Dwarf

Hi throbinson,

Whether you install SP1 from your HDD or from a disc should make no difference, however if you have a disc you can use it to install SP1 again should you have cause to reinstall Vista. The best time to install a service pack is on a fresh installation of Vista.
It is possible that some aspect of your system is preventing the successful installation of SP1. In order that we can help you with this, please post back with full details of your system, together with the current driver versions that you are using for your hardware.