I have a laptop with Windows Vista 32-bit installed (no viruses or spyware; the Sony Root Kit spyware was recently removed by MalwareBytes). It doesn't currently have Service Pack 1 installed; although Windows Update will download and execute it, the installation fails with an error indicating that Service Pack 1 is required.
Has anyone encountered this problem and found a way to resolve it? I've tried rebooting, as well as clearing out the Windows Update temporary download files (while shutting down the Windows Installer service), but the problem persists.
Best Answer
I would suggest following the steps in this document:
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/947366
I would especially take note of "Resolution 2: Run the System Update Readiness Tool".
That that does is check you system for prerequisites and problems in the your files and registry that would prevent the service pack from installing. It then, hopefully, fixes them. It takes at least 15 minutes to run, so it is working even if you start to wonder.
When I found this tool just last week, it finally fixed a problem installing SP1 on Vista that had me pulling at my hair. I hope it does the same for you.