How to block Windows Automatic Updates from installing XP SP3 and Vista SP1

With all the bugs and issues with Microsoft Windows XP and Windows Vista latest service pack, some of you might want to wait untill all the bugs and issues regarding Windows XP SP3 and Windows Vista SP1 are sorted out by Microsoft. But how do you stop Windows updates from automatically install the latest updates for Windows?

Here is a registry entry to block the automatic XP SP3 and Vista SP1 installation.

1. Open notepad and copy the code below:
   ——————————————————————————————–
   Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate]
   “DoNotAllowSP”=dword:00000001
   ——————————————————————————————–
2. Save the file. Choose “Save as type” as “All files” and name the file as “blocksp.reg” (without the quote).
3. Merge the registry entry to block windows service pack installation by double clicking the registry file.

This registry entry will disable the automatic installation of service pack for 12 months.

In case you have changed your mind in the future, just create another registry file (using the same step 1 to 3 above) with the following code:
——————————————————————————————-
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\WindowsUpdate]
“DoNotAllowSP”=dword:00000000
——————————————————————————————–

This will allow the automatic installation of Windows Service Pack with Windows automatic updates.