Microsoft have begun rolling out Windows 7 Service Pack 1. While this appears to have been largely successful some failures have been reported, these have been attributed to some inconsistencies in the Windows update code. The quickest and easiest repair option is the Windows Update Troubleshooter. Open Control Panel, click in the search box, and type troubleshoot. Click the Troubleshooting link at the top of the search results, then click System and Security, and finally click Windows Update. 

Microsoft have also produced an update readiness kit to detect and fix these inconsistencies. If you have problems installing Windows 7 SP1 and the above process fails download and run the update readiness checker appropriate to your version of the operating system. If you, like me, approach the installation of major service packs with trepidation, run the update readiness kit before applying the service pack.

• 32-bit Windows 7
• 64-bit Windows 7
• Windows Server 2008 R2 (64-bit only)

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