As previously reported, Microsoft has released the official release candidate version of Windows Vista SP2 and Windows Server 2008 SP2 (both is KB948465) to selected testers via Microsoft Connect and Windows Update, with build version 6002.16670.090130-1715, compiled on January 30, 2009. The true Windows Vista SP2 RC and Windows Server 2008 SP2 RC (both is same) has been leaked.

The SP2 (Service Pack 2) for Windows Vista and Windows Server 2008 has the same standalone setup installer. Windows Vista SP1 (note: if you install with Windows Vista with SP1 DVD x86 or Windows Vista with SP1 DVD x64, the system has SP1 installed too) is required to be installed prior to install SP2. Windows Server 2008 ship with SP1 pre-installed, thus does not need any service pack requirement.

Windows Vista SP2 RC

Download 32-bit (x86) SP2 RC for Windows Vista and Server 2008

File Name: Windows6.0-KB948465-X86.exe
Size: 481,677,280 bytes
CRC: 5543F171
MD5: 592FD781927FCA6630BC0A35CCF9A88E
SHA1: 5FB05E7BF71C9F250E60602D071FC0D14482275D

HTTP: Windows6.0-KB948465-X86.exe
Torrent: RC SP2 for Vista and Server 2008 x86 – BUILD 6002.16670.090130-1715.torrent

Download 64-bit (x64) Windows Vista and Server 2008 SP2 RC

File Name: Windows6.0-KB948465-X64.exe
Size: 756,338,456 bytes
CRC: 3551D663
MD5: 92A89A3057FB251DCD45A9C4DCBA4A96
SHA1: E2D3F05C0F0CB960D27FE9B88E65BBACC56E5D90

HTTP: Windows6.0-KB948465-X64.exe
Torrent: RC SP2 for Vista and Server 2008 x64 – BUILD 6002.16670.090130-1715.torrent

Note that the Service Pack 2 RC build 6002.16670 is a RC release for testers only. Public user should wait for final release which should arrive in April.

Update: Official direct download links for Windows Vista and Service Pack 2 RC v.286