Language Packs and Windows Vista SP1


Posted by Nick White on Monday, March 03, 2008 1:24 PM 61 Comments

[Updated 6 Mar 3:01pm PST]  Apparently this post has created some confusion, which was the opposite of my intent.  Windows Vista SP1 is not delayed.  I repeat, aside from our having accelerated SP1 availability to MSDN/TechNet subscribers and volume licensing customers, there has been no change in the release plan Mike outlined in his post announcing SP1.

For clarity's sake, I'll reiterate our release schedule:

  • For the initial five first wave languages (English, Spanish, German, French, and Japanese):
    • We will release SP1 to Windows Update and the download center on microsoft.com in mid-March.  Customers running Windows Vista with any of these first languages installed can choose to install SP1 by visiting Windows Update.  If your PC has a language installed other than one of the 5 listed above, SP1 will not be offered.  Additionally, any system that Windows Update determines has a driver Microsoft knows to not update successfully will not be offered SP1.
    • In mid-April, we will begin delivering Windows Vista SP1 to Windows Vista customers using Automatic Update.  In other words, we will begin automatic downloads of SP1 for customers who have chosen to have updates downloaded automatically.  Note that, as Mike stated, Windows Update will *not* automatically download SP1 to any system it determines has a driver known to not update successfully.  (As updates for the problematic drivers become available, they will be installed automatically by Windows Update so that the result is that more and more systems will automatically get SP1, but only when we are confident they will have a good experience.)
    • MSDN/TechNet Plus subscribers and volume licensing customers have already been provided access to SP1 in first wave languages, as Mike stated in his follow-on post.
  • The remaining languages will be released to manufacturing (RTM) in April and availability to customers will follow.

We have some information we'd like to share in regards to Windows Vista SP1 and folks running Language Packs. Some of you may have noticed that after installing Windows Vista SP1 on Windows Vista Ultimate - the Language Packs fail to appear on Windows Update (KB947875).

We will be releasing Windows Vista SP1 in two "waves". The first wave will only provide Windows Vista SP1 to Windows Vista Ultimate PCs running the following 5 Languages: English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish. The second wave will follow shortly after - supporting all 36 languages.

For Windows Update, PCs running the 5 initial languages from the first wave only will be provided with Windows Vista SP1. PCs running Windows Vista Ultimate with any of the other Language Packs installed will not be offered Windows Vista SP1 through Windows Update until they are released. Once the Language Packs are released, Windows Vista SP1 will then be offered for installation.

When installing Windows Vista SP1 from the standalone installer, the standalone installer will only install on Windows Vista Ultimate running any of the 5 languages from the first wave. When installing Windows Vista SP1 on Windows Vista Ultimate with a Language Pack that is not one of the 5 initial Language Packs supported - you will get the following error (KB947876) when attempting to install Windows Vista with the standalone installer:

Windows Vista Service Pack 1 cannot be installed on your computer because the language of Windows Vista you have installed is not supported or you have installed a language pack that is not supported.

Windows Vista Service pack 1 can only be installed on computers running the English, French, German, Japanese and Spanish versions of Windows Vista or computers running only those language packs.

This means if you are running a Language Pack that is not one of the 5 initial Language Packs you will not be able to install Windows Vista SP1 until the other Language Packs are released.

But not to worry - the Language Packs are on their way.  We will have more information on exactly when very shortly so stay tuned!

 

Posted by Language Packs and Windows Vista SP1


 

Posted by fredclown


"But not to worry - the Language Packs are on their way.  We will have more information on exactly when very shortly so stay tuned!"

Yeah, like the extra's were supposed to released shortly after the Ultimate launch that we have yet to see.  For some reason I don't quite buy it. I've been defending Vista since it came out, but seriously you have to stop promising what you cannot provide. Just tell the customers that it will take many months and get it over with. I got Vista Ultimate because the Ultimate wesite said ...

"Exclusive to Windows Vista Ultimate are Windows Ultimate Extras. Windows Ultimate Extras are add-ons that extend certain capabilities of your operating system or just make using your PC more fun."

