TechNet Plus Blog

I can totally appreciate not wanting to release for auto-update customers yet, but for us IT pros, why not release it somewhere (TechNet, MSDN, Connect, or something) so we can begin testing it?  A lot of folks are also waiting for SP1 before deploying Vista (or even evaluating Vista), so why not give them a leg up by offering it at least for download?

(I posted this comment in response to Mike Nash's post already as well)

This is one of the reasons I am considering dropping my Technet subscription this year as it does me no good as at the tech level. Yes I have had the RC versions of the SP to test and work with but what is the point if the final code is not there until general available date? How can I show the boss that this is the final code and things are buttoned up tight for a Vista roll-out?

Technet was billed partly as a way for techs to learn stuff so when it hits them in the production world they would be ready. Yes we still have access to many full versions of software so that we can educate ourselves but even that is slipping (example Home Server). In my lab I do not want to have to deal with x-day restrictions on an install for a test box, and face it if I can show the boss (CFO) how well something works in hard asset as opposed to just some paper proposal that is a way to gain sales for Microsoft.

I think this is a stupid decision on Nash's part. He allows Server 2008 to go out the door to TechNet / MSDN folk, but doesn't let Vista SP1, which by the way comes from the exact same codebase, and was RTMed today as well. IT Pros and developers pay hundreds if not thousands of dollars to have access to these resources, only to be given a dog and pony show. If you give us one, why not give us both.

To Matt's point, Windows Home Server is just that, a HOME product. It's not something that you are likely going to see on TechNet anytime soon.

I agree this is so silly.  We are waiting on SP1 to try and prep our systems for vista deployment too.  We need the code.  Let us download, from our Volume Licensing site, or download center..or something.  If it's done....let us have.  If there are driver issues...we can fix them....at least I can...that what I get paid to do.

C'mon MS...set SP1 free!

I agree with bluvg.  Why announce it and then NOT release it(except to OEMS)? At least once it's released to RTM offer a download point for us IT Pros! Otherwise don't announce it UNTIL Microsoft is ready to release it immediately to either download link and/or Windows Update.  These type of gaffes is why Microsoft is so far behind (from where they could be) in getting Vista out to the masses!  Users (IT Pro and otherwise) are not going to wait six weeks, they'll push Vista aside and stick with their XP. If the service pack is ready push it to both the OEMs AND the masses, otherwise MS misses an oppurtunity to sell Vista to the masses once again!

I am disappointed. I am actually in charge of deploying Vista on the office floor, and we had decided to start rolling out Vista with SP1 coming March to all new workstations, and we actually have a order in for a few hundred by the end of the month. I was hoping to let my team deploy SP1 on all of them as our tests with RC SP1 have been so good.

I want a chance to test SP1 BEFORE the SP1 rollout to the public so I have a chance to test. We are MSDN subscribers here, and Server 2008 will require a LOT more testing before we make new production servers that will run it, but we really wanted to start Vista rollouts very soon, and with us having SP1 tested. If it is not being released till March, i'll have to tell my employer to wait with rollouts till April/May or so.

Send SP1 to MSDN and Technet now!

Umm...  MS has done some really boneheaded stuff, but this ranks right up at the top.  If you don't want to release SP1 via Windows Update, I can understand that.  However, keeping it off of Technet/MSDN is just plain dumb.  Nash really needs to get a clue about his customers.

The main reason I purchased an MSDN subscription is for the advanced availability of products. You know, this is exactly the type of move that really pisses of your dedicated, windows users and advocates. These users are the people whom often seed the direction of major companies IT departments, who defend the product when no-one else will, and at the end of the day influence their families and friends.  These are the people who essentially do a huge amount of free marketing for MS, much more than Microsoft's own marketing department could ever dream of. But, when these users keep being let down like this, eventually they lose some of their ambition and excitement for the product, and will look for greener pastures. In this day and age of competition, can Microsoft afford to keep pissing off their most dedicated users?

I wish I still had my ASCII middle finger code, 'cause that's exactly what Microsoft is giving it's technical users right now with this SP1 BS.

Please post SP1 to TechNet subscribers, we should not wait as retail users.

If you're doing this to keep it from getting out to home users, you do realize that one of the OEMs will leak it in a matter of days, right?

Couldn't agree more with the rest of you.

Fair enough if the Windows Update release for the masses are pushed till March, but as subscribers to Technet/MSDN we should be able to download this immidiately.

Now we will not be able to test our products with Vista SP1 RTM, unless we manage to get an OEM edition somewhere - however, we may actually run into customers who have bought a Vista SP1 OEM edition!

I don't get it, how are we supposed to be Vista SP1 ready, when the customers get access to SP1 before we as developers do?

This is a big issue for all technical people who are trying to rollout Vista to their users, not just those with MSDN subscriptions. Microsoft needs to make this available - though maybe with caveats. Come on Microsoft, don't be evil.

Why bother having a technet account?  Im sure it will leak onto the BT sites before March.  

What a major slap in the face for your loyal subscribers who pay good money each year to have early access to this technology.  

A really p1ss poor effort on behalf of Microsoft.  

I will not renew my technet account this year.

Thanks TechNetPlusSubscriptions.  As you can tell just from the mood here, if TechNet Plus/MSDN folks don't get access to SP1 soon, this is going to turn into a PR nightmare for Microsoft.  Hopefully the suits figure that out.

I agree with everyone, why announce the release if it's not avail on TechNet/MSDN.

I have been to a dozen forums that list SP1 RTM as being available on BT.

Thanks for looking into it. Why is SP1 being treated differently to other releases? This has been pointed out by other posters, but it does call into question the usefulness of having a Technet subscription. How am I supposed to test things for my customers if it is being withheld? If there are driver issues, so be it - Technet is not the place for patronizing subscribers- after all, SP1 RCs were available on Technet for testing - it defies all reason to suppose that the final release is -more- dangerous to our systems than those? If this is not released immediately, the least we can expect is a real explanation.

Come on, everyone should have access to it now, not just subscirbers to TechNet.  We all paid for the software, we all should have access to it, we all have problems that we want fixed.  It should be made available for download for everyone that has the know how to install it without going through WU

Microsoft Groundhog sees its shadow and we have 6 more weeks to wait.

Oh and tziegmann the reason I mentioned the Windows Home is that is what popped to mind at the moment. As for it being "home only" what about the businesses with less than 5 computers - we have alot of them here in the Wisconsin backwoods that we service. It looks like a nice little server when I tested it and would love to use it place of the old Windows PCs or LINUX boxes, but with no demo box in the lab it is a tough sale.

Kathy,

I sincerely hope you can pull some strings and get SP1 into TechNet ASAP.  As everyone else here has mentioned, the whole point of TechNet is for IT pros to get access to Microsoft software to test and evaluate before deploying it into a production environment.  It's why I bought TechNet, and why most others did as well.  

Making us wait to be able to get SP1 until public availability makes no logical sense whatsoever.  The "specific driver problem" argument holds no water, since IT pros need to test for these driver problems just as much as the large OEMs.  If we can't get access to SP1 VERY soon, then I have to agree with everyone else that my subscription has just been severely devalued, and I will seriously reconsider my renewal, which comes up in March coincidentally.

What the SP1 team fails to understand is that holding this Service Pack back is only forcing us DEDICATED IT pros to obtain it elsewhere, via leaks if necessary.  That's how important this SP is.

I sure hope that Microsoft understands how disappointed you have made TechNet Plus subscribers. I just renewed my subscription and now wonder why I pay for being able to acquire MS products to test when I can get the products sooner for download on torrents.

TechNet subscribers deserve better that this!!

I suggest it would be more advisable to put it out on the download site as some of us can't afford the TechNet/MSDN subscription.  Others, like myself, test these things for work on our own trying to find/work out caveats before rolling Vista out in the workplace. With my work (Government) the rollout is going to be huge and since I am a CSA (Computer Systems Administrator) I use my own computer loading/testing programs from work so I can advise what works/what doesn't and suggest fixes and workarounds. I've been testing SP1 all the way up to the RC1 Refresh (couldn't get RC2 due to it being closed beta) and SP1 is what Vista and Microsoft needs for Corporations (esp. large ones...lol) to roll it out. But if MS keeps the SP1 away for 6 weeks (while releasing another product at same time) it sends the message that SP1 might not be ready and Corporations will delay rollout (again) as well as slapping ALL the Vista customers in the face with it. I suggest releasing it to your download center (public) and releasing to Windows Update/Automatic Updates in March and April. Similar to what was done with XP SP2 as it was an IT Pro download first, then an Automatic Update later.

