After installing Windows Vista SP2, various leftover files and remnants (including unnecessary components from Vista SP1) will be left on your system. Microsoft includes a tool with SP2 that can automatically delete these files. To run the tool, follow these steps:
- Click Start then type cmd in the search box. Right-click on the cmd and click “Run as Administrator”
- Type compcln.exe at the command prompt and press enter
- Follow the on-screen prompts
Note, however, that you may not want to run this tool until you are sure that you would like to stick with Windows Vista SP2. After running the clean-up, you will not be able to easily revert back to SP1 via System Restore.
Filed under Windows Vista by on May 28th, 2009. 1 Comment. 
(See all of our Windows Vista SP2 coverage)
Several users have reported that they can’t install Windows Vista SP2. This problem is more likely to occur if a pre-release edition of Windows Vista service pack 2 was installed prior to the final edition, but it is also happening to systems that only had SP1 (make sure you have SP1 installed before you attempt SP2 installation).
Fixes
There are three potential fixes for this issue:
Run CheckSUR First, download and run the System Update Readiness Tool (aka CheckSUR) for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008. Running this tool, which takes 15 minutes or more on most systems, can resolve issues that prevent SP2 from installing. After running the tool, re-attempt installation of Windows Vista SP2.
CheckSUR is available through Windows Update (Click Start, then click Control Panel, and then click Security. Under Windows Update, click Check for updates) or this standalone download page.
Delete vLite key If you receive the message “Service Pack Installation Cannot Continue: One or more of components that the service pack requires are missing,” try deleting the file vLite key from the registry. To do this:
- Click Start
- In the search box (or in “Run”), type regedit then press enter.
- Navigate to HKLM\Software\
- Select vLite
- Choose Edit and then Delete from the Registry Editor menu.
- Restart your computer and try the Windows Vista SP2 update again
Try selective startup As a last resort, try running the Windows Vista SP2 update while booted in a selective startup mode. To do this:
- Click Start then go to the Control Panel and select “System and Maintenance”
- Go to Administrative Tools and select System Configuration
- Click Continue (enter admin password if required)
- Select the General tab then choose Selective startup
- Uncheck “Load startup items”
- Click the Services tab then check “Hide all Microsoft services” and select “Disable all”
- Click Apply, then OK
- Restart
- Retry the Windows Vista SP2 update
Disable antivirus/spyware software during installation Directly prior to installation of Windows Vista SP2, disable all antivirus/anti-spyware software, then re-enable it after the update is complete. These programs can interfere with proper installation of the update and cause other problems.
In particular, some versions of ESET Smart Security and the ESET NOD32 Antivirus software have caused issues with the update. Disable or uninstall this program before installing Windows Vista SP2.
Can’t see license agreement; fix Some users are unable to properly view the Windows Vista SP2 license agreement, and therefore cannot proceed with installation. In most cases, this problem can be resolved with Chris Pirillo’s Vista Font Fix.
Filed under News, Windows Server 2008, Windows Vista by on May 26th, 2009. 64 Comments.
We previously reported on some Windows 7 installation issues, including a problem in which the installer states “Setup was unable to create a new system partition or locate an existing system partition. See the Setup log files for more information” (see a fix for that issue here). However, users are now reported a host of other installation issues, including one in which the installer freezes during the “expanding files” phase and another in which the screen goes blank near the end of the installation process.
Fixes
For freezes that occur during the “expanding files” stage, bad memory may be to blame. See our article on checking for bad RAM and replace any problematic modules, then re-try installation.
For an issue in which the screen suddenly goes black, try turning your monitor off then back on again. It appears that the Windows 7 installer may lose communication with the graphics card or the monitor during installation, and powering your display off then back on can re-establish communication and allow you to continue with the on-screen prompts for installation.
Filed under Windows 7 by on May 19th, 2009. Comment.
(See more fixes here)
Early-access users who installed a pre-release version of Windows Vista SP2 are experiencing some issues with installation of the final release. Users may receive the message “Service Pack Installation Cannot Continue: One or more of components that the service pack requires are missing.”
Fix
Try deleting the file vLite key from the registry. To do this:
- Click Start
- In the search box, type regedit then press enter.
- Navigate to HKLM\Software\
- Select vLite
- Choose Edit and then Delete from the Registry Editor menu.
- Restart your computer and try the Windows Vista SP2 update again
Filed under Windows Vista by on May 11th, 2009. 4 Comments.
Microsoft has identified an issue with the Windows 7 RC1 (7100) build in which the folder that is created as the root folder of the system drive (%SystemDrive%) is missing entries in its security descriptor. The company says that this problem can cause the following to occur: “applications that reference folders under the root may not install successfully or may not uninstall successfully. Additionally, operations or applications that reference these folders may fail. [...] some specific operations, such as deleting the folder, will fail when they are performed from a non-elevated command prompt.”
Fix
Microsoft has released a hotfix for this problem, but it should only be applied to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. The fix is available through Windows Update.
Filed under Windows 7 by on May 8th, 2009. Comment.
The RTM (release to manufacturing, or final) edition of Windows Vista SP2 has leaked to file-sharing networks, signaling that the update will soon be available for public consumption. Among the notable enhancements in SP2:
- Windows Search 4.0: “improved indexing and search relevance; helps find and preview documents, e-mail (including signed e-mail messages), music files, photos, and other items on the computer.”
