It is time to stop the spread of Vista SP1 misinformation!

Microsoft wants you to be informed about the current state of the Windows Vista SP1 beta.

(Not really, but they are pretending they do....)

Here is the latest official missive on Vista SP1 from Microsoft headquarters:

"There will be a Windows Vista service pack and our current expectation is that a beta will be made available sometime this year. Service packs are part of the traditional software lifecycle — they’re something we do for all Microsoft products as part of our commitment to continuous improvement, and providing early test builds is a standard practice that helps us incorporate customer feedback and improve the overall quality of the product.

"Service packs are just one example of the work we do to constantly improve the Windows experience. We also deliver improvements to Windows via Windows Update, which is an excellent channel for providing our customers with the most significant updates as they happen. And, since Windows Vista launched, we have continued working with partners to improve overall device coverage and application compatibility. There are now more than 2.1 million supported devices and more than 2,000 logoed applications for Windows Vista. We think customers will have a great experience using Windows Vista today.

"Spread the word to stop misinformation."

I agree. It is time to stop the misinformation, the bulk of which is coming from Microsoft right now.

Who said there would be a public beta of Vista SP1 this week? I've been saying Microsoft would extend a beta of Vista SP1 to a selected group of testers in mid-July, most likely this week. (Microsoft has got testers so panicked now about being fingered as sources of leaks that even if and when they do get the SP1 code, I'm doubtful anyone will dare say anything.)

Here's a little more of an update, courtesy of the Bink.nu site:

"So the only release (of Vista SP1) that's occurring is a limited Beta to a very small, very select group of advance customers. A public version of the Beta is not being released this week, nor next, nor in July, nor anytime in the immediate future."

(Update: Looks like the powers-that-be at Microsoft got to Bink. This part of the statement has been removed. Oh well.)

Yeah, I've had no luck in getting Microsoft to provide a date for if or when there will be a public beta of SP1, either. Nothing but no comments. All I know is Microsoft has told some testers they are shooting to get SP1 out by November. Maybe they meant a public beta of SP1...not sure.

If Microsoft is going to such great lengths to keep the status and feature set of a service pack secret, what will they do when it's finally time to start talking about Windows Seven? Will wiretaps be involved? Scouring employees' phone records for calls to unapproved numbers? Logging people's private IM sessions? I better get out my long blond wig and heels (again)....

Just remember folks: It's just a service pack. Something that should be seen as good news for the many businesses and individuals that still prefer to wait for a fix pack from Microsoft before rolling out a new product.