This is so disappointing. I just renewed my TechNet Plus subscription 5 days ago and was looking forward to evaluating SP1. Now I wonder why I paid to renew when I can just download the newest builds released on torrents.

However, I trust the MS downloads just a little more.

So, break us off a piece....

Please take care of your dedicated (and paying) customers....

This sounds too much like MS wanting to squeeze as much marketing hype around Windows Server 2008 as it can instead of releasing a much needed Vista service pack.  We can't have conflicting releases, can we?

Wow. OEM's get the SP1 next week, and there is a chance that if I order PC's in March or so they MAY already come with SP1 without our department having the ability to test it?

What did I buy a MSDN subscription for again? I got about 15 devs here eager to test their apps on SP1 for fear we're going to be stomped with calls from people who download it coming march.... and one of our apps behaving quirky without us having ANY time to prepare!

I have seen the OEM SP1 version of Vista on torrent sites already. Don't tell me I have download THAT and just install it on 30 days-grace mode just to test SP1?

Why Microsoft cant just let the SP be made available for download for tech users (not just TechNet subs)defies belief. I am prepared to take the risk and on my back be it. Why even bother announcing a product that nobody can get hold of.

Having Windows Server 2008 RTM up on TechNet but not Vista SP1 suggests that there isn't a consistent approach across the organisation for releases.

Microsoft have good processes in place for product support within the SDLC, but the inconsistency with 2008 and Vista SP1 highlights a need for releases to be also consistently handled within the SDLC across all products. There should be defined order in releasing across all channels - i.e. RTM, retail build, RTW (including TechNet, MSDN, MVLS, WU, download servers), Partner offerings, etc. This order should also be publicly available, like the support offerings, so that people understand where the product release is up to and when they can roughly see when their preferred method becomes available.

@Matt said: Yes we still have access to many full versions of software so that we can educate ourselves but even that is slipping (example Home Server).

+

@tziegmann said: To Matt's point, Windows Home Server is just that, a HOME product. It's not something that you are likely going to see on TechNet anytime soon.

well, even though it is a home product i'm willing to bet that it will be showing up in many small office settings.(you know the ones, they have a network called "netgear" or "default"). should it be on technet? if i were microsoft i would say no. as a subscriber i say yes.

Agree with other technet subscriber. Host it NOW.

Any news on the availability of the 32-bit -version of the Windows Server 2008 in TechNet and/or MSDN?

We are about to start installing TFS2008 that is supported only on the 32-bit version and I'd like to install it on the WS2008 as it is so close.

This really shows how out of touch Microsoft are with the people that oftener advocate their products. Here we have a public statement that says they have a finished product that many people *nned*, but they will not allow it to be used - what is a RTM in this day and age.

I understand not putting it on Windows Update, but at least let the savvy users who know what they are doing get access to a download.

Well, Home Server isn't really that important to most people, unless you are specifically developing for it. But that's another discussion :)

That being said, I am peeved that SP1 will not be available for serious testing by IT departments before it appears on Windows Update.

This is by far... BY FAR the most important update launched by Microsoft since the release of Windows XP Service pack 2 back in 2004, and many people are waiting on this one.

I think we would need a month at least before the Windows Update hits to test our apps so that our clients aren't affected. I don't expect any big problems, but how can we expected to tell our clients we didn't even GET to test it before SP1 was released to the client that just called to complain?

We need to be ready.

Please release SP1 to MSDN and Technet.

This is rediculous! sp1 needs to be released now at least on microsoft download center.. i have a computer that is brand new and it wont have problems with sp1.. come on put your act together! we want sp1 now not in mid march or even later than that..

It is really sad that we cannot test SP1. But I guess in two days someone will "leak" it to the "scene" and the we'll all feel ripped off.

Try doing this for XPSP3 and I'll say bye-bye to Windows forever.

It's already leaked to the "scene"..even Vista Retail and Enterprise (VLK) integrated with SP1 have leaked. x64 SP1 has also leaked.

More the time pass less I understand Microsoft.

Why an RTM will be not available on MSDN (MSDN Plus Direct, MSDN, .....) it's a little bit ridiculous. Why we have to pay MSDN if we need to wait like tne "standard" user ....

As an ISV that has been developing primarily for the Windows O/s since day 1 I'm at a loss to understand why SP1 will be in the hands of end users (OEM) before Devs?

A bit worried about the quality of SP1 if that is how logic works at MS.

As for Home Server, another issue but people have to support that and if it's not on MSDN are we expected to purchase our own copy?

So...let me get this straight. SP1 is delayed to us as the IT professionals and developers that are spearheading Vista. This because some of the other developers couldn't get their act together and get the drivers written over the past YEAR? On the flip side, the OEMs are given the code sooner?

Um...does Microsoft not understand how low this decision really is? Does Microsoft not understand how that explanation doesn't really make any sense for Technet users?

I honestly feel Microsoft doesn't care anymore about what we even think anymore with this boneheaded decision.

So...let me get this straight. SP1 is delayed to us as the IT professionals and developers that are spearheading Vista. This because some of the other developers couldn't get their act together and get the drivers written over the past YEAR? On the flip side, the OEMs are given the code sooner?

Um...does Microsoft not understand how low this decision really is? Does Microsoft not understand how that explanation doesn't really make any sense for Technet users?

I honestly feel Microsoft doesn't care anymore about what we even think anymore with this boneheaded decision.

This whole SP1 ordeal is an embarassment to Microsoft. I just renewed my Technet last week, and this disappointment happens this week.

Don't they realize that by announcing SP1 is at RTM, that people will want it, and by possibly delaying it until March, people will download leaked versions from all over the web.

It sounds like someone at Microsoft is overthinking this situation. Just release it to TechNet or even the MS Downloads Center, that way we don't have to turn to "leaked" versions to get the update we need to do proper testing and evaluation before it is available via Windows Update.

It doesn't have to be this difficult...does it?

Also, where is Server 2008 x86 on TechNet? All I see is the x64 version.

It's actually quite embarrasing for Microsoft that a service pack final version arrives in the... "shady" side of the internet before it does in MSDN.

The problem I have is this: coming march, our clients will download SP1 and install it on their systems. They may or may not find things that aren't quite right with the applications we have written for said client. And we can't prepare for that event or even fix it before hand because.... we, the developers, get our hands on SP1 the same day our clients does.

Isn't the whole purpose of MSDN so you get a chance to test your work in a varity of scenarios? SP1 for Vista is the biggest update since XP SP2, and we don't get to test it?

Doesn't Microsoft themselves see the rediculousness of this situation, especially since the OEM's are getting theirs, and SP1 is already floating around on torrent sites? (which I don't trust, I have MSDN for a reason).

I don't want to have to scramble and release a quick fix for any of our applications coming March, I want our devs to be prepared. We have a SP1 RC installed, but it is not quite the same. Besides, we can't even download THAT anymore.

I'm with everyone else here. As a TechNet Plus subscriber I need that opportunity to get the service packs and such ahead of the general public to begin  testing it prior to any company wide deployments.

Why do I bother paying MS $350 a year for TechNet if I have to wait the same period of time that end-users do?

I need SP1 FAR more than I do Server 2008

Dear Microsoft,

You have a a lot of your windows vista customers, not to happy with Vista right now.  Since you decided to hold back and not let us (your customers) who would like to enjoy vista, not let us have the sp 1 rtm build!.  To hold us for a month and more and not let us update is nuts.  Please at least put it on the download within Microsoft so us windows vista user's can update.  You can hold off in letting it go to windows update til March or later.  So it would be wise to let us chooose to install or not.  I never had any problems with drivers within the beta's of sp 1 that I tried.  I think this is completely nuts!  Why did you RTM Vista Sp1 if there were still problems!!!!

According to Nash, technical users have no trouble fixing any minor driver issues -- with a simple re-install of the affected drivers.  He also said there were a minimal number of affected drivers.

MS should abolutely release SP1 to MSDN and TechNet users, since every one of these people are technical, and can easily handle a driver re-install, should it be necessary.

