Vista - Just installed vista, service pack question

I recently installed vista, do the service packs download through live update? Or do I have to go online to download it? Or does it come with the vista installation? I don't know what service pack, if any, is installed on this computer.

Hi xxsomethingxx,

I am assuming that you have installed a retail version of Vista. On the packaging, and also on the disk, does it mention 'With/Includes Service Pack 1'? You can also check by clicking on the start orb, typing 'winver' into the search box and pressing enter/return. This will bring up a dialogue box like this.

If yours mentions 'Service Pack 1', then you have already got it. If not, then you need to download and install it. I recommend that you use the standalone version. Download it from the link below and burn it to a DVD (the 64-bit version is too big for a CD). You can then install it on your system from this disk.

Download details: Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Five Language Standalone for x64-based Systems (KB936330)

Hi Dwarf,

Is there any benefit from installing SP1 from a dvd instead of a the hard drive?....just curious.

Hi damocles,

You can, of course, install SP1 from the downloaded file on your hard disk. What I was meaning was that if you placed this file onto a DVD you could then install it from there if you reinstalled Vista, thereby saving you the hassle of downloading it again.

of course,.....thought so...thanks