What’s SP1?
The service pack is a collection of updates for Windows XP. These updates address:
- Security issues (including the Windows XP Update Package)
- Operating system reliability
- Application compatibility
- Windows XP Setup
Note: If you have not yet installed the Windows XP Update Package, you only need to install Service Pack 1 because the security update is included. To download SP1 for Windows XP:
The Network Installation is ideal for IT professionals installing SP1 on multiple computers. Get more information about SP1 and instructions on how to deploy it.
- SP1 Express Installation (typically ~30mb)
Use the Express installation if you have only one computer to upgrade to SP1. Get more information about SP1 and instructions on how to install it. The Express installation checks your computer and installs only the files that are necessary to bring your computer up to date. As a result, the number of files installed and the time required may be less for computers that already have Windows XP hotfixes installed.
SP1 official web site:
http://www.microsoft.com/windowsxp/pro/downloads/servicepacks/sp1
Additional SP1 Resources
SP1 Installation and Deployment Guide
The Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 1 Installation and Deployment Guide provides instructions for administrators installing Service Pack 1 for Windows XP. This guide includes information for advanced users, technical details, procedures, and recommendations for successfully installing the service pack on multiple computers in a small business or corporate environment.
Deployment Tools
Download the Windows XP Corporate Deployment Tools (deploy.cab) for assistance in installing Windows XP on multiple computers in a business environment. This file contains updates to the deployment tools and documentation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Get answers to common questions about Windows XP SP1.
System Requirements
Review the system requirements for Windows XP Service Pack 1. ReadMe
This Readme file explains how to install SP1, describes the issues addressed in the service pack and provides specific information that might apply to your setup. Release Notes
See the Microsoft Knowledge Base (KB) Article for the most current information on Windows XP SP1 release notes and known issues. List of Fixes
View the list of fixes included in Windows XP SP1.
XP SP1 will not install on illegal copies of Windows XP
The Windows XP SP1 doesn’t install over Windows XP using a pirated serial key. If you try to install the SP1 on a copy of the pirated XP version known as Devilsown or Devils0wn and you used the “known” serial starting with FCKGW-RHQ2… you’ll get the following screen:
You can find the product ID of your installation by right clicking on My Computer and choose Properties, then viewing the General tab. You can also find the product key in the registry at:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \SOFTWARE \Microsoft \Windows NT\ CurrentVersion\ProductId.
In addition, SP1 will contain fixes to known pirate cracks that bypass activation. Installations of Windows XP patched by one of these pirate cracks will require activation after SP1 has been installed. Windows XP installations that remain un-activated past the 30-day grace period can still be accessed for interactive use by booting to non-networked safe-mode.
I’m sure some wise guy will come with a solution to this (if it doesn’t already exist…)
See Change the Serial in Windows XP tip for details on how to change your serial number (courtesy of Microsoft KB article 328874…)