Windows Vista SP2 Won’t Install: Fixes

(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 [...]

Windows Vista/Server 2008 SP2 Released: Update Precautions, Troubleshooting

After a long period of exclusive availability to TechNet and MSDN subscribers, Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 SP2 has finally been released to the general public. The new release includes:

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 [...]

Windows 7 Build 7122 Fixes Game Issues

The latest build of Windows 7, build 7122, resolves some significant issues affecting a number of games under previous iterations of Windows 7.
We previously reported an issue in which certain games will not run with OpenGL capabilities under Windows 7 RC1. This issue is most likely to occur when User Account Control (UAC) is [...]

Cannot Run chkdsk in Windows Vista: Fix

Several users have reported an issue in which they cannot run chkdsk on their systems, as the tool reports that it cannot continue because of corrupt files.
Fix
Try inserting the Windows Vista installation or recovery disc that came with your computer and rebooting from the disc. A few screens into the installation process (or accessible as [...]

Remote Desktop (RDP) Black Screen, Errors: Fixes

Some users have received a black screen when attempting to connect to various systems (primarily those running Windows Vista) via the Remote Desktop protocol (RDP). In some cases, the host machine may crash when this problem occurs.
Other users have reported receiving the error “atbroker.exe crashed” or “Transitions Accessible technologies between desktops has stopped working”
Fixes
Make sure [...]

Can’t Install Windows Vista SP2: Fix

(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 [...]

Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor Released

Microsoft has released the Windows 7 Upgrade Advisor, which scans your PC to see if it’s ready for Windows 7, and tells you about any known compatibility issues.
The tool’s documentation states its “report will let you know if your PC meets the system requirements, if there are any known compatibility issues with your programs and [...]

WinSxS Folder Taking Up Too Much Disk Space: Fix

The WinSxS (Windows Side-by-Side, located in %windir%\WinSxS) folder is a critical component of Windows Vista. It contains files that are necessary for adding or removal of programs, uninstalling components, and installing certain system updates. Unfortunately, the folder also has a tendency to swell in size, taking up large amounts of disk space (up to 6GB [...]

Windows 7 RC, Vista SP2 Hit Microsoft’s Private Servers

The official Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC)-the same build 7100 that leaked earlier–and the final build of Windows Vista SP2 have hit Microsoft’s private servers, and are now available to eligible users, specifically:

Microsoft Connect subscribers: members of the closed beta program
Technet and MSDN subscribers: paid account holders (accounts start in the $2500-range)

Subscribers are experiencing some [...]

Serious System Slowdown? Try Disabling Windows Search

If your system suddenly slows dramatically or stalls altogether, with a spike in processor usage from the task “searchprotocolhost.exe,” you may want to try disabling the Windows Search service. Follow these steps:
Click the Start button. In Windows Vista, type services.msc in the search box and press enter. In Windows XP, select “Run” then type services.msc [...]