For those of you still using Windows XP, and not yet ready to make the leap to Vista (SP1 or not), here's the latest RC refresh of Windows XP SP3, build 3282.

Please remember to seed, as this is - unfortunately - a BitTorrent release (despite us having almost 5 terrabytes of bandwidth, hosting it via HTTP would drain that in a matter of days once the link got out).

windows.xp.sp3.build.3282-NeoNerds.co.uk.torrent

Posted today to the Microsoft Connect website is the following download of Micrsooft Windows Vista Service Pack 1 Release Candidate "Refresh 2". This is an updated build over the last one posted, and can be installed the same way via use of a Windows Update script. The aformentioned script is contained in the ZIP file attached to this post; bear in mind that this time ".remove" has already been edited out of the filename, as some users have file extensions disabled and therefore found this confusing the last time around.

The announcement e-mail from Microsoft Connect can be found below, with the script attached to the bottom of the post (registration required).

Install Windows Vista SP1 RC Refresh 2 from WU!
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 RC Refresh 2 is available to Beta testers through Windows Update. Experience the WU installation path for Windows Vista SP1 by following 4 simple steps and give us your feedback to improve our quality.
Notice: The following Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) builds represent RC Refresh 2 code. These builds incorporate all tested changes up to Microsoft's RC Refresh 2 date. Please note that these builds are provided for additional beta testing purposes only and may not be distributed. These builds are provided to you "as is" and are subject to change. Your right to use these builds will expire upon Microsoft's commercial release of SP1 to the public.
Systems running on Windows Vista RTM typically require two or three updates before SP1 can be installed. These updates are permanent on your Windows Vista systems. Windows Update will detect your system configuration and offer the prerequisite packages that are applicable to your system. Based on the state of your system, Windows Update will offer you all the applicable prerequisite packages and SP1 in a sequential order. For details, please see the instructions below.
If you already installed the Service Pack to your machine, you must uninstall the previous build before installing RC Refresh 2.
Here are 4 simple steps to get SP1 on your machine.
On Vista RTM
1. Download the script to your machine and run it on elevated prompt after removing ".remove" from the filename.
• To run the script on elevated prompt, after you download the script, right click on the file and select "Run as administrator" option.
• The script sets a registry key on your system. The registry key is required for WU server to recognize your machine as a valid target for Vista SP1.
• After running the script, Windows Update automatic updates will automatically update your machine over the next several days with the appropriate prerequisites and then offer the Service Pack. If you would like to install SP1 quicker you can manually do the next few steps to speed up the process.
2. Install all pending "Important" updates and the pre-requisite updates for SP1. You may have to repeat this several times to get fully up to date.• Check for updates on Windows Update. Go to Control Panel ? System and Maintenance ? Windows Update and check for updates by clicking on "Check for Updates" in the top left of the task pane.
• You will be offered all previously released Windows Vista updates that you may not have installed on your system. Install all applicable updates.
• If you have Windows Vista Ultimate, or Windows Vista Enterprise, Update for Windows (KB935509) should be in this list. If you have any other version, Update for Windows KB938371 should show up in this list. Reboot your machine when prompted. If you do not have Vista Ultimate or Enterprise, Update for Windows KB938371 should show up first and KB935509 is not required.
• If you reboot and rescan on Windows Update right away, sometimes times you may not see all updates. This may be caused by the installer service completing the install of the prior update. Please wait 5-10 minutes and scan again. (This delay should not be required for the final SP1 release.)
3. Install Update for Windows (KB937287).• Update for Windows (KB937287) it does not require a reboot. This is the "installer" code for the service pack.
4. Install Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (KB936330).• Wait for 10-15 minutes prior to checking for updates again, to enable the installer to complete it's self installation.
• Check for updates on Windows Update again. Windows Vista Service Pack 1 IKB936330) should be available.
Don't forget to post your mini-review in the newsgroups and complete the install survey located here: http://connect.microsoft.com/windows/Sur...eyID=5418.
Regards,
The Windows Beta Team


  Windows.Vista.SP1.RC.Refresh.2-NeoNerds.zip (Size: 18.16 KB / Downloads: 249)

Microsoft today released Windows Vista SP1 build 17128 to a portion of their testers. The build is, as with the release candidate, available via Windows Update through the manipulation of a specific registry key.

An excerpt from the notification e-mail is as follows:

We are excited to announce that the Windows Vista SP1 Release Candidate (RC) Refresh - Build 17128 is now available for download! This build is also available on Windows Update (WU) for download and install. Find the new WU redirection script here and get Windows Vista SP1 RC after 4 simple steps.

Thank you for your feedback thus far; it is an invaluable part of our beta program. In this build, you will see many elements of your feedback have been incorporated.

Please download the Windows Vista SP1 RC Refresh build and continue to test SP1 aggressively. However, please note that at this point in the process, only the most serious issues will be considered for inclusion.

For those of you without access to Connect, the script and installation instructions are attached to this post.

Don't forget to let us know any positive (or negative!) experiences you may have with 17128 after installation, and as always, our support forums are there if you have any questions / queries / problems.

And if you're new to NeoNerds, take a couple of minutes to introduce yourself.

Enjoy!


  Windows.Vista.SP1.Build.17128.Registry.Key-NeoNerds.zip (Size: 18.09 KB / Downloads: 145)

As with the launch of every good site, we've set up a CafePress shop (just a basic account at the moment so no site intergration until the main site takes off). Available are items of clothing for both men and women, including from t-shirts, hoodies, and hats - all carefully adorned with the NeoNerds logo and/or web address.



The full range can be viewed at the NeoNerds CafePress Store.

Well ladies and gentlemen, this is it. The official launch of NeoNerds.co.uk.

It's been some 4 odd years since NeoNerds was an active community, back when it was hosted on NeoNerds.net; before then, it was SlipStreamX, and before THAT it was NeoNerds again.

Now, we're back with a spunky new theme and outlook on life (okay, that may have been a bit too cheesy, but at least we're open).

As always, if you notice any problems with the site, please feel free to let us know - either through the forums or via PM to one of our mods who are always eager to help (ie, pass the problem on to me).

Anyway, enjoy!