Windows Vista Service Pack 1 stand-alone packages may not bring to the table the updated SP1 Help documentation, but at the same time Microsoft is offering a much better deal to users of its latest Windows client planning to install the first service pack. One year's worth of free Windows Vista SP1 support. This means that between March 18, 2008, and March 18, 2009, Vista users will be able to tap the Redmond company for unlimited installation and compatibility, free of charge. The move is a standard practice for Microsoft when it comes down to the Service Pack policy for all its operating systems. And in this context, it will also be made available for Windows XP SP3, once the third and last service pack for XP will be released.

All Vista users "needing technical support regarding your installation of Windows Vista SP1 - please go to the following URL and choose the bottom option that says 'Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (All Languages).' You have a variety of options you can choose for support - all of which will NOT cost you any support fee. I repeat: support for SP1 will NOT cost you anything - as long as you choose the correct option for support. We can only point you in the right direction in hopes of having your issue taken care of. However I am relaying as much feedback you give here to the folks internally at Microsoft regarding SP1 so your feedback is most certainly not falling on deaf ears. I will continue to relay feedback moving forward," stated Microsoft's Brandon LeBlanc.

The official support page for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (All Languages) features three options offered to end users. Microsoft is delivering E-mail Support (Response Time: 1 Business Day); Individual Chat Support (Monday - Friday 5:00 A.M. - 12:00 A.M. (midnight); Saturday 6:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.; Sunday 6:00 A.M. - 6:00 P.M.) as well as Phone Support (866) 234-6020, Wait Time will vary (Monday - Friday 5:00 A.M. - 9:00 P.M; Saturday - Sunday 6:00 A.M. - 3:00 P.M.). Microsoft has emphasized the following: "No-charge: Unlimited support requests" for all Vista SP1 support options.

The Redmond company is also pointing the users to TechNet, MSDN and additional Technical Communities as alternative resources for Vista SP1 support. Windows XP SP3 is yet to be released to manufacturing by the Redmond company, but when it will be delivered I'll make sure and provide an update with the links for free support from Microsoft.