Microsoft has not set a delivery date for Vista SP2 and Server 2008 SP2, saying only that it hopes to ship the update sometime in the first half of next year. Last week, however, a Web site that had accurately predicted several Vista and ship dates earlier this year claimed that Microsoft would issue a release candidate in February and .

A limited number of beta testers has had Vista SP2 since , when Microsoft released the preview to its Technology Adoption Program, a long-standing group of company partners and customers.

Users who want to try the beta of Vista SP2 must have SP1 already installed; those grabbing the beta from Windows Update must also first install a component meant to improve the chances of a smooth upgrade.

Microsoft estimated the size of Windows Update download of Vista SP2 beta at 41MB for the 32-bit version and about 60MB for the 64-bit edition. Windows Server 2008 SP2's beta will weigh in between 47MB and 90MB.