Are you running Windows Vista on a system powered by an Intel processor? Then it's about time you updated your operating system. Microsoft has made available for download a microcode reliability update addressing specific issues associated with the Windows operating system and Intel processors. The microcode update is designed to improve reliability of the systems running Intel processors.

The update applies to both 32-bit and 64-bit editions of the Windows Vista operating system, but not only. Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP, also 32-bit and 64-bit, can updated. Microsoft offered little information related to the update outside of the fact that the release is designed to improve reliability. And "improve" is the keyword used by Microsoft. The company has carefully dodged any references that might imply a fix, or point to reliability problems between Windows and Intel processors.

Most likely, this update will also make it into Windows Vista SP1. Microsoft has been mute when it came to the first service pack for Vista. However, the information still managed to get out. Currently, the Redmond Company plans to make Windows Vista Service Pack 1 available by the end of 2007. This could mean that the first service pack will make it to users only in early 2008. Microsoft has yet to confirm this, or any, scenario involving Vista SP1.

The microcode reliability updates are only available via the Microsoft Download Center. Bellow, you will be able to find the links according to the operating system's version.

- Download the 32-bit Windows Vista update package now.
- Download the 64-bit Windows Vista update package now.
- Download the 32-bit Windows Server 2003 update package now.
- Download the 64-bit (x64-based) Windows Server 2003 update package now.
- Download the 32-bit Windows XP update package now.
- Download the 64-bit (x64-based) Windows XP update package now.