Windows 7 SP1
I know that it’s Saturday in the US (it’s Sunday down here in the “Shaky Isles” of NZ) and that we normally post music and book reviews, but I’m adding a little something extra. A software review/warning.
While Mike and others may be rolling about on the floor, holding their sides with laughter, because they use Macs, the rest of us who prefer the hand-crafted feel of Windows PCs need to keep our software up-to-date to prevent security breaches and faults.
I’ve always kept my PC in the best of condition. Good ant-virus application (AVG 2011) anti-spyware, (Spybot-SD) well specified PC with ample RAM (4GB) and always, always keep all the definitions, patches, drivers and upgrades for my Windows 7 64 bit Ultimate (that’s what it said on the box)
I’ve got my system set up to warn me of any upgrades available, but not automatic installation, not since the problem with one of the Windows Media player upgrades which stopped me playing ANY sort of music unless I had the original CD/DVD in the drive ( and not always even then) So when I was warned that a new and important upgrade was available, I had a look.
Wow, the long rumoured and long awaited Service Pack 1 (SP1) was now available. Great. This would solve a lot of small problems I had been having. It was a big download, so I told my beloved and my son (who’s back in the family home now, eating the contents of the refrigerator every 24 hours and emptying my beer chiller at the same time) that the computer would be unavailable for a couple of hours. I initiated the upgrade download and installation. Two hours later I sat back at the computer.
Hmmm, Install Error 0x80004005.
Don’t you just love these really informative error messages. I can just see me writing on a pupils Term 3 Report.“Robert is a great student, but he didn’t pass Advanced Thermodynamics because of Error 0x80004005” I’d get lynched by an (understandably) irate parent. Anyone who writes software knows that these messages are generated by traps put in to protect your computer during installation, but it is fairly simple to write a parsing statement which can give you a clearer explanation.
- However, back to SP1. Further research on the web thingy indicated that I had 4 options.
- Retry the download and re-install
- Run a special software tool called System Update Readiness Tool and then try again
- Run my original DVD of Windows 7 and select the upgrade option
- Give up the whole thing as a bad job.
I tried the re-install, didn’t work, same error.
I downloaded and ran the System Update Readiness Tool. it said all was OK
I tried the re-install, didn’t work, same error.
I then ran my original copy of Windows 7 and used the upgrade/Repair install.
it ran on for over 2 hours and then locked up.
After restart, windows wouldn’t load properly.
4 hours later, I had to give up and I had to use my emergency back-up plan. I ran my previously prepared Windows repair CD and loaded my last backup from my portable hard drive. This was a version from December.
Success, I had an operational computer again.
Now I ran through all the missing upgrades from Windows Update (this time temporarily disabling my AVG anti-virus) and eventually had an up-to date and working computer.
Total elapsed time 36 hours.
Here’s a recommendation.
BEFORE you try and install SP1, MAKE SURE you have a complete backup AND system image available, and MAKE SURE it’s a recent one. I’ve lost all my emails from December to February.
DON’T make the same mistakes I did.
If you get stuck, try here for more help:
http://www.techtree.com/India/Downloads/Windows_7_Service_Pack_1_SP1/551-114597-654.html
and
http://www.pagestart.com/win7sp1steps021611.html
Stock up with Mountain Dew and Pringles before you start. A convenient beanbag for venting frustration is also useful.
Ah yes… software. Where else can you get someone to pay for fixing the bugs of the previous revision. Or ship when there is known defects.
Windows definitely has it’s special “features” that can drive a person to insanity. Because my work requires that I program quite a bit, I have what would be called a plethora of computers. Most of them are dedicated to a particular task.
Like the one that I code assembly routines and uses Window 95 and is NEVER on the internet. Not even networked for a reason. Been going fine for about 16 years now.
A couple of them have Windows XP.. a pretty stable OS. Good enough to run C++ compilers.
The office computers run Windows 7, which sorta makes up for that abomination called Vista. One of those Windows7 machines is the one that I use for the internet.
That is the only machine that sees the outside world. It is kept so that if it explodes tomorrow with some bubonic plague computer virus, no loss.
