Application Compatibility Improvements

Microsoft has already released several application compatibility updates which allow more applications to work seamlessly for the end user. These appear in Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2, but they are also available through Windows Update. Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 contain additional application compatibility fixes for individual applications. For example, in Windows Vista SP2, Spysweeper and ZoneAlarm now work with POP3 e-mail accounts.

For more information about previously released compatibility updates, refer to article 947562 in the Microsoft Knowledge Base.

Setup & Deployment Improvements

The new Service Pack 2 standalone installer :

• Provides a single installer for both Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008.
• Includes the ability to detect an incompatible driver and block service pack installation or warn users of any potential loss of functionality.
• Provides better error handling and descriptive error messages where possible.
• Improves manageability through logging in the system event log.
• Provides a secure install experience.
• Includes the ability to service the installer post release.

Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 also includes a Service Pack Clean-up tool (Compcln.exe) which helps restore the hard disk drive space by permanently deleting the previous versions of the files (RTM and SP1) that are being serviced by SP2. The Pack Clean up tool can also be run offline while creating slipstream images to reduce the size of the image.

Service Pack 2 Size

Service Pack 2 for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 will be made available in a variety of sizes and delivery mechanisms. Take a look :

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