It's a little insulting to be given two Release Candidates to test, and then to be told that because some newbie users can't handle a driver-reinstall, all those same technical users who tested SP1 for months have to wait for the newbies.

I absolutely think Windows Home Server needs to be on TechNet.  Since TechNet is for IT Professionals, that encompasses ALL IT Professionals' needs, nut just ones working for corporations.  I work in IT and use TechNet for that practically every day, but I am also the "IT Guy" for everyone I know, including family and friends.  

These people are exactly the customer base that Windows Home Server targets.  Since I am the tester and "advisor" for home users as well (and likely most every other TechNet subscriber to his family and friends) it would greatly benefit me to be able to test WHS before recommending a WHS Server to anyone for home use.

I agree with most of what is being said here.  As soon as products RTM, Microsoft should make them available to Technet and MSDN subscribers as well as SA customers at minimum.  I personally think this service pack should be available as a download to all.  I totally agree with and support Microsoft's decision not to put this on Windows Update until the driver issues are worked out.

Hey, a post on the MSDN blog reads as follows:

"Vista SP1 is expected to RTM in the first quarter of 2008, and we would expect to have it on Subscriber Downloads very shortly after release."

I don't consider March to be "very shortly".

I really was hoping to test SP1 in our test lab before we order any rollouts. We HAVE to actually, as we got quite a few customized apps that may or may not have some trouble.

A March release to MSDN would mean we can't start testing until March, which would mean any rollout of SP1 on Vista would not take place till April or May. I'd rather test now before some clients are going to download it and install it in March leaving my department with my pants down.

Kindly, release SP1 to MSDN and Technet subscribers.

Microsoft,

Please reconsider this action and allow us to download SP1 now. I ALREADY have a coworker who has found and downloaded the SP1 from a torrent. It's out there now. There's no stopping it at this point. Just release it and start acting so childish about this. If it's RTM, then release it. Otherwise we'll just all assume the worst: SP1 simply wasn't ready.

We already all have enough problems even mentioning the word Vista in many companies due to the number of issues. Does Microsoft seriously understand the level of frustration that Vista is causing? SP1 is CRITICAL to getting Vista back on track. Delaying it just harms the customers, continues to sour the corporate world, turns your technet and msdn users into frustrated users, and frankly if it's RTM, then it's good to go, right?

Release it. Identify the drivers that aren't working so we can understand and sympathize and call it good. That's what we ALL want. As it stands, right now we all think Microsoft has lost their mind and are making terrible decisions regarding Vista and the SP releases.

I agree with James.

Don't put it up on Windows Update till march, but let MSDN and technet users have it.

Not releasing it to MSDN also shows Microsoft doesn't really care all that much about feedback from MSDN and Technet subscribers. If you release it now, we can give feedback on issues we encounter. If you release it when it also goes to Windows Update, you obviously don't care much about the kind of feedback we could be giving in the month before you place it on Windows update.

Pick and choose:

MSDN/Technet in March.

Windows Update wave 1 in April. (postponed one month)

Windows Update wave 2 in May.

MSDN/Technet NOW.

Windows Update wave 1 in March as planned.

Windows Update wave 2 in April as planned.

Either way, I think MSDN subscribers should be able to take a good look at it before SP1 hits the general public, and provice feedback where needed.

Not good, Microsoft. Not good.

Absolutely terrible decision. Some lame excuse about drivers? What does Microsoft care about drivers for SP1 delaying release, they still don't even support their own fingerprint readers for example. Why should a third-party driver (who you won't name) destroy your reputation and delay an update that millions are waiting for to make Vista finally start working correctly?

This is RTM! Either release it so we can start testing our 24 applications that we support or simply just tell us you don't care what we think anymore and "partner" is just a nice term for "sucker".

i will threaten Microsoft with the cancellation of my technet sub. that will surely work. i got em by the balls. ;)

TechNetPlusSubscriptions -- Any update on what will happen? Or are we going to have to start testing at the same time the general public gets SP1?

Kathy,

Thank you for the "hope". :)

I will say, however, that this should NEVER have been an issue. Only a completely arrogant and frankly selfish person would have made this decision and caused the bad press and upset developer community that was just spawned. Whoever made this decision will continue to fail both Microsoft and the developers in the future and should be replaced. Simply put, they are not competent in their role. How could they be? We do NOT feel the love. In fact, we feel quite ignored. No wonder the drivers issue has been such a pain point for Vista, Microsoft keep pissing off us developers.

In my estimation, this simple delay has probably cost Microsoft MILLIONS of dollars in bad press and vibes.

Thank you for listening.

Ya this makes no sense! I am a system builder and I build alot of new pc's daily and I can't sell vista unless customers know that MS has fixed most of the issues in vista so even today (2/5/08) all new systems I been building are being requested to have Windows XP installed.

So MS how do we plan to get Vista into businesses and homes for us System Builders?

Oh yeah hey!.... lets hold back the release of SP1 RTM to technet and ms partners.... Awesome Great Plan!!!!

I'm working for a Dutch goverment.

We are waiting on the Dutch version of SP1. There is no deployment without SP1 (possible XP sp2). We want to deploy Vista. All our applications are tested on the SP1 refresh 2 Dutch version.Vista without SP1 is rubbish.

Now I have a big problem how to deploy the SP1. Because of networkspeeds of 10MB of some locations i have to put it in the image for 1000 new desktops.

I know the refresh 2 is the same as the final, why give SP1 (wave_1) not earlier away to the enterprise customers.

I can't believe this stupid policy and can't understand the rational explanation from Microsoft.

<quote>

I'm exploring how we insure TechNet (and MSDN) subscribers get this before the general public.  

- Kathy

</quote>

Kathy, we will get SP1 AFTER the general public since it has leaked the Internet.

When you announce that product X has RTM'd you should ensure that your technical subscribers, who are paying thousands of dollars to develop for or support your platforms, will get the final bits as soon as possible. This leads to customer satisfaction, but I think Microsoft doesn't know well what this means and keep making the same mistakes over again.

Boneheaded is right. I also agree with a previous poster as to the committee or person responsible for this should be canned. Vista-related scenarios like this are becoming much much too common and need to stop. Vista is quickly becoming the corporate joke. Having issues even deciding who gets the SP and when is beyond comical. There should be absolutely no question we should get SP1. No question at all. Period.

This isn't a joke. This isn't funny. Microsoft, give us SP1 so we can do our jobs, solve problems, and as a side effect of that process make Microsoft even more money. Remember in the good old days when you helped people actually solve problems or have you forgotten this entirely as of late?

The only reason I can imagine that it is not available to us is because it's not really RTM. I mean come on! it's not even "release to manufacturing" per-se -- there is not some giant factory of CD duplicating equipment getting ready to start up. This is the digital age - if you announce RTM, we expect it now, not a month and a half (or more) later?

I'll agree with the general sentiment here that Vista should be made available to IT professionals ASAP.

I expect both downloads from Technet/MSDN but also an entry in the Microsoft Update Catalog, so i can roll this update into my WSUS server and start deploying it.

Vista SP1 really fixes a lot of issues. I don't want any experiments with leaked versions on my production machines, and as such i expect Microsoft to release SP1 ASAP.

So let me get this straight, I give Microsoft money, I learn how to use windows.  Very well, actually and were all told we can't have Vista Sp1 because why?  Driver issues, they won't mention any details?  The only reason not to roll out sp1 to us IT pros even is obvious.  This is not a RTM build!  So it wouldn't make sense to give it to us to test with if its not the final bits?  Right? It has to go through a code freeze and have the RTM stamp of approval.  Can't do that if they are still making code changes.

So this is know as Microsoft lying, isn't it?  What other explanation is there?  Sure doesn't sound good though, kind of like a paper release of a processor or video card right?

sigh, already i see this on various non MS sites, and some look fairly non-viral,..but,..they are not MS sites and something tells me before long infected builds of this will circulate!!

For the love of time and money, get sp1 rtm avaialable for us NOW!

If i have to fix just one FUBAR system due to some moron using a non-authorised infected sp1,..how about I then compensate for that time I've lost with NOT recomending vista to make sure I win the time lost back with using the already in place and working XP setups?

Please ohh please, if you are after aggrevating us you have succeeded!

