Windows Software Blocks Vista SP1 and XP SP3 Upgrades

Microsoft has successfully managed to block upgrades involving the latest versions of its operating systems with its own software. In this regard, the Redmond company informed that Windows PowerShell 1.0 will lead to a failed upgrade installation process of the platform it is installed on. According to Microsoft, this scenario impacts a range of operating systems including Windows Server 2003, Windows XP and Windows Vista. Both the 32-bit and 64-bit variants of the products are affected, with upgrades also failing for Windows Vista Service Pack 1 and the-yet-to-be-released Windows XP Service Pack 3.

"When you try to upgrade the operating system on a computer that has Windows PowerShell 1.0 installed, the upgrade fails. Additionally, the Compatibility Check feature displays the following message: 'You must make the following changes before upgrading Windows: Uninstall the following program: Windows PowerShell'," Microsoft explained. Even though Windows PowerShell is integrated into Windows Server 2008, the Redmond company's latest Windows server operating system does not have the upgrade problem.

The workaround to this issue is rather simple, and is of course also presented in the error message. All that users have to do is to uninstall Windows PowerShell and then perform the upgrade again. At the end Windows PowerShell can be installed on the upgraded operating system.

"Windows PowerShell command line shell and scripting language helps IT professionals achieve greater control and productivity. Using a new admin-focused scripting language, more than 130 standard command line tools, and consistent syntax and utilities, Windows PowerShell allows IT professionals to more easily control system administration and accelerate automation. Windows PowerShell is easy to adopt, learn, and use, because it works with your existing IT infrastructure and existing script investments, and because it runs on Windows XP, Windows Vista, and Windows Server 2003.

Windows PowerShell 2.0 Community Technology Preview (CTP) and version 1.0 can be downloaded from here.