Steps to follow before you install Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center

Summary

Windows 7 SP1 and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 are updates to Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 that contains previously released fixes to specific reliability, performance, and compatibility issues. There are certain steps that should be taken before installing Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 to help make sure that you will have a successful installation. The suggested preparation steps are as follows:

Back up your important data (this step should always be done prior to installing a major update of any software)
Update your hardware drivers (the main drivers to update are your video driver, printer Driver, network card driver)
Ensure that all Windows Updates are installed(other than Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1) , This ensures that all other components are up to dateInstall Windows Updates KB2454826, KB2534366, and KB2533552 (these updates will improve a successful installation of the service pack)
Check for Viruses and Malware
Run Windows Update and install Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1OrInstall Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center

For more information on performing these steps, see the detailed steps listed in the More Information section of this KB article.

More Information

Important: Before you install SP1 make sure that you follow these steps.

Step 1: Back up your important files

Back up your files to an external hard disk, DVD or CD, USB flash drive, or network folder. For information about how to back up your files, see Back up your files.

Step 2: Update device drivers

Update device drivers as necessary. You can do this by using Windows Update in Control Panel or by going to the device manufacturer's website. Important: If you are using an Intel integrated graphics device, there are known issues with certain versions of the Intel integrated graphics device driver and with D2D enabled applications, such as certain versions of Windows Mail.

Step 3: Visit Windows Update and Install Windows Updates KB2454826, KB2534366, or KB2533552 if offered

Run Windows Update and if you are offered the option to install update KB2454826, KB2534366, or KB2533552, install them. If you install the service pack from the Microsoft Download Center and do not install these updates, you could encounter a Stop error in Windows in rare cases. These updates will automatically be installed when you install the service pack by using Windows Update. However, these updates are not automatically installed when you install the service pack from the Microsoft Download Center.

Step 4: Check for Virus and Malware

Check your computer for malware by using antivirus software. If you do not currently have Virus or Malware software installed on your computer, Microsoft offers Microsoft Security Essentials, free antivirus software that you can download from the Microsoft Security Essentials. You can also visit the Microsoft Consumer security software providers webpage to find third-party antivirus software. Important If your computer is infected with malware and you install SP1, you could encounter blue screens or a Windows Update error such as 8007f0f4 or FFFFFFFF. If malware is detected, Windows Update will be unable to install SP1.

Step 5: Install Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1

Visit Windows Update and install Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1If Windows Update does not offer you the option to install the service pack, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 2498452. If you are encountering a problem when you install the service pack from Windows Update, see Troubleshoot problems installing a service pack for Windows 7. For more information about how to install SP1 by using Windows Update, see How to install Windows 7 SP1. Or Install Windows 7 SP1 or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 from the Microsoft Download Center. The Download Center offers the Windows 7 SP1 Network Installation Package for IT Professionals and Developers.

More installation notes

If you are using a portable computer, make sure that you connect it to an electrical outlet. And, do not unplug or restart the computer during the installation.
You will be prompted to restart your computer. Therefore, make sure that you save your work and close all open programs before you begin.
Installing the service pack from the Microsoft Download Center will require slightly more hard disk space than installing the service pack from Windows Update. If you have insufficient hard disk space to install the service pack, you will be prompted to free up additional hard disk space.

Known Issues

Intel integrated graphics device drivers. The versions of the Intel integrated graphics device driver that are known to be problematic are Igdkmd32.sys and Igdkmd64.sys versions 8.15.10.2104 through 8.15.10.2141. For more information about a known issue with these drivers and with Windows Mail, see Microsoft Knowledge Base article 13785. To check whether you are using the Intel integrated graphics device driver Igdkmd32.sys or Igdkmd64.sys versions 8.15.10.2104 through 8.15.10.2141, follow these steps:

Start DirectX Diagnostic Tool. To do this, click Start, type dxdiag in the Search programs and files box, and then press Enter.
Click the Display tab.
Note the driver and driver version.
If you have the Intel integrated graphics driver Igdkmd32.sys or Igdkmd64.sys versions 8.15.10.2104 through 8.15.10.2141, visit the computer manufacturer's website to see whether a newer driver is available, and then download and install that driver.

More Resources

For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

971759 How to back up or transfer your data on a Windows-based computer