Windows Service Pack blocker set to expire

 

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By Dawinderpal Sahota

Posted on 3 Feb 2009 at 12:39

Microsoft is effectively forcing people to install the latest Service Packs for XP and Vista by phasing out its blocker tool.

The tool temporarily delays the installation of a Service Pack through Windows Update, typically for one year after its general availability.

The tool will expire on 28 April 2009 for Windows Vista SP1 and 19 May 2009 for Windows XP SP3. The Service Packs will automatically be installed onto users' PCs through Windows Update after the specified dates.

"Enterprises currently using the Service Pack Blocker Tool for either Windows Vista SP1 or Windows XP SP3 will be prompted to install Windows Vista SP1 or Windows XP SP3 as appropriate," says Windows communications manager Brandon LeBlanc on the Windows Blog.

He added that there will be no new service pack blocker for people to use instead, as Microsoft "strongly recommends" that all customers move to Vista SP1 or Windows XP SP3.

"Our goal in announcing the removal of the blockers early is to provide you with an early notification to ensure you're prepared to deploy the appropriate service pack when the blockers expire," he says.

However, LeBlanc added that Microsoft will continue to provide support for Windows Vista and Windows XP SP2.