How To Uninstall Windows 7 Service Pack 1 (SP1) Beta or Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Beta?

Microsoft few days back officially released Windows 7 SP1 Beta for public download. The beta version will expire on June 30, 2011 and after the expiration, users will have to either upgrade to a newer build or uninstall and return to the RTM build.

Users will not be able to upgrade directly from SP1 Beta to the final version of Windows 7 SP1. So, if a user installs SP1 Beta, then they will have to first uninstall it before installing SP1 final. If Windows 7 SP1 Beta uninstall routine fails, then the user has to do a clean install of Windows 7, which no user will like. Anyways, Microsoft has provided a simple guide on how to uninstall and remove Windows 7 SP1 Beta and revert back to the RTM build.

Windows 7 SP1 Beta do creates backup files that are needed for uninstalling SP1 Beta later. But, if a user uses Disk Cleanup Wizard, the backup files needed to uninstall SP1 Beta might get deleted. Then the only option to remove SP1 Beta will be through the System Restore utility.

This uninstall process of SP1 applies both to Windows 7 SP1 Beta and Windows Server 2008 R2 SP1 Beta.

How to Uninstall Windows 7 SP1 Beta or Windows Server 2008 SP1 Beta?

Uninstall SP1 Beta using Programs and Features:

  • Click on the Start button (Start Orb), now click on Control Panel.
  • Next, click on Programs, and then click Programs and Features.
  • Click on View installed updates.
  • Select Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932) from the list of installed updates displayed and then click Uninstall.

    If you don’t see Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932) in the list of installed updates, or if the uninstall option is disabled, then you have to use the System Restore utility (see third method below) to uninstall the service pack.

Uninstall SP1 Beta using the Command Prompt:

  • Click on the Start button.
  • In the search box, type command prompt or cmd.
  • In the list of results displayed, right-click on Command Prompt, and select the Run as administrator option. If you’re prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
  • Type the following command at the command prompt:

    wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:976932

  • Press Enter to continue uninstalling.

Uninstall SP1 Beta using System Restore utility:

  • Click on the Start button.
  • In the search box, type System Restore.
  • From the list of results displayed, click on System Restore
  • Now in the System Restore utility click on Next.
  • Choose a restore point that matches the installation date for the service pack.

    Restore point will be either labeled as Install: Windows Update or Install: Windows 7 Service Pack 1.

  • Verify the restore point, and then click on the Finish button.

The only disadvantage of using the System Restore utility to remove SP1 Beta is it will also remove programs and revert system changes made since the installation of the service pack.

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