IMHO, Windows has fundamental flaws that will constantly require security updates. Period. But that’s also because the world of hackers concentrate on Windows, larger world market.
Mac OS systems are stable but that doesn’t mean that they cannot have viruses. Programmers/Hackers just concentrate on the larger easier target, Windows.
The advantage that Apple has is that it’s a closed system. Only Apple produces Macs. PC’s are built by probably every province in China, using different motherboards and combination of parts.
Never the same thing so for Windows it’s a moving target to accommodate. But that makes it easy to customize. Both Mac’s and Windows have advantages and disadvantages, in spite of what the Apple worshipers chant.
Although I am coveting the soon to be released Mac Pro with the Thunderbolt connectivity port. And some video editing equipment to go with it.
Hi Krell,
I agree with you about Windows inherent security flaws. I still ahve an old Pentium running Win3.11, and it still chugs along quite happily, just don’t ask it to go on the Net or run any modern (post 1990) software, but it still churns out C++ using the old Borland TurboC.
One of my mates, contrary to all advice loaded that abomination known as Windows millenium. I think he had to resort to Chloros to get it all out in the end :=)
Macs are stable, but sometimes I think the lack of OEM reduces their flexibility and progress. I still prefer the 2/3/scroll wheel PC mouse and/or trackball
I am technologically inept and, increasingly, I like it that way…;-)
Oh you poor old Luddite. What are you using?
A 386DX with 640k?
Robert, I can truly empathize with you. I have always used PC’s primarily because I use some programs that will not adapt to Mac’s. I am still running XP because I am afraid to change to anything else. I once started to upgrade to Vista and my computer did a virtual vomit and shut down everything. I extracted everything and stayed with XP and AVG and have not had a problem in the last 7 years. I know I will eventually have to switch to Windows 7 but I will do it kicking and screaming. I started on PC’s when they first came out and I guess I will die with them.
Bill you know that Microsoft Office is also made for Mac? Did you know that Mac can load windows using special software (I would never let those dirty windows touch my clean apple)? We should talk my friend.
Hi lazersedge,
I can sympathise about your reluctance to change from XP. I didn’t allow my school network manager to upgrade to Vista when it came out (he was in complete agreement)but Win 7 (apart from this glitch) has worked really well. make the change, i’m sure you’ll find it a pleasant experience. Just backup all your documents first.
This is a very informative article Robert, and a true story to boot (no pun intended). True adventures always make for a better tale. I wish I had a computer story to tell. But I am boring. I own a couple of iMacs. I have had my Macs for close to three years now. I have never had to install any sort of anti-virus, anti-spyware, anti-malware software. I have never had to install any kind of service packs and I have never had any kind of an error. Not one. Ever. While Mac does do the occasional upgrade it takes no more than one minute and it is usually done automatically. It is true that Macs cost more than PC’s (about $300) but you pay for what you get, mainly peace of mind, and a powerful, one piece (no tower) computer that each and every year ends up #1 on Consumer Reports’ list of the best and recommended.
Now that being said I promise I did not roll in the aisles laughing at your dilemma. I had PC’s up until 3 years ago and I went through the same things. I thought about buying a Mac every time I had to chase down a virus, call the technician, or just replace the thing, but was afraid of the learning curve (it takes about a week to re-adjust), and of course the rumors of the outrageous price difference. Well if you’re buying one of the super duper pro machines it will cost a bundle but unless you’re going to use your computer for a huge business of some kind there is no point in spending the money. You can buy a sweet one piece iMac for about $1100. Remember…once you go Mac you never go back. 🙂 🙂
Thanks for the positive comments Mike, the new MMA servers definitely seem a bit faster.
I’m not anti-Mac, I’ve even got an iBook Pro that I use for some graphics work (and mostly let my son use it).
I’ve got it set up for dual-boot, using Mac’s own bootcamp software with WinXP loaded.
Apart from the latest update, I’ve never had any problems with Win 7. I’ve even got a virtual PC loaded into it running XP and win98 for some older software.
I built my own PC, which is something virtualy impossible with a Mac, so I can pick and choose the components I need, not what the manufacurer thinks I want.