is on and has network access, it will automatically download the update.

What if I turn my machine off while the download is in progress?
When the downloaded is halted because the machine is turned off or the network connection is not available, the download will resume where it left off once the computer is back on the network.

What if I don't want the service pack?
Princeton is highly recommending this update be installed on your computer for security reasons. Once the University Windows Update Service begins distributing the upgrade on October 1st, every time you turn on your computer, you will be asked to do it.

What if I have problems installing the update?
Spyware, viruses, and a lack of disk space are just some of the reasons why the update might fail. You should visit the Solutions Center in Frist or contact your RCC if you experience any problems installing the update.