For one thing it appears that now there are three versions of the same SP being released. One to OEMs without some of the "critical" drivers. One to partners msdn and technet way late around 1-2 months from now, and the version that's already out there on the Internet as soon as RTM was declared.

Great. How do we determine which version of SP1 people will be running? When I load up a machine how can I tell which version of SP1 is being used?

This is terrible! Multiple RTM SP versions? Who's the knucklehead who thought of this plan?

It would be nice to hear the truth about what's going on instead of having to pour through the Technet forums finding only a few vague responses from Microsoft. It appears obvious that SP1 wasn't ready. If so, then please tell us. There's nothing worse than fibbing and getting caught and that's exactly what appears to be going on here with Microsoft's hand caught in the cookie jar. If you can't be honest with us then don't expect us to be honest with you. I also would love to understand where all the ultimate "extras" are as well, but I guess that's just going to wither and die until we all (hopefully) forget about being overcharged $100? In any case, this is obviously not just being held up for the reasons you state. Please, from a Gold Partner, please reconsider this action, commit to being more honest and open, and either delay it for everyoned due to these "driver issues" (chuckle) or release it now. Unless I'm mistaken isn't that what Release To Manufacturing means? isn't it done? You can't have it both ways Microsoft. You can't declare something RTM and then continue to fix it.

Kathy,

I hate to be a spoiler but both the x64 install file and the x86 install file of the Service Pack one are now available as torrents through well known Pirate sites like ThePirateBay, and seeing the number of seeders people are getting it en-masse.

If you don't release SP1 to MSDN and Technet TODAY (before people get tempted into piracy), you may as well not bother anymore.

Dear Microsoft

I need only to echo the comments of previous posters. The decision to deny those people who have paid for Technet and MSDN, the ability to ensure that the most anticipated service pack in recent times will be fit for purpose is ming boggling. I would suggest that the majority of people do not care about Windows Server 2008 anywhere near as much as ensuring post SP1 operation of Vista. To withhold the binaries for this time is not wise and quite frankly subscribers will (as they are already) question their return on investment in Technet & MSDN. As for the SP 'leaking' who cares it is a service pack. Those with a professional attitude will run it through testing cycles and those who are more risk oreintation will just deploy it.

Does anyone know the final SP1 build number. There are doubts. At least then when we download a leaked copy to ensure SP1 passes our testing cycles we can be confident we have the correct version. It is a sorry state of affairs when expensive subscriptions are not adequate and one is forced to find alternate sources just to support a flaky product - and maybe from this incident a flaky company?

I cant stop crying :(

please give us the sp1 even though its not ready. then we can spend our time fixing the new problems it brings instead of just dreaming about them.

I believe Microsoft dropped the ball on this one. If there still were bugs with drivers, they simply should not have released it yet.

But if you release a RTM do several system builders and other entities, and leave MSDN/Technet subscribers totally in the dark, then someone at Microsoft has made a pretty bad mistake.

It doesn't need to be on Windows Update yet, but if the release build has been stamped as "final", the first people that should be getting it are MSDN and technet subscribers, and NOT the pirated software sites.

We have been rolling back "downgrading" Windows Vista Business machines back to XP Professional because of certain problems that are actually fixed with SP1. And then to hear that 1) We don't get to test it before general public release and 2) that the SP has already leaked onto certain sites.... is a big slap in the face to those who PAY for MSDN and Technet.

This is the lamest decision since Microsoft Bob. I get this the same time as my mom?

According to this site: http://uxevangelist.blogspot.com/2008/02/windows-vista-sp1-and-windows-xp-sp3.html

Windows Vista SP1 will actually be released early, and then on the 18th of February instead of half march.

This would give us less then 2 weeks to test our applications for SP1 compatibility. I have to say.... if MSDN doesn't have it by the end of this day, I may as well get it from a torrent site, and virus-scan the file as if that blogger is right, I don't have a lot of time left to test about 15 applications.

Major ball dropping moment, en bureaucracy is probably in the way of fixing it now.

Sad. Disappointing. Disgusting really. Microsoft gives no thought whatsoever to slapping their most devoted partners in the face. You well deserve whatever negative fallout you get from this poor decision.

"I'm exploring how we insure TechNet (and MSDN) subscribers get this before the general public.  

- Kathy"

Kathy,

That now appears impossible at this point since the code is all over the Internet, probably being infected and changed all over. You've got a huge problem here that will affect the percieved quality of Vista, which is in the dumps right now as it is. How many times do we have to deal with bungled Vista issues before Microsft wakes up?

Thank you,

             - Kirk Wilson

I would also like to express my disgust and disapointemnt as to how Microsoft have handled this whole situation. I have always been a strong advocate of Microsoft and the whole windows ecosystem. For teh first time I am questioning that support. The reasons for the delay are not pertinent to the pros that have technet/msdn memberships therefore it should be released now to both subscribers.

Buck your ideas up Microsoft, this has been a PR disaster for you so far, dont let it get further out of hand.

does anyone believe there is a real sp1 rtm floating about the internet? on torrents?

sp1 does not exist.

if you say it does then prove it.

please ;)

Quit the whining, give Kathy a chance for an earlier release to us.

With a rumored launch now at or around the 18th of Feb according to some blogs and newssites, it would give us a mere 2 weeks to test applications, including today.

I think we are going to need an update, Kathy :)

After reading this blog, has Microsoft's management realized the mistake in making us paying TN+/MSDN IT Pro subscribers wait for Vista SP1 along with the people we're expected to support?

Will *WE* have access to it soon - within the next 48-hours?

Thank you, Kathy.  I don't envy what is obviously a thankless job! (Or being the recipient of endless whining and overwrought indignation....)

I got my version from one "floating around" and it installed fine. Took 2 hours but all is well thus far. Still running tests and ashamed I had to resort to such sites to obtain it but if you Google at all you can come up with a site pretty easily.

K,

Thanks for working on that, much appreciated.  Jim

As a frustrated and disappointed MSDN Premium Subscriber, I can only hope that this event -- which will probably go down in the history books as the Vista SP1 RTM Debacle -- will serve as a catalyst for Microsoft upper management to take a serious look at repairing their poor relations with the development and testing community.  For years now there has been a gradual erosion of commitment and concern about the men and women who propose, plan, deploy, and support Microsoft products -- often against heavy opposition.

These professionals, some of which are developers, others who are system builders, or I.T. support staff, sweat blood to keep their systems running.  In the face of a never ending demand for lower costs and higher reliability, we have to "sell" Microsoft solutions over and over again in management meetings. Everyone reading this blog understands what I mean.  It's plainly obvious to most of us that Microsoft has been out of the trenches too long.  Decisions like this Vista SP1 "RTM" release strategy are plain-as-day indications of that.  Out here in the real world, where we don't have billions of dollars in cash sitting around burning a hole in our pocket, we have to fight day to day to stay competitive.  Do we port our legacy VB6 code to VB.NET, or rewrite it in Java?  Do we upgrade our entire corporate lan to Vista, or stick with XP, or ditch it altogether and go with Linux?  All of us here in this blog are married to Microsoft, for better or for worse.  However there are times, like this, where some of us are wondering how much more abuse we can bear to take.  We pay for certifications, subscriptions, upgrades, crazy licensing... you name it... to stay "current" with the moving target that is Microsoft.  Meanwhile we watch our dignity and respect erode away and thrown into the gutter.  

This Vista SP1 RTM debacle, however it ultimately is resolved, has really stabbed a lot of us right in the back.  The injury to our dignity may be a fatal blow.  This is a wake up call for Microsoft.  They need to start paying attention to US, the ones sweating it out in this blog.  

Kathy, I hope some of this is enlightening to you and your boss and your boss's boss.  Thanks for listening.

this is what happens: http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142231-c,vistalonghorn/article.html

It's really push people to not pay anymore Microsoft and use others way (not very legal). I have to renew my subscription in few days .... and now I think not renew.

TechNetPlusSubscriptions could you create a new post (appear in the RSS) if you can have the SP1 for us.

Thanks,

Hello,

Is it possible to know the SP1 RTM build number or is still confidential ?

