Microsoft has announced that Windows Vista SP1 has been released to manufacturing (RTM).  This means that the code for SP1 has been finalized and they are now preparing to distribute the update.

Unlike traditional releases Microsoft is planning on shipping SP1 on all distribution channels at once.  To ensure that customers that already have Windows Vista will have a “great experience” the Windows Update and standalone installation release will be delayed until OEM manufacturers and retail boxes of Windows Vista have been updated with SP1 code.

Microsoft explains this is to give OEM partners a chance to prepare for the update and to give time to manufactures to fix driver issues.  A small number of SP1 testers, including myself, have seen issues relating to driver conflicts with SP1.  Microsoft says this is the result of a small number of manufacturers that did not follow the guidelines for proper driver installation.  A simple uninstall and reinstall of the driver is what is reported to fix the issue.  Unfortunately for me, the driver installation package from Intel for my network adapter will not uninstall so a reload looks like my only option.

Update (2/5): I managed to fix my broken Intel driver install using msizap and a quick install and uninstall to remove the old driver completely from my system.  I'm not sure what caused the install to break but I do not believe it is related to SP1. After I cleared out the Intel driver an in-box driver was installed but I still had some network issues on my beta SP1 build. It sounds like when I get the RTM code a simple uninstall and reinstall is all that is needed. 

It is expected that we are going to start to see Windows Vista SP1 in early March when it is shipped to Volume Licensing enterprise customers so they can begin their testing.   In mid-March it is expected to be released to existing Windows Vista customers over Windows Update and the Microsoft download center for standalone packages.  Automatic Updates over Windows Update will start in mid-April. OEM loads and retail boxes are expected to be in stores between March and April.

Stay tuned for my comprehensive Windows Vista SP1 review!