MS preps service pack blocker tool for Windows 7, Server 2008 R2

Microsoft has prepped its Windows Service Pack blocker tool kit to include its upcoming service packs for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2.

The SP1s for both operating systems hit Release Candidate status late last month, but they’re not expected to reach manufacturers until early next year.

Ahead of that, MS has updated its Windows Service Pack blocker tool kit that will eventually allow sys admins to control how updates are applied in their organisation.

The software giant will initially push both service packs out to its Windows Updates website, before slowly trickling the code via its Automatic Updates portal.

But not every business will immediately want the service packs to do a stealth install on all their computers. Mindful sys admins will want to test the package of updates and bug fixes on a small sample first, which is where the blocker tool comes into play.

The tool itself will be valid for 12 months after the service packs are made available to all-comers.

Beyond that, Microsoft will hit the AU ‘on’ switch for all remaining hold-outs of the respective service packs.

Microsoft is probably close to bringing out the final version of SP1 for Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, given the arrival of the tool. ®