Ok, since when are language packs fun? The only funish sort of thing that has bee released is the poker game. While DreamScene may be kind of cool it's a bit useless and provides no additional functionality to the OS. And lastly there is bit locker which isn't even available to everyone.  Your hardware has to support it.  For cying out loud start showing us the goods or just shut up about them and tell everyone that you were lying.

 

Posted by vrn


Yes, and how about those Ultimate Extras I dished out extra money for?

Because of this incremental revenue strategy, I haven't even got something as simple as PowerToys that could solve so many niggling little problems about Vista, as TweakUI did for XP.

You know what? Never mind. Chalk up another user since Windows 2.0/386 defector.

 

Posted by fredclown


From the Vista Ultimate blog ...

"but once we ship Windows DreamScene and the remaining Language Packs, we will provide more information about the next Extras."

Dreamscene - released 9/25/2007

Remaining Language Packs - released 10/23/2007

Four and a half months later ... no information.

 

Posted by Islander


Well, I was one of the few lucky ones who got SP1 when Microsoft had that "accident" and spreaded it to people with Vista x64. Before that, I had English, German (by default and installation) and Spanish language packs available and installed. After the SP1, I only have German and Spanish now, English is gone (and obviously not available through Windows Update). Should I worry, is my system screwed now? Or will I be able to get the English language pack back when all languages are available?

 

Posted by l3lueMage


is SP1 out? how come I cant get it ? :/

 

Posted by SteveBallmer


Portugese need not apply! There's not that many of you guys anyways!

 

Posted by Windows Addict


 

Posted by NigelS


To be honest, I was rather hoping the language packs had vanished permanently. Why? Because I'm fed-up with having to re-"hide" them everytime I restore a complete pc backup image.

 

Posted by dovella


Nick

you say to me that the other languages are not ready then explain me what are this that is found in the torrent

6001.18000.080118-1840_iso_client_sp_wave1-frmcsp0_dvd.img

VISTA SP1 RTM ESCROW BUILD 18000 (RCREFRESH 2 ON MSDN) 0FSOUND

STFUID M: Service Pack 1 (6001.longhorn_rtm.080118-1840) 36 LANG STANDALONE INSTALLER (WAVE1)

STFUID S: Windows6.0-KB936330-X86 / 556905KB

INFO : SP1 RTM FINAL PUBLIC RELEASE>

DATE : 6.FEBRUARY.CY2008 - ASIA /GTM

7.FEBRUARY.CY2008 - US,EU /GTM

TYPE : WINDOWS UPDATE , STANDALONE UG EXE, DVD

BUILD ID : Windows Vista Service Pack 1 RTM Build 6001.18000.080118-1840 -> ORIGINAL MICROSOFT VERSION /OFFICIAL

honestly I am not understanding more nothing of tantomeno I comprise the reasons

 

Posted by Windows Vista News


Interesting point at teched.indepthtalk.net

 

Posted by Peter


Thanks for the update.

 

Posted by gothboy


I have Windows Vista Ultimate and am using the English Language pack ... when will SP1 be available?  I keep hearing from other peole they have alreday got it though Windows update.

 

Posted by Peter


As has been posted all over the web for weeks now....it will arrive via Windows Update later this month or early April.

 

Posted by Karsten Hiemstra


Using Vista is a kick in the pants compared to XP.

Using Vista Ultimate just adds insult to injury.  

Not only have you defrauded your users who paid more for non-existent or extremely lame "extras", but now many users who may have installed the language packs have to wait even longer for a Service Pack that will (we hope) reduce the pain of using this problem-riddled OS.

When presented with the meager extra lists, I'm sure many users simply installed all of the available extras just so that they could feel like they got something, anything for their extra cash.  Now they pay the price.

You and your team should be ashamed of yourselves.

 

Posted by Nick White


Hey dovella:  not sure I follow entirely, but for one, I cannot speak to files/images posted to torrents, as these are of course not sanctioned methods of distribution of MS products.  Your interest is likely in the Italian-language version of SP1; I can tell you that it is not yet available and will not become available until the second "wave" of languages is released, likely to occur next month.

