About Windows 7 Service Pack 1

Something that perhaps some of us need to remember is that if we install the SP1 service pack in Windows 7, and then  we try to use the original Windows 7 installation disc to re-install Windows using the "upgrade" option, to preserve our personal files and programs, it won't work. You'll get a message saying that you already have a newer version installed, because of the SP1 being there.

If you want to refresh your Windows 7 installation anyway, then you first have to remove the SP1 update, and the easiest way to do that is to go into the Control Panel -> Programs and Features -> View installed updates (left margin of the window), and then look down the list of Windows updates for one that says the Service Pack 1 is installed. Highlight that and select "uninstall", and wait for it to be removed.


Then, after a reboot, you can put your Windows 7 installation disk into the drive and when you select the Upgrade option, which saves all your files, it will do it, and you will be able to re-install Windows 7. After finishing that, don't forget to go onto Windows Updates, and replace the 68 or 70 updates you lost during the re-installation of Windows. That doesn't have to include the SP1 service pack, which you can choose to hide when it is offered. The Service Pack is mainly of interest to developers of future programs or IT Professionals who may want some of its added features. If you are like most of us, and have been keeping your Windows up to date using the automatic update feature of Windows Updates, then your Windows 7 is already as up-to-date as it really needs to be.