Stop crying like a babies and get yourself a copy of SP1 from torrents...What looser will pay for some TechNet account anyway :)

I have tried several releases from the more popular torrent sites and I would agree that Microsoft have really made a mistake here. The versions that are being banded about and made public by the other news posts is not the RTM release but the refresh 2 RTL. I don't know what changed if anything between the last RTL and RTM but because of the change in appearance (saying SP1 and no indication of Expire date) people will simply assume this is the final SP1. The more I look at Microsofts stance on this the more I am convinced this is such a short sighted draconian measure. Microsoft were more than happy to give everyone a broken OS as quickly as possible last year but now the nessersary work has been done to get people ready they are dragging their heals. Lets hope that other organisations are better than Microsoft and ensure testers, developers and any end user capable of making an adult decision can get SP1. I for one have had enough of being treated like a child from Microsoft.

As for the updates from Microsoft. They have been few and far between and this should have been escalated past Kathy a long time ago.

I suspect MS is delaying the release of SP1 because it it not yet ready, but they don't want to announce a delay and came up with this sorry excuse.

Just finished downloading and installing it from a torrent to see if this was actually true. Took quite a few hours to download and set up last night, but here it is: Vista WITH SP1 RTM (or at least something that's reporting the full SP1) and multiple virus checkers come back clean downloaded right from the torrents. It most certainly IS out there and IS being downloaded. There's also no less than FIVE major publications (ie. Ziff Davis, PC World, ComputerWorld, WindowsITPro, Slahsdot, etc) that are already covering this story. The backlash against Vista is getting ugly. This just made it even uglier. Kathy I understand you are trying to help, but "trying" at this point isn't good enough. You've got a huge population of your development and admin community wanting to understand where the "partner" is in the Microsoft Partner program. From what I see, SP1 STILL isn't ready and someone made a big mistake in testing SP1 and declaring it RTM. This gives me (and my customers) little confidence not only in the Vista movemement in general, but the whole development model Microsoft is adamantly sticking to. This model appears to take the stance of "We're right and we don't care what you think. We're Microsoft and wee'll tell you where to go today. You are our partner and we don't owe you anything...oh wait, is that money you have?" Seriously, fix this problem TODAY. Every hour that goes by at this point just buries Microsoft in deeper.

<quote>I don't envy what is obviously a thankless job! (Or being the recipient of endless whining and overwrought indignation....) </quote>

Shoo, troll, shoo.  If Microsoft would have done the right thing in the first place nobody would have to be putting up with anything.

Kathy - The ONLY people that don't have it now are the people who actually paid Microsoft for their TechNet and MSDN subscriptions. The pirates have it, the OEMs have it, even the press has it and it testing it.

"I took the RTM of Vista Service Pack SP1 down to the PC World Test Center this afternoon and unleashed it across a variety of systems to see how it performed."

http://www.pcworld.com/article/id,142233-page,1/article.html

At least Microsoft could ask us all for a big kiss first, if you get my drift.

Kathy, please reconsider this action. As you can see, it's not a popular decision among your most loyal fans.

:)

I don't think Microsoft realizes how important a FIRST Service Pack is for an operating system. The fact that people out there are downloading the FINAL code from torrent sites and the like is really bad. Not because of the leak itself, Microsoft, just as any big software company has a problem with that.

It is a huge slap in the face that developers and IT professionals who want to test their apps for their clients, or are holding off to a Vista rollout until SP1 testing has been completed on all of their systems.... need to resort to such sites to actually download a Service Pack we pretty much should have had on Tuesday, they day after RTM.

Kathy, I appreciate what you are doing, but if you come back with a "somewhere next week" schedule, i'll probably download that torrent instead. I need to start my testing before the general public gets it, and I have enough work on my plate as it is.

The CEO of the company, who reads the tech blogs, asked me yesterday whether we have begun testing SP1 yet. He knows how MSDN works and I told him a few weeks ago we would have access to server 2008 and SP1 so we can start testing.

Not yet, I had to tell him. Not yet. We have succesfully installed our first Server 2008 test machine, but I am far less worried about that as our current plans are 2003 servers still. I need SP1. I found the torrents on sites, and sorry.... but I think I will start the download right after this post as I will probably be dissapointed by a "somewhere next week" or even later from Kathy.

Pete Mitchell--if you check, I was the first one to request that they reconsider their action.  I just think you're more likely to get a response if you politely but firmly explain your reasons, rather than try to beat them up, make threats and grandiose statements, act as if it's the worst injustice ever committed against humanity, etc.  I'm very anxious to get going with SP1, too, but people are getting just a little too worked up over this, and very few here (if anyone) can say they know Microsoft's situation.  

In reality, I don't even see this as inconsistent with other SP releases--when those were RTM'd, they are put up on a public download site for everyone, not made available only to MSDN, TechNet, etc. first.  It also takes awhile even after the download is available publicly to get up to Windows Update, and even once it's there, there is a long delay before it is automatically installed.  Vista SP1 is an unusual situation.  

All that said, I too would like to get SP1 ASAP, and making it available now to IT folks seems to make a lot of sense, given what they've said regarding the reason for the delay.  

Kathy,

Please explain to us how the press was able to obtain the SP1 yesterday directly from microsoft and load it up in their labs. Please explain to me how they are able to test it but we aren't. Please explain to us how they are able to avoid these critical driver issues, but we aren't. This is unacceptable. UNACCEPTABLE!!!!!!!

How do I cancel my TechNet and get my money back is really what I want to know at this point. I'm not kidding either. Kathy, do NOT come back to us and tell us this will be delayed further. Do NOT tell us you are still looking into it. If that's the case then I have NO FAITH WHATSOEVER in the whole Vista scene and I want out. Please explain to us how this isn't a slap in the face. Please explain to us how RTM doesn't mean it's finished and is nothing more than a ploy. A bungled ploy.

I feel absolutely deceived and someone should be fired over this. I know that's harsh to say, but that's where this issue is at this point for at least our admin team.

http://blogs.technet.com/technetplussubscriptions/archive/2008/02/04/technet-plus-sp1-availability-plan-of-record.aspx?CommentPosted=true#commentmessage

This whole issue in a sense reminds me of the parable of the little boy that would lose his temper. His father told the boy each time he lost his temper to pound a nail into the fence. So the boy did that but so found it was easier to control his anger instead of pounding nails. Soon he told his father he could control his temper all day, so the father said for each day he controls his temper to remove a nail from the fence. Soon all the nails were removed. The father then looked at the fence with the boy an pointed out that even with the nails removed the fence was full of holes and would never be the same.

You can remove the knife but no matter what you say or do the wound will remain. Microsoft has badly wounded the biggest ally in getting Vista to success.

Unfortunate I must also report that we are now using a SP1 version from a torrent to begin testing so that we can at least support clients that come to us with questions on SP1.

I've downloaded the x86 and x64 service packs off of a popular bittorrent site.  They look legitimate and have the microsoft digital signature in tact.  What would be nice would be to have the MD5 HASH values for the following files, to validate they are in fact the real deal.

761,740,600  Windows6.0-KB936330-X64.exe -- Digitally signed by Microsoft on January 19th, 2008 12:55:10 PM

455,562,200  Windows6.0-KB936330-X86.exe -- Digitally signed by Microsoft on January 19th, 2008 8:40:35 AM

They look legit to me.

What makes this even more annoying is that reviewers (PC World, Paul Thurrott) are getting copies of SP1 now, while we have to wait.

Pretty offensive - I've had to defend Vista for a whole year. Need to test it out before wide release. WTF! In 20 years in this business, I have rarely witnessed such arrogance. What are you people thinking? Release this to your Tech Subscribers!!!

NNNNNNNOOOOOOOOOOWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!! I don't currently and never have done Beta Software. If you have an RTM, you need to make it available. Or do you just like playing hard-to-get? Where are you Kathy? What's the answer?

I am forced to agree.  I work at a University help desk serving 5000+ student clients.  If we don't get SP1 through TechNet before our end users... it will be a nightmare.

Disapointed, but have now found a non-authorised sp1, similar to what "Impatient and Frustrated" mentions above..and it is installed on a clean testmachine. I bugs me sideways, up and down, inside out and back again to YET once more have to resort to these kind of sources!!!!

But, to make sure i have time enough to test before people start nagging about it,...or trying it themselves there is obviously little other options!?

Unless M$ should decide to acutally start respecting the technet comunity?

I have been waiting for a response about SP1 availability, but feel I need to comment also.