- support for the 64-bit central processing unit (CPU) from VIA Technologies
- support for Bluetooth v2.1 and Windows Connect Now (WCN) Wi-Fi Configuration
- ability to record data to Blu-Ray Disc media
Before installing the update, see our previous coverage with tips for preparing your system for Windows Vista SP2.
Filed under News, Windows Vista by on Apr 28th, 2009. Comment.
Several users have encountered an issue in which Windows 7 installation fails at the very end of the process, with the system rebooting automatically as soon as the Windows 7 splash screen appears. The system then displays a message indicating that it was not shut down properly.
Fix
This issue is, in most cases, due to a graphics card driver issue. One potential remedy is as follows:
- Turn your system off
- Disconnect your monitor from the DVI port and instead connect it to the VGA port on your system (this will require a different cable)
- Turn your system back on and reinstall Windows 7–the process should complete properly
- Disable Windows Update automatic update (in control panel>System>Automatic updates)
- Go to your motherboard or graphics card manufacturer’s website and download the latest Windows Vista driver(s); install the driver(s).
- Turn your system off and connect your monitor via the DVI port again
Filed under Windows 7 by on Apr 20th, 2009. 1 Comment.
A number of users have experienced problems updating to the newly released iTunes 8.1.1. Generally, when this issue occurs, installation appears to proceed normally but then delivers the error message “The installer encounted errors before iTunes could be configured. Your system has not been modified. To retry these operations at a later time please return to the installer again. Click Finish to exit installer.”
Fix
This problem can often be fixed by reinstalling the latest version of QuickTime via the following steps:
- Download the latest edition of QuickTime for Windows (make sure to pick the option without iTunes)
- Choose to save the file to your disk, then double-click the .exe file and install QuickTime
- After QuickTime is successfully installed, download iTunes again, choosing to save the file. Double-click the iTunes installer .exe and proceed with installation.
Other potential fixes for this issue include:
Run a disk check Disk errors, particularly in Windows XP, can prevent proper iTunes installation. See this Microsoft Knowledge Base article for instructions on performing a disk check/repair.
Use Windows Installer Cleanup Use the Windows Installer Cleanup tool to remove any references to Apple-related installation files (QuickTime, iTunes, etc.), then re-try using the aforementioned two-step method to reinstall QuickTime and iTunes.
Feedback? info@windowsfixup.com.
Filed under News, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP, iTunes by on Apr 8th, 2009. 6 Comments.
Several users have reported an inability to install Adobe Flash Player, generally accompanied by the error message “Unable to authenticate install.”
Fix This problem can usually be quickly fixed via the following steps:
- Uninstall the Flash Player by navigating to this Adobe page then downloading and running the appropriate uninstallation program
- Next, right-click your Web browser’s icon or listing in the Start menu and select “Run as Administrator.” Navigate to the Flash download page, then download and install the Flash Player.
Feedback? info@windowsfixup.com.
Filed under Internet Explorer 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP by on Apr 6th, 2009. Comment.
Earlier this month, Microsoft delivered the first release candidate of Windows Vista SP2, meaning that the final, public edition of the update will be posted for download soon. The new release features some sweeping improvements, including Windows Search 4.0, native Blu-Ray recording capabilities, easier Wi-Fi configuration and more.
Unfortunately, many users are likely to encounter a variety issues, such as startup problems, application crashes, performance hiccups and more, after the update. Here’s a run-down of the best methods for preventing these issues and making your update experience a smooth one:
Backup First and foremost, a full backup should be performed prior to any major system update. Your best bet is to use a tool that can create a complete, bootable backup of your primary volume. If major problems ensue post-update, you will have working copy of your current applications and documents that can be put into use immediately. Acronis True Image is one such tool. Alternatively, you can use Windows Vista’s built-in backup tools.
Check for spyware Next, eliminate any spyware or malware that might interfere with the update process or create conflicts after your system is updated. Various free or inexpensive tools, including Ad-Aware and Spybot are available for this purpose.
Kill any unnecessary startup processes Eliminating any unnecessary startup processes, or removing all third-party startup processes, can reduce compatibility headaches that often follow major system updates. Launch the System Configuration utility by clicking “Windows” then entering “System Configuration” in the search bar and pressing return. Click on the “Startup” tab and remove any unnecessary items, then restart.
Update drivers Check manufacturers’ websites for the latest driver editions for any third-party devices that are connected to your system. Many manufacturers have already updated their drivers for basic compatibility with Vista SP2.
Disconnect any unnecessary devices Aside from your keyboard, mouse, monitor and network connectivity, virtually all external device should be disconnected from your system right before you install Vista SP2. Disconnecting these devices can preclude a variety of issues. Once the update is applied, you can reconnect the devices one by one and check for compatibility issues.
Uninstall any pre-release Vista updates If you installed the Vista SP2 release candidate or a prior beta, uninstall it right before running the Vista SP2 update. Open Control Panel, click Programs, then click “View Installed Updates.” Look for the Microsoft Windows list, then right-click the beta or pre-release service pack and select uninstall.
Use the standalone updater Users have reported fewer problems when using full standalone Vista service pack updates instead of obtaining the updates through Windows Update. Microsoft will post a download link when Vista SP2 is officially released.
Feedback? info@windowsfixup.com.
Filed under News, Windows Vista by on Mar 25th, 2009. 1 Comment.