Microsoft Releases Vista, XP and Longhorn Service Pack Blocker Tool

Microsoft has just posted a Blocker tool on its download site (Dec 6,07) that will block automatic installations of several upcoming service packs, including Vista Service Pack 1 and Windows XP SP3.

The download includes three versions of the tool -- an executable, a script and a group policy template -- that prevents the service packs from reaching PCs via Windows Update, Microsoft's default update service.

The tool blocks Windows Vista SP1, Windows XP SP3 and Windows Server 2003 SP2 for varying lengths of time. Vista SP1 and XP SP3 can be blocked for as long as 12 months after the service packs are released in final form, while the Server 2003 SP2 blocker bars the download only through March 2008.

Microsoft says its "a blocking tool is available for organizations that would like to temporarily prevent installation of Service Pack updates through Windows Update. "

This tool can be used with:

  • Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (valid through March, 2008)
  • Windows XP Service Pack 3 (valid for 12 months following general availability)
  • Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (valid for 12 months following general availability)
However dont worry this tool lets all other updates, including monthly security patches, pass through Windows Update without modification.

Download the SPBlockerTools.exe directly from Microsoft.