I am in the same situation as a lot of you and time is not something there is a lot of. I too will have to resort to another method of SP1 testing if not made available soon. I hope Microsoft is not just listening but is actually planning on correcting this. If I can not get a certified download or install of SP1 for testing, I will be forced to leave my machines on XP for 3-6 more months then I had planned. This will include the "downgrade" of all new machines purchased to XP. Serious black eye not only for Microsoft, but for me as I have been the one "selling" this. I wish the Technet/MSDN subscriptions were taken more seriously.

Thanks for listening.

I read this on Microsoft newsgroup :

"

Vista SP1 RC Refresh 2 is the final,

Released-To-Manufacturing (RTM) version.  Both

SP1 RC Refresh 2 and RTM are Build 18000.

--

Carey Frisch

Microsoft MVP

Windows Shell/User

"

Yeah, I have seen the torrent files as well, and went ahead and downloaded the one I needed so I can begin testing. I haven't installed it just yet, but if it doesn't show on MSDN by tomorrow afternoon, I will order the torrent version installed on a few testing machines, because regardless of what happens: Mondaymorning I want to start testing apps and our production workflow on Vista SP1.

I can't believe how far Microsoft dropped the ball on this, and no offense to the team that is working hard to get it released to MSDN and Technet earlier, but knowing the Microsoft bureaucracy there is probably no way Kathy can manage to get it on MSDN this week.

I'll have to choose my own path for now. I can't actually believe this is the first time I installed a torrent client on a OFFICE machine.

It's been two days and all we've gotten is vague feedback from TechNetSubscriptions and Kathy.

Nobody else at Microsoft has the cajunas nor interest in addressing this issue? Are Krusty and Bozo the clowns running the Vista ship at this point? WTF is going on? Absolutely thanks for ignoring us and giving us the good 'ol standby of "we're looking into it and we'll get back to you." That's not going to cut it anymore as the ZDNN reviewers already have their copy. I just had my first bout with a customer who has ALREADY installed SP1 for Vista and is having the computer perform SLOWER than it was without the patch. I have no idea if this is how Vista SP1 is supposed to perform, if he downloaded something nasty form the torrent, or it's just more of the same sh@##y Vista problems we've all been dealing with for the past year. Probably the latter.

"Vista SP1 RC Refresh 2 is the final, Released-To-Manufacturing (RTM) version.  Both SP1 RC Refresh 2 and RTM are Build 18000."

If that's true, it's even more hilarious that they won't release the "RTM" to us.

"

I've downloaded the x86 and x64 service packs off of a popular bittorrent site.  They look legitimate and have the microsoft digital signature in tact.  What would be nice would be to have the MD5 HASH values for the following files, to validate they are in fact the real deal.

761,740,600  Windows6.0-KB936330-X64.exe -- Digitally signed by Microsoft on January 19th, 2008 12:55:10 PM

455,562,200  Windows6.0-KB936330-X86.exe -- Digitally signed by Microsoft on January 19th, 2008 8:40:35 AM

They look legit to me."

For the more old school folks, it looks like those are on Usenet now too... :0)

"I expect to have an update for you on the timing for subscribers tomorrow. "

Kathy do you have an update? It is now 4:00 EST. Thanks.

Hello,

I just had a short conversation with Paul Thurrot by email. He told me, about SP1 x86 the size is :

Size: 455,562,200 bytes

Size on disk: 455,565,312 bytes

But the creation time is different than "Impatient and Frustrated" said in a previous message :

Created: Wednesday, January 23, 2008, 3:00:00 PM

Regards,

Paul thanks, don't forget to say everywhere than TechNet/MSDN subscribers are not happy, see the previous comment, it's crystal.

TIME FOR CHANGE stop being under Microsoft’s mercy.

go with open source.

IT guys like us made Microsoft powerful. If we start implementing deferent products than Microsoft then Microsoft will show us some respect.

Not being an able get our hands on the RTM version of the Service Pack is ridiculous.  We need to be able to test SP1 immediately after it comes out.  The sad part is now I thinking of downloading it from a Torrent site because of the lack of making the RTM Version available to Technet Subscribers.

My company pays hundreads of thousands of dollars to Microsoft every year for Premier support and Licensing and to not have to opportunity to get the software before the press is ridiculous.

Chris

Grabbed the RC1 Refresh 2 build which is apparently RTM off of a torrent site, made sure it had the MS digital signature and same filesize as those mentioned above, then had my company install it. Running smoothly thus far on all machines.

Needless to say, we are done with MSDN and Technet after this billing cycle ends.

Now the hackers will have plenty of time to develop those great and fun zero day exploits. In fact, they'll now have a 6 week head start on things. Congrats Microsoft, you've consistently done more to forward the anti-Vista movement on your own than any of your competitors could have dreamed of. Now we can all look forward to immediate exploits when SP1 is released. I can't wait.

and Kathy - 1> it's too late the damage is done and it's extensive. 2> you shouldn't have to push this through anyone who would be reasonably competent at dealing with this. 3> Tell whoever your bosses are to start treating us with respect.

The reason for the delay is that some drivers have a hard time during the upgrade to SP1 right?  So MS decides NOT to give SP1 to developers and IT pros before general availability... but instead help a select few hardware manufacturers to smooth out their software.

On the other hand, the rest of us are left with nothing.  How many issues are we going to see once SP1 goes public because we didn't have enough time to test with our applications and in our environments.

Why should large corporate partners, who's software Microsoft identified as having a problem, get more time to test and bug fix than the rest of us?

I can't believe it...  When I found out SP1 was RTMing soon I took the opportunity to wipe out my machines and switch to x64.  Now I have clean installs of x64, and promised myself I would wait for SP1 to hit TechNet or the download center before I did anything else.  6 weeks is way too long!  Last night in a fit of despair and disgust I downloaded the torrents mentioned above.  Heck they looked so legit I went ahead and installed them.  Now I feel dirty!  I even compared the registry screenshots from Paul Thurrot's website with my registry.  Everything looks kosher but how will I ever really know!  This is crazy.  Why send out SP1 RTM to the media before the paying customers get it?  Why? Why?  I am a bigtime fanboy and find myself feeling snubbed!  Please at least post the MD5 Hash so I can ease my mind.  Please take care of your loyall customers like myself and everyone else posting here.  We are more than capable of troubleshooting driver issues.  Many of us build, test, and setup our own machines and others as well.  This service pack is childs play.  

Agree with everyone else. It's ludicrous not having access to SP1 as a Technet subscriber.

Wow. Just found this thread and realized that there isn't a single positive thing to say. Now, normally I would just attribute it to an upset slashdot blogger and chalk it up to the -well everyone complains about something- category, but that's not the case here at all.

These men and women who are making these comments are the same people that make YOU Microosft so successful. Without the MSDN and TechNet communities and all the hard work from the help desk administrators right up to the top CIO's Microsoft would be nothing.

Not only that, but we actually have somehow come to pay you to perform these deeds. Sure, it supports our needs, but Microsoft in return benefits from this process by having additonal tools to promote, helping address gaps, etc. I can't imagine an industry that is so skewed one sided than is the state of Microsoft and it's own partner programs.

It's come to this apparently. Have you no respect for any of these people? WE, the partner community have made you BILLIONS and yet you wipe your feet with us now? I don't know what language I can use on these forums so I'll not attempt that, but I could certainly choose quite a few colorful expressions to say to whoever you are escalating this issue to I can say that.

These people deserve better than this. As far as I see it, there's nothing that Microsoft can really do at this point to repair this damage. I also am at a loss to understand how RTM = oops we still have another month+ of work and by the way don't blame us, it's some vapor hardware vendor that's causing this. That, my good friends, is also known as having your hand caught in the cookie jar (aka a flat out lie). We're not buying it and Microosft needs to explain this to us in a professional, honest, courteous, non-legalese way.

I for one will defend my other partners on this forum for the simple fact that they are right and Microsoft is wrong (as evidenced by PC Week getting their review copy straight from the source itself). So, so very wrong I'm afraid. This is wrong. It's absolutely the wrong direction for Microsoft to be taking and it's rude. Stop treating us all like we don't matter. We're tired of it.