 

Posted by Zod


so we,italians and of course the resting languages,will get our Service Pack on Windows Update in april,won't we? Hoping it not to be in late april but early-mid april. Anyway,keep up the good work. I really hope that Microsoft in the near future accelerate the development of his products. How long will take an eventual Service Pack 2? Seriously,Microsoft Team,i understand that good stuff requires time and testing,but you should be faster with releases of service packs,ect. Of course if it comes to fix some things that require more time,there is nothing wrong with that :) bye

 

Posted by dovella


Ok Nick Thank you very much.

I hoped something had changed seen this file torrent.

Thanks also wait with Vista  because normally I have no problems.

THX 10000 and good WORK!!!

 

Posted by jaxim


If you installed the language packs but are using English, can you download and install SP1?

I got tired of hiding the language packs so I downloaded them but I am only using the English version. Will I be able to install SP1 or do I need to uninstall these non-English language packs that I don't even use?

Also, any word on what new Extras may be coming? My vote is for a multi-clipboard app. Or maybe a version of windows explorer that has tabs. Or how about a user friendly interface for shadow copy to give more control over this tool?

 

Posted by Nick White


Hey jaxim:  If you only have English installed, and provided there are no blocking driver issues identified by Windows Update, SP1 should appear as an available update via Windows Update when it is released.

News on the Extras front is forthcoming.

 

Posted by luminoso


this is why M$ sucks.

delays and more delays that never ends.

a lot of people are waiting for this SP1 to fix that stupid bugs, like copy slowness.

two waves are so... retarded.

 

Posted by jaxim


thanks, Nick, I look forward to it.

 

Posted by TechBlog


• The trouble with Steve Jobs -- Is that he really, really likes to take risks. Also Apple shareholders pepper Jobs with questions • Microsoft Develops New Operating System From Scratch -- Singularity, which I wrote about last year. •...

 

Posted by dovella


The problem is Fortunately  that S. J.  because in 1997 our Bill Gates has saved the company with 150 million dollar and some killer application that have kept alive the now dying Mac.

Leopard does not work well everything crashes and the system expects many resources remembering that took many ideas from Longhorn concept and Vista.

STOP TROLLING

 

Posted by Peter


SJ also likes overcharging for everything his company produces and nothing it produces is really any better than Microsoft.

But this thread is about Vista Ultimate Extras and language packs, so who cares anyway?

 

Posted by Bink.nu


Vista PCs running the Ultimate edition in English, French, German, Japanese or Spanish will get the service

 

Posted by ups216


微软已经发布了Windows Vista SP1,但是兴高采烈的我在反复尝试了10次安装以后终于决定暂时放弃,其中包括从新安装我的Windows Vista Ultimate,在完全干净的系统上进行安装。

 

Posted by Nick White


Hey luminoso (and Peter McNicol):  this post is about the availability of SP1 for Windows Vista Ultimate users running languages other than the 5 languages in the initial release wave (EN, FR, ES, DE, JP).  It is not about Extras except to the extent that the language packs are an Extra.

There is no delay in the release of SP1 for Ultimate users - the release schedule remains the same as that stated by Mike Nash in this post (with the exception that we've accelerated release to MSDN/TechNet subscribers):  http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2008/02/04/announcing-the-rtm-of-windows-vista-sp1.aspx.

You'll note that therein, Mike states that "...remaining languages will RTM in April."  This is the current SP1 release schedule and it always has been.  Please re-read my above post in the context of Mike's and you'll see what I mean.

 

Posted by pkearney


According to this article the only users that will get SP1 are Vista Ultimate users.  What about everyone else, like Vista Home Premium users who had to buy it when buying a new computer??

The lack of backward compatibality is astounding, for software and hardware.  How everything worked so well in XP to have almost everything fail on Vista is clear evidence Microsoft has made a HUGE mistake.  I am really upset that retailers cannot sell XP based systems if the consumer requests it.  I think the Justice Department should look into Microsofts practices.  Microsoft should also allow any consumer the opportunity to have a set of XP install disks in return for the Vista license.  Plus, when you puchase a Vista machine today you don't even get the Vista install disk!!!!  And the system I got from Best Buy (Compaq Presario SF5310) only "allows" one set of dta back up.  How ridiculous is that?

 

Posted by Peter


Which article....the MAC/Linux News?

