Windows Platform Update KB971644 22: What It Is, How to Install It, and What It Does for Your Windows Vista

What is Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 and why do you need it?

If you are still using Windows Vista, you might have encountered some issues with running certain applications or accessing some features on your computer. This is because Windows Vista is no longer supported by Microsoft since April 2017, which means that it does not receive any new updates or security patches. However, there is one update that you might still need to install if you want to improve your system performance and compatibility. This update is called Windows Platform Update KB971644 22, and it is a package of updates that enhances the functionality of Windows Vista.

Windows Platform Update Kb971644 22

Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 was released in October 2009 as an optional update for Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2) users. It contains several improvements and fixes that address some of the common problems and limitations of Windows Vista. For example, it enables Windows Vista to support new features and technologies such as DirectX 11, DirectWrite, Direct2D, and Direct3D 10.1, which are essential for running modern games and applications. It also improves the performance and stability of Windows Vista by fixing some bugs and errors.

Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 is especially important for Windows Vista users who want to install Windows Live Essentials 2011, which is a suite of free software that includes programs such as Messenger, Mail, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Writer, Family Safety, and SkyDrive. Without this update, you will not be able to install or run Windows Live Essentials 2011 on your computer. Therefore, if you want to enjoy the benefits of these programs, you need to download and install Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 first.

In this article, we will show you how to download and install Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 on your Windows Vista computer. We will also explain what are the benefits of this update, as well as what are the potential issues and solutions that you might encounter along the way. By following our guide, you will be able to enhance your system performance and compatibility with ease.

How to download and install Windows Platform Update KB971644 22

Downloading and installing Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 is not a difficult task, but it does require some preparation and attention. Here are the steps that you need to follow:

Step 1: Check your system requirements and compatibility

Before you Before you download and install Windows Platform Update KB971644 22, you need to make sure that your computer meets the minimum system requirements and is compatible with the update. Here are the things that you need to check:

• Your computer must be running Windows Vista Service Pack 2 (SP2). You can check your Windows version by clicking on the Start button, right-clicking on Computer, and selecting Properties. If you do not have Windows Vista SP2, you can download it from here.

• Your computer must have at least 512 MB of RAM and 70 MB of free disk space. You can check your memory and disk space by clicking on the Start button, right-clicking on Computer, and selecting Properties.

• Your computer must have a graphics card that supports DirectX 10 or higher. You can check your graphics card by clicking on the Start button, typing dxdiag in the search box, and pressing Enter. Then, click on the Display tab and look for the DirectX Features section.

• Your computer must have an internet connection to download the update. You can check your internet connection by clicking on the Start button, typing network in the search box, and selecting Network and Sharing Center. Then, look for the status of your network connection.

If your computer meets all these requirements and is compatible with the update, you can proceed to the next step. If not, you might need to upgrade your hardware or software before installing the update.

Step 2: Download the update from Microsoft or other sources

There are two ways to download Windows Platform Update KB971644 22: from Microsoft or from other sources. Here are the pros and cons of each option:

Option

Pros

Cons

From Microsoft

- The most official and reliable source- The update is automatically detected and installed by Windows Update- The update is verified and signed by Microsoft

- The download might be slow or interrupted due to high traffic or server issues- The update might not be available in your region or language- The update might require additional updates or prerequisites

From other sources

- The download might be faster or more convenient- The update might be available in different regions or languages- The update might not require additional updates or prerequisites

- The source might not be trustworthy or secure- The update might not be detected or installed by Windows Update- The update might not be verified or signed by Microsoft

If you choose to download the update from Microsoft, you can do so by following these steps:

• Click on the Start button, type windows update in the search box, and press Enter.

• In the Windows Update window, click on Check for updates.

• If Windows Update finds any updates for your computer, click on View available updates.

• Look for Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 in the list of optional updates. If you do not see it, you might need to install some other updates first.

• Select the checkbox next to Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 and click on Install.

• Wait for the download and installation to complete.

If you choose to download the update from other sources, you can do so by following these steps:

• Find a reputable and secure website that offers the download link for Windows Platform Update KB971644 22. You can use a search engine or a review site to find one. Some examples are Softonic, FileHippo, and MajorGeeks.

