Microsoft wants enterprise users to know that the tools that block service packs from automatically upgrading XP to SP3 and Vista to SP1 will expire in a couple of months. However, even without the tool, Windows Update will not force service packs on machines without permission. The Service Pack Blocker Tool for XP, which stops Windows Update from automatically converting XP users to XP SP3, will expire on May 19. The Service Pack Blocker Tool for Vista, which stops a Vista machine from an automatic update to Vista SP1, will expire on April 28.
In actuality, even after the blocker expires, these service pack updates will not be automatic. If a machine is set to accept automatic updates, the user will be prompted to accept an important update in order to get the service pack. If a machine is not set to accept auto updates, the user will have to manually find the patch and will, even then, be prompted to accept it, according to an article in InformationWeek.
Microsoft’s policy is to let users block service packs for up to 12 months after general availability. The blocker tool has already been released for IE8.
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