 

Posted by scottso87


pkearney, what programs are you using? Almost nothing I use in Vista fails. The only thing that ever does is IE7. All of my 3rd party programs run without hitch.

If you never realized it, you can still by WinXP at online stores (relatively cheap, too) such as TigerDirect and Newegg. No one is forcing you to buy Vista.

I'm not exactly sure why what the Justice Dept has anything to do with this. Vista is a product that Microsoft created and is selling. I can't think of anyone that has been forced to buy it themselves. You can always get a Mac or a Linux machine (Dell sells rather nice Ubuntu systems. There is nothing wrong or illegal in creating a new product and supporting more than the one it was intended to replace. If you hate Vista so much, use something else.

Microsoft had nothing to do with you not receiving a Vista install disk with your new Compaq. Only Compaq is to "blame" for that. Frankly, giving your hatred for Vista, I'm a bit confused as to why you were upset you didn't receive a Vista install disk. It sounds like you're complaining for the sake of it.

Everyone will get SP1, not just Ultimate users. However, I think you'd be better off buying WinXP and waiting for XP SP3.

 

Posted by Brandon LeBlanc


pkearney, no this article says *nothing* about SP1 being available only to Windows Vista Ultimate users. SP1 will be available for all versions of Windows Vista.

This article explains why people who install SP1 find that the Language Packs fail to show up on Windows Update on Windows Vista Ultimate. The Language Packs are available to those running Windows Vista Ultimate.

OEM's can choose whether to include the Windows Vista install media - this isn't something Microsoft decides. You should be able to contact Compaq to get a Windows Vista install disc.

- Brandon

 

Posted by Viriatus


SteveBallmer:

Portuguese is the 6th most spoken language in the world so we should be included in the first wave of the launch of the SP1!!! Fewer people talk German, Italian or Japanese!!

 

Posted by cpiad


I'm a bit confused about the references to language packs, Vista Ultimate, SP1 release date.  Am I right in noting that as a user of Vista Home Premium I will be able to download SP1 from the MS Download Center in mid March?  Am I also right in noting that the download schema will prevent install if it detects an errant driver?

(for Nick White) ... is there a specific date in mid March?  Given its March 7th today ... mid March is next week.

 

Posted by Peter


This thread is only about Ultimate language packs.  SP1 will be released to everyone with Vista as per the original announcement at the top of this page.

Your question about the driver issue is better researched through Google or post a question on the SP1 forum: http://forums.microsoft.com/TechNet/ShowForum.aspx?ForumID=1992&SiteID=17

 

Posted by tony1672


Alot of programs did not work so well when I first bought vista.  However,with the many updates from windows up date every thing is working well.  I can't wait for vista service pack 1.  Lets get moving Microsoft

 

Posted by Peter


SP1 speeded up my machine, let's hope it does that for everyone.

 

Posted by coolbiker


O.k just got one question wave one and wave 2 which sound like only vista ultimates involved . Does that mean the other versions of vista have to wait till wave 3 or 4 . If thats the case my school computer is not going to be able to update till fall since  my local won't probably have their kinks out till then.

 

Posted by Brandon LeBlanc


coolbiker - there is no "wave 3 or 4". There are only 2 waves as mentioned above.

The first wave hitting in mid-March will let you install SP1 on *ALL* Windows Vista versions except it will only allow you to install them on PCs running English, Spanish, German, French, and Japanese.

In Mid-April wave 2 of SP1 will be released supporting the rest of the languages.

When we say Windows Vista Ultimate it is because this post has to do with the Language Packs that are available only for Windows Vista Ultimate users.

 

Posted by windows vista ultimate user254


i got a question about this issue i have all the languages packs installed in my pc but im only using english and i have a version of windows vista ultimate in english version do i get windows vista ultimate by mid-march or i have to wait to get the updates to install sp1

 

Posted by Nick White


Hey windows vista ultimate user254:  good question.  I stated above:  "If your PC has a language installed other than one of the 5 listed above, SP1 will not be offered.  Additionally, any system that Windows Update determines has a driver Microsoft knows to not update successfully will not be offered SP1."  

This means that customers using any combination of languages that includes one outside the 5 in the first wave will be deferred SP1 availability until mid-April.