• Click on the download link and save the file to your computer. The file name should be Windows6.0-KB971644-x86.msu or Windows6.0-KB971644-x64.msu, depending on your system type.

• Double-click on the file and follow the instructions to install the update.

• Wait for the installation to complete.

Whichever option you choose, make sure that you download the correct version of the update for your system type (32-bit or 64-bit). You can check your system type by clicking on the Start button, right-clicking on Computer, and selecting Properties.

Step 3: Run the installer and follow the instructions

After you download the update, you need to run the installer and follow the instructions to complete the installation. Here are some tips and warnings that you need to keep in mind:

• Close all other programs and windows before running the installer. This will prevent any interference or conflicts with the installation process.

• Read and accept the license terms and conditions before proceeding with the installation. This will ensure that you agree with the terms of use and privacy policy of Microsoft.

• Follow the on-screen prompts and instructions carefully. Do not skip any steps or change any settings unless you know what you are doing.

• Do not turn off or restart your computer during the installation. This will cause the installation to fail or corrupt your system files.

• If you encounter any errors or problems during the installation, do not panic. You can try to fix them by following the solutions in the next section.

Step 4: Restart your computer and enjoy the benefits

After the installation is complete, you need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect. This will ensure that your system is updated and ready to use. To restart your computer, click on the Start button, click on the arrow next to the Shut down button, and select Restart.

Once your computer restarts, you will be able to enjoy the benefits of Windows Platform Update KB971644 22. You will notice that your system performance and stability are improved, that your compatibility with Windows Live Essentials 2011 and other applications are enhanced, and that you can access new features and technologies such as DirectX 11, DirectWrite, Direct2D, and Direct3D 10.1. You can test these benefits by running some games or programs that require these features or technologies.

What are the benefits of Windows Platform Update KB971644 22?

Now that you have installed Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 on your Windows Vista computer, you might be wondering what are the benefits of this update. Here are some of the main benefits that you can expect from this update: - Improved performance and stability of Windows Vista: Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 fixes some of the bugs and errors that cause Windows Vista to crash, freeze, or slow down. It also optimizes the system resources and memory usage, making Windows Vista run faster and smoother. You will experience less lag, glitches, or crashes when using your computer.

- Enhanced compatibility with Windows Live Essentials 2011 and other applications: Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 enables Windows Vista to support Windows Live Essentials 2011, which is a suite of free software that includes programs such as Messenger, Mail, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Writer, Family Safety, and SkyDrive. These programs allow you to communicate, create, share, and store your digital content online. You will also be able to run other applications that require the latest features and technologies that are supported by this update.

- Support for new features and technologies such as DirectX 11, DirectWrite, Direct2D, and Direct3D 10.1: Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 introduces new features and technologies that enhance the graphics, text, and multimedia capabilities of Windows Vista. For example, DirectX 11 is a set of APIs that improve the rendering and performance of 3D graphics and games. DirectWrite is a technology that improves the quality and readability of text on the screen. Direct2D is a technology that enables fast and smooth 2D graphics and animations. Direct3D 10.1 is a technology that adds new features and functions to Direct3D 10, such as improved anti-aliasing and lighting effects. These features and technologies will make your visual experience more realistic, immersive, and enjoyable.

- Increased security and reliability of Windows Vista: Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 also includes some security and reliability updates that protect your computer from malicious attacks and threats. It also fixes some vulnerabilities and issues that affect the functionality and performance of Windows Vista. You will be able to use your computer with more confidence and peace of mind. What are the potential issues and solutions of Windows Platform Update KB971644 22?

While Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 is a beneficial and recommended update for Windows Vista users, it is not without its drawbacks and risks. Some users might encounter some issues and problems when downloading, installing, or using this update. Here are some of the common issues and solutions that you might face:

Issue 1: The update fails to install or causes errors

One of the most frequent and frustrating issues that users face is that the update fails to install or causes errors during the installation process. This can happen due to various reasons, such as corrupted or missing files, incompatible or outdated drivers, insufficient disk space, or network issues. Here are some possible solutions that you