I'm not hanging in there in regards to this. Microsft can stuff rolling out SP1 to TechNet at this point it's too late. Everyone and their dog has this now. I'm not defending Microsoft on this issue to anyone. Those days are long gone apparently. Microsoft does NOT have my back at all. Microsoft doesn't really have anyone's back anymore and is arrogant beyond belief. I won't sit by and watch this travesty occur without commenting. I don't know what else I can do at this time. Thanks for listening to an old guy (2% years in IT, and MVP, and an MCSE 3.51-2003) ramble a bit.

Hi Kathy and fellow TechNet & MSDN Subscribers :)

I like many have watched this thread for the entire week since the announcement that Server 2008 and Vista SP1 went RTM. Once I found out that the ‘RC Refresh 2 Build’ that was available to the Windows Vista SP1 Beta Testers was the same build that went to RTM that sorted me out as I am an official Server 2008/VistaSP1/XPSP3 Beta Tester, though not without the delays just as everyone else here are feeling. Once confirmation of the build number came through I was fine and I am happy to have the RTM ‘legally’ but I feel for all subscribers who do not have legitimate access to this build and understand your frustrations as I was there with you all and Beta NDA’s aside even we were kept in just as much darkness which is not the way Beta testers enjoy being treated either.

I am going to jump tangents here and this is what really has urged my post to the comments is that I have just received the latest ‘TechNet Plus Subscription’ monthly email from Kathy informing us that Exchange 2007 SP1 is now available for TechNet Plus Subscribers. This was posted to TechNet on the 12th December 2007 which is 59 Days ago. Not a single mention that both x86 & x64 builds of Windows Server 2008 RTM are on the site available to download NOW, not even a mention that these two major products from Microsoft have been released to manufacturing. The remainder of the email lists 4 new tech articles available and 7 security bulletins.

This kind of lack of communication is extremely disappointing to say the least to be told about a two month old release and nothing of what should be as when Vista was launched with the “WOW!” campaign nothing on two extremely significant products that were released this week. I am truly gobsmacked and the only reason I actually read the email was I had hoped that some form of communication regarding the Vista SP1 would be in that email informing fellow subscribers on how to get Vista SP1 and NOTHING.

To add insult to injury 1 hour after that email came a monthly ‘TechNet Flash’ email which is a customised email based on our preferences for what we want to hear from TechNet in our general non-paying-subscription monthly email and it opens with “Great news if you are a TechNet Plus Subscriber: Windows Server 2008 RTM is now live and available to all TechNet Plus subscribers from TechNet Plus Subscriber Downloads.”

The content in the TechNet Flash email SHOULD have been in the TechNet subscriber email and not something 59 days old, the TechNet Flash email has no mention whatsoever of Vista SP1 so at 2PM on a Friday afternoon Australian time TechNet subscribers have no updates on Vista SP1, they have old news freshly delivered.

Steve Ballmer doesn’t run & jump around on stage for nothing yelling “Developers, Developers, Developers, I love you guys”

Microsoft have completely let down all the paying TechNet and MSDN subscribers at the start of the week and then decided to kick us whilst we are down at the end of the same week.

In disbelief,

Stephen Edgar

Netweb Interactive

I can understand that if they want to perform further testing on what is to be the RTM version to identify driver issues, but this is absolutely stupid. The majority of problems relating to drivers are the people writing those drivers. How many times do you get some device that only has a driver from 2 years ago that barely works in the OS it was designed for? I know that I have lost count. Even drivers from the big manufacturers have issues (ATI, Sharp, HP - just to name a few).

How about Microsoft releasing a list of these drivers that are causing issues and let the masses tell those companies what needs to be done? Instead of hiding them, put them right out in the open and make them accountable.

Count me in as needing the Vista SP1 earlier for MSDN/Technet subscribers. We're going to have to support this upon general release so some significant exposure over a reasonable period of time prior to that is going to be necessary. Thanks.

It's too late now. I don't know exactly what bureaucratic process needs to take place to actually place a file on the technet and MSDN site server cluster, but every windows related site on the web is now crawling with registry fixes which will circumvent the bureaucracy of Microsoft, and download SP1 RTM straight from the horses mouth: Windows Update.

Which is how I installed mine last night.

Kathy, you guys MAJORLY dropped the ball on this one. Your response on tuesday should have been: "I will make sure it is online on wednesday", followed up by calls to the proper departments to get that done.

I would not be surprised Kathy will come back with a "next week somewhere" schedule.

No thanks, i'll find my own. And I will re-evaluate the value of MSDN when my subscription bill comes up later this year.

At this point I can only say that Microsoft in its infinite wisdom has chosen to kick its CORE USER BASE right where it hurts.  I am already seeing posts on blackhat sites with exploits attacking SP1.  And yet, we don't even have a copy in our hands yet.  At this point by the time SP1 hits I can only assume that Microsoft's plan it to have one giant pirated botnet up and running.  You just gave all the blackhat hackers a 6 week headstart.  Thanks Microsoft for kicking your 'partners' (read: 'worthless scum' in the microsoft dictionary) while they are down.

So much for our Technet Plus and MSDN subscriptions they are worth about as much as an Enron pension plan right now.  Yep, I feel like a 'partner' alright.

This is completely stupid. I can understand not putting it on automatic updates if there are still driver issues, but at least let us download it manually. Put a disclaimer on there or something if there might be problems with drivers, but let us download it!

What makes even less sense is that earlier betas and release candidates were available... those could cause a hell of a lot more problems than the real SP1.

And Microsoft wonders why people are buying Macs or looking at Linux. Every time I see our local Apple store, it is packed. This trend will continue as Microsoft keeps stabbing customers in the back. Look what happened to General Motors and Ford as people got tired of their quality issues. They lost a lot of business and people aren't coming back.

Microsoft, please do the right thing and allow your paying customers (not just paid TechNet... anyone who payed for Vista) to download the service pack. Possible driver issues (which have happened with service packs before)? Put a warning up.

This makes absolutely NO sense whatsoever.

Why do we pay for this service if we are not being provided this exact sort of thing?

We have testing to do.  NOW, not at the same time it's being given to users.

-Larry

I am still somewhat patiently waiting for the RTM SP1 to be released by Microsoft onto TechNet. I know a lot of people are downloading it off torrent sites to get the update.

I for one will just wait, I've seen no real way to ensure it's legit off a torrent (MD5). While we twiddle our thumbs people can be placing malicious code into these files and causing all kind of havok down the road for users getting it from such places.

Microsft is doing itself harm by holding back release of the SP1 officially. People will blame Microsoft for the problem of infected or altered torrent downloads if they can't get it legit.

Exactly. I downloaded my SP1 from Windows Update last night as well. Just a small registry hack that is now well known and all over the Internet and two reboots and I was offered SP1 via Windows Update. So... why am I not offered it as a download?

One of the editors at ZDNET posted the MD5 hashes from both the x64 and x86 RTM versions of SP1 they received from Microsoft.  See talkback #19 at http://blogs.zdnet.com/Bott/?p=364

Hello Microsoft.

What is the point of having a Technet subscription anymore?

In fact, I have an MSDN, Technet, Enterprise and Select agreement.... plus numerous MCPs and MCSEs... but even the press get the Service Pack before me.

Sort it out Microsoft.

Hey Kathy, how about an update?

And what is the reasoning to supply SP1 to OEMs, systembuilders and even Volume Licensing clients before technet and MSDN subscribers get to test it?

I have gotten my SP1 now, just like everyone else has, through the registry edit fix that allows you to download the RTM build through Windows Update.

And please Kathy, when you give an update give us the fact. Not the "I am waiting for another bureaucrat to give me an answer" kind of stuff. Go CALL somebody to have it uploaded to the servers.

Man I work for Microsoft and I think this is a bonehead move.

It is either RTM or not. (BTW, what the heck is being "M'ed" in this RTM anyway; it's just going to be downloaded by everyone, right?)

If it's RTM, it should be on TechNet subscriptions.

If it's NOT RTM, then it STILL should be on TN subs, because then it's RC, right?

This is marketing bull-c***, and exactly the kind of thing that MS detractor expect from MS. Putting out the fire with gasoline...

I just dont get it...

Why do I have to wait until the rest of the world gets the SP1 release before I can get my hands on it.  If this is in RTM, then I need it NOW...

I thought the whole point of my Technet subscription was so that as a technical person I would have the ability to test and evaluate before general relase to the population at large...

I agree with an earlier poster, If i have to wait to see the RTM of SP1 at the same time that my mother is going to get to see it and install it on her home computer, what value have I received.