 

Posted by windows vista ultimate user254


ahh okay so Nick White so im getting sp1 just in time in mid-march

 

Posted by windows vista ultimate user254


look people heres a solution to your promblem just unistall the language packs so you can download sp1 just in time in mid-march whats the deal having one or more languages i only speak english and some spanish so i only need i hope this helps because installing one or more languages can clutter your pc i hope this helps thank you :)

 

Posted by windows vista ultimate user254


just unistall languages pack so you can download sp1 whats the deal having 10 or more language

 

Posted by windows vista ultimate user254


and by the way nick about the issue again i only have english and spanish of the language packs and im currently using english version well i get windows vista sp1 by mid-march

 

Posted by alanfeld


Nick, in your update at the top (Mar 6th 3:01pm PST) you wrote:

"Note that, as Mike stated, Windows Update will automatically download SP1 to any system it determines has a driver known to not update successfully."

I think you meant, "Windows Update will *not* automtically download SP1 to any system it determines has a driver known to not update successfully."

Cheers.

 

Posted by dyehya


Now I have the final SP1 and unstalled all the language packs that I had but it still says I cannot install SP1. I have read the article and all it says is to remove other language packs except for the 5. The only language packs installed is English.

 

Posted by Aladin


A new stone on the Ultimate sp1.

I just bought a version of ultimate to prepare some masters for our production and IT computers, but unfortunatly they sold me an Ultimate SP1. And I need the language pack urgently.

So the Support of MS, Hang up without without redirecting me with the sales dept. to find a solution to have the correct version.

Swiss MS are really crasy for that. I bought two Vista to do the tests but with the business I can't have language pack on add-on and with the ultimate with sp1, i can't uninstall sp1.

That's really a gang of losers who do that.  

 

Posted by Aladin


And for the MS support in Switzerland, I don't agree that they all time redirect me to the France calling support, cause the sales dept. in France can't interfere with swiss MS. But in Switzerland there is no solution to ask a special request to the sales dept.

MS expert  

MCSE 2003

MCSA Messaging

Volume Image Designer for a High Volume of Computers in an Internationnal Group.

 

Posted by deljohn


Any news one when SP1 is going to be available?  It's mid-March in two days!  Please throw us a bone!!!!

 

Posted by Brandon LeBlanc


We will post news on when SP1 will be available in the near future. Stay tuned.

- Brandon

 

Posted by Chen ShangTe


Why did Microsoft never provide download Traditional Chinese Taiwan Multilingual User Interface Language Pack?

 

Posted by Aladin


SP1 english is available... we had it but...

but that's not funny do do not have others languages when not all users work with english OS.

And sp1 can't be uninstalled in case of problems with. :(

 

Posted by franky311


Check computerworld.com they have an article that says Vista Service Pack 1 should be available to download March 18.

 

Posted by divinehan


SP1 English available??? where to download? is it for public?

 

Posted by franky311


Check computerworld.com. The have an article that states that Vista Service Pack 1 will be available to download March 18.

 

Posted by Meetloaf


So, I have Vista Ultimate x64...how do I obtain SP1, I've had it on 2 previous installations via the registry hack, but I wish to go all natural this time.  Can anyone provide a link (I have access to MSDNAA) where I may download it, I am in dire need of it's networking improvements.

Thanks

 

Posted by Brandon LeBlanc


To All,

We have information where you can obtain Windows Vista SP1 (with lots of SP1 info) here:

http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/archive/2008/03/18/windows-vista-sp1-released-to-windows-update.aspx

Thanks,

Brandon

 

Posted by hank


I have a number of users who have simply taken all of the language packs are part of Windows update.  Now when I go into remove them, I check the box to remove all of the languages other than default English - and only one language removes at a time.  Worse, since it takes nearly 10-15 mins to remove each langauge this is a nightmare!!!! How can you either force it to remove more than one language at a time or remove all languages other than English??

 

Posted by sam101200


Really?? So I paid for a first class seat only to find out I get less service than the people back in economy class?

I am not happy.

 

Posted by tony1672


Vista got better as new up dates became availble. Then I downloaded sp1 wow everything is running great. Infact its boring nothing to fix.  Thanks microsoft  I think you are on the way for a better stable program.

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