55. Uninstall Windows 7 Service Pack 1

There shouldn't be any real need to uninstall Windows Service Pack 1 unless you encounter problems with your current hardware after the service pack has been installed. If such problems do occur it may be necessary to uninstall Windows 7 Service Pack 1 to enable you to troubleshoot any hardware problems.

It will only be possible to uninstall Windows 7 Service Pack 1 if you installed the service pack via Windows Updates or if you downloaded and installed the service pack from the Microsoft download site.

You should be aware that if your PC came preinstalled with Windows 7 SP1 you will not be able to uninstall the service pack.

If, however, you chose to remove the Windows Service Pack 7 backup files, the only way you can uninstall the service pack would be to re-install the service pack once again and then uninstall it. You can re-install Windows Service Pack 1 by downloading the full version ISO. For further details see 53. Install Windows 7 Service Pack 1.

There are two option for uninstalling Windows Service Pack 1:

Via Programs and Features
Via the Command Prompt

Programs and Features Option

Click the Start button and then, on the right of the start menu, click Control Panel.

Fig 55-1 Windows Start Menu
In the Control Panel window, Click the Programs and Features Icon.

Fig: 55-2 Click the Programs and Features icon
In the Programs and Features window look to the left of the window and you will see a Blue margin. Click on the View Installed Updates link.

Fig: 55-3 Click the View Installed Updates link to see a list of currently installed updates
A list of currently installed updates will now appear. Look down the list of installed updates until you come to Microsoft Windows section. In the Microsoft Windows section look for Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932). Right Click on the Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932) and then click on Uninstall.

Fig: 55-4 Right Click on the Service Pack for Microsoft Windows (KB 976932) option
A message will now appear asking if you want to uninstall this update. Click Yes to continue.

Fig 55-5 Click Yes to start the uninstall
Another message will inform you that the update is being uninstalled. The actually uninstall could take several minutes so be patient.

Fig 55-6 The progress bar will show you how the uninstall is progressing
Once the update has been uninstalled you will be asked to restart your computer. To continue, click the Restart Now button.

Fig: 55-7 Click the Restart Now button to continue
Windows will now start to configure the service pack uninstall.

Fig: 55-8 Configuring the service pack
Once the configuration has reached 30% your computer will Restart.

Fig: 55-9 Windows is now shutting down
On Restart the Windows Logo will appear.

Fig: 55-10 Starting Windows
Windows will now start to configure once again. During this process Do Not turn off your computer.

Fig: 55-11 Preparing to configure windows
The Configuring Service Pack window displays its progress as the necessary files are re-installed.

Fig: 55-12 Windows is now configuring the service pack
Once configuration has completed the Windows Log On screen will appear.

Fig 55-13 You can now Log on to windows
Windows Service Pack 1 has now been uninstalled.

Command Prompt Option

To uninstall Windows Service Pack 1 using the Command Prompt proceed as follows:

Click the Start Button.
In the Start Search Box, type: CMD
The Command prompt option should appear at the top of the start menu search list.
Right click on the Command Prompt option and, from the drop down menu, click on Run as Administrator.
If you are not the Administrator you will be asked to provide the administrator password before you can continue.
In the command prompt window type: wusa.exe /uninstall /kb:976932 and press the Enter key.
Windows Service Pack 1 should now start to uninstall.