As a support person with 3500 computers in our organization, we are still waiting for SP1 to make a determination in our company as to when we would migrate our machines...this will definitely impact any adoption to at best 3rd quarter of this calendar year, and possibly 4th quarter

Thanks MS

As I expected NO updates today, NO updates before the weekend, and it has been "escalated" to someone that took the day off today or whatever.

It's a huge slap in the face the RTM version of a product is out there on torrent sites, downloadable through a registry hack, was distributed to the press and to large OEMs, but MSDN and Technet still have nothing.

If that is how MSDN will be with future service packs, I may as well cancel mine. Your neighbourhood torrent sites has it all weeks before.

This is decidedly unfortunate, as there will be little time to test the impact of this update on our users' UI before it is automatically applied. The options become to not test or to remove automated update for several thousand systems - neither is at all appropriate to a modern production environment. A truly bad idea to delay, when an updated driver set could simply be made available at the public release date to offset driver-related issues.

Looks like the comments here have made it to the press. I'd say that if there is no answer today, there be a PR-disaster pretty soon. This cannot be good for Vista's reputation overall, or its sales.

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9061679

This is ridiculous, since the code has already been released to a select group and sent to the manufacturers. Put a "buyer beware" notice up that it may have driver issues and let everyone have it so they will stop downloading torrents from all over that claim to be SP1.

After 25+ years in IT, working with every variation of Microsoft produces since MS-DOS came out, I can say that nobody expects them to be perfect the first day out and testing is absolutely mandatory before an enterprise rollout - this delay eats into that slim time in which the IT professionals can do their jobs.

My shop has TechNet, MSDN, etc at their highest levels - and yet, we find out that only the select few beta-testers get to provide full testing service to their clients. Makes you wonder how to get on that short list, since I've gotten every certification MS has come up with since NT 3.5 was all the rage (along with CISSP, CISA, CISM, etc ad nauseum).

Really makes you wonder who you have to bribe and how much to be "qualified" to receive what you pay for already in buying the various subscriptions.

they'll put it up for download when it's ready. sometime after windows seven goes gold.

I am so disppointed in the lack of support Microsoft shows to its Technet Subscribers, its Enterprise subsciption customers. We spend a great deal of money to wait longer to implement the Microsoft technology. Just give us the download link to download Vista SP1 so that we can get our job done sooner rather then later.

It appears parts of this blog made it into ComputerWorld.  See the article posted here  --

http://www.computerworld.com/action/article.do?command=viewArticleBasic&articleId=9061838&pageNumber=1

Maybe now someone will start to pay attention?

Agreed, what's the point in having technet if we don't get access to release software. Silly.

Hello Microsoft

We are technical people! We can deal with problems! Give us Vista SP1 RTM and let us test it now!

What were you thinking??

how sad

two days later and butkiss...and so it ends with a wimper and not a bang.

We are a Microsoft Gold Partner, with an MSDN subscription, specifically so we can obtain fixes and service packs in advance, to test our custom software PRIOR to release.

I am astonished that we will not be permitted to download this service pack, to test our software, in advance of our customers getting their hands on it?

Please help me to understand.

Microsoft now wants its partners, to be side-blinded by issues they cannot even test for, prior to the official public launch?

My stomach hurts.......  I think I'm going on vacation -- all of March.

Keith Combs&#39; Blahg : I got your back - Windows Vista SP1 coming sooner than you think: http://blogs

This is soooooo bad guys and gals. Kathy, I really don't feel bad for you at the moment as this should have been resolved long before now. Sorry, it's your job to be our voice and if the people above you can't seem to grasp what is going on here, then it's time to start stepping over heads to get this resolved. If you can't do that then get out of the way and let us talk to the person who needs to resolve this. Claiming something is RTM and then having to fix it screams of incompetence somewhere in this process as well. Do you really expect us to swallow that line? Give us some credit here, please. We can see that something terrible is taking place and that SP1 is already having major deploiyment problems. That's the ONLY reason why you are still coding what is supposed to be a complete product, right. Again, give us some credit, we've already figured out we've been duped at this point.

I don't think even you realize what monumental damage this has caused. Regardless of being able to escalate this to the big guy up there somewhere that made this lousy decision all you've been is vague and unhelpful on your own blog. Not just any Microsfot blog mind you, but THE Microsoft TechNet Plus blog. If you didn't know (and apparently someone at Microsoft DOESN'T know this) but this blog is here to support THE most valuable people in the world to Microsoft. The fact that a WEEK later and you still can't even address us in ANY fashion whatsoever without at least a day passing is mind blowing. You've told us nothing helpful other than to keep waiting. Hey, if we wait another 6 weeks will you then release it? Is that the plan, to keep delaying and delaying? Really, what is your role? How are you helping us other than adding a buffer to this process to protect the truely guilty? This is bogus.

Well...just finished finding it on uTorrent today (it's slightly slower in my test lab already. Oh the joy of trying to sell THIS unimproved mess to a VP. On second thought, maybe I jsut won't bother anymore.). Microsoft can jump in the lake and I'll NOT be renewing my TechNet subscription this year either. Seriously, why bother? We can all just get everything for free *faster* and *easier* from everywhere else on the entire planet without having to pay a dime. At least the pirates are looking out for our best interests. The entire Vista movemement is quickly turning out to be the most damaging thing I've witnessed Microsoft do in my 15 years as an MCSE.  You guys continually do the exact wrong thing time and time again on this product.

In times like this just ask yourself "What would Bill Gates do"  just get the torrent.

Keith Combs&#39; Blahg : I got your back - Windows Vista SP1 coming sooner than you think: http://blogs

Well... so many times when there are leaks, it is the beta testers, MSDN, or Technet members that get the blame for having leaked.. but this situation with SP1 proves that it is more likely that most if not all leaks of this sort come from within MS. It pretty well had to since no one else has it..

The only valid reasons I can think of for holding back on releasing the SP1 RTM to MSDN and TechNet are:

1) MS wants to give beta testers some sort of "reward" for their efforts, and delaying SP1 to IP Pros is MS's idea of a reward.

2) MS is afraid IT pros who install SP1 RTM and it will trash the system, and these pros will get mad/desperate and call PSS for help, which MS is not prepared to give just yet.

For the first reason, I can only say: give the beta testers something really valuable if you want to reward them. They are not stupid.

For the second, any IT pro who calls PSS about SP1 RTM prior to the MS official support date deserves to get hung up on. Period!

Does anyone have any other valid reasons for MS to wait? I'd love to hear them.

Drivers continue to be a problem in Vista and wish hardware vendors got off their end to write them.  A Knock on Microsoft is that they are not pushing harder and then this.  Weak.  

TechNet has losts it value.

There are now thousands of seeds out there. It's being passed around the offices like hotcackes. Anyone who wants the service pack can download it from somewhere with about 3 minutes worth of goole searching and a good torrent or ftp software package. It also appears every language has also been released I even noticed registry hacks to download it direct from Windows Update out there too.

Microsoft is currently the ONLY place we can't download it from. Kathy, both you and Mike Nash will never have my respect again. Sorry, that's the truth and I feel lied to as well.

I have a few months left on my current TechNet and I guarantee I won't be submitting any more money to fund this stupid process anymore. In retrospect, I'll actually be winning if I take that approach. I'll be saving myself lots of money and I can get anything from anywhere for free before admins can get it. Man, if I was a hacker I'd be jumping for joy right now. I'll bet there are hundreds of modifications already made to the service pack floating out there right now that will be blamed solely on Microsoft casuing the problem. The press is reviewing the copies without the fixed and already reporting problems with hardware and speed. Great job, those reviews will be viewed by millions, but we as your community have no insight into how to address these for another 6 weeks. Brilliant plan.

It is available now via Windows Update. Just do the registry adjustment and voila.

Looks Like They Released It (Windows Vista Service Pack One) To The Microsoft Connect Beta Tester's This Morning, However, Those Of Us Who Were Not In The Microsoft Connect Beta Got The Shaft Once Again, Just FYI.

I provided Eileen with a quote to use in the Management Excellence programme she's been involved in.&#160;

0 vote The ugly reaction to Microsoft’s handling of Vista SP1 continues, with reams upon reams of Windows administrators taking the software giant to task in the TechNet plus blog for keeping the final service pack out of their hands for another si