Issue Overview:
Windows Vista Service Pack 1 is not available for installation from Windows Update and is not offered by Automatic Updates: http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=948343
NOTE: The SigmaTel/IDT audio drivers that shipped with your system are most likely compatible with SP1, but may trigger a Windows Update filter designed to mitigate the risk of issues encountered during update.
Users can still opt to download and install SP1 regardless of the presences of filters; THERE IS NO RESTRICTION OR BLOCK IN PLACE ON THE ACTUAL INSTALLATION OF MICROSOFT VISTA SERVICE PACK 1. The filtering mechanism simply filters the machines that are automatically presented with the option to install SP1 through Windows Update.
Root Cause:
Microsoft Vista SP1 makes improvements to the core operating system and the audio sub-system architecture. The SP1 update replaces Microsoft’s supporting audio files and requires a re-installation of the SigmaTel/IDT device driver, which depends upon the Microsoft files.
The specific device driver (re)installation method employed by Microsoft SP1 may be incompatible with legacy SigmaTel/IDT audio software packages for the following reasons:
- The SP1 Windows Update experience from Microsoft is designed to NOT require User Account Control (end-user) approval for each driver that is (re)installed during the update. Yet, certain software features and functions – including some audio features – require end-user approval prior to installation [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_Account_Control].
- SigmaTel/IDT audio software configuration and application files are not tracked by SP1 as part of the core audio driver, and so do not get (re)installed properly after the SP1 update. This may result in a loss of functionality and/or an improperly configured audio subsystem.
Note that in either of the above cases, after the Vista SP1 installation is complete, the original audio driver and applications can generally be re-installed safely using the SigmaTel/IDT software installer.
Resolution A
Download and install the Windows Vista Service Pack 1 from Microsoft: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/935791/
Resolution B
If “Resolution A” above fails or you desire to have Windows Update install SP1 automatically, this issue can be worked around by simply uninstalling the audio driver prior to running Windows Update, then re-installing the same audio driver (or a later driver provided by your computer manufacturer) after the update to SP1 is complete.
Method for Resolution B:
This procedure assumes the user has hands-on experience with uninstalling and installing Vista drivers and Windows updates. If you are not familiar with these steps please contact your computer's manufacturer for support in completing these steps. IDT provides these instructions AS IS and by executing the steps below accepts the IDT PC Audio support disclaimer.
- IMPORTANT: Make sure that there is an IDT audio driver available on your system to re-install before continuing.
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Un-install the current audio driver
- Under Control Panel select “Classic View”
- Double click “Programs and Features” to select
- Uninstall the Audio driver: “SigmaTel Audio” or “IDT Audio”.
- Select the appropriate item and click on “Uninstall”.
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Allow Windows to update your system to Vista SP1, or download SP1 and install manually.
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After the Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) has installed successfully, run the audio driver installer obtained in step 1 above to restore your audio subsystem to full computer system manufacturer specifications.
NOTICE:
- You must re-install an audio driver after upgrading to Vista SP1; the correct audio driver for your system is provided by the manufacturer of your PC (NOT IDT). Please ensure you have obtained the correct Vista audio driver for your system from your computer manufacturer’s website BEFORE upgrading to SP1.
- IDT’s OEM partners provide IDT with detailed feature-set and behavioral specifications for every model. If a feature is not available, this is likely because the computer system manufacturer chose not to enable it in either software or hardware.
- IDT does NOT distribute OEM drivers to end-users, nor can we make modifications to the drivers outside of these manufacturers’ specifications.
- IDT provides driver updates directly to computer system manufacturers with requested features and issue resolutions; please check for audio software updates from your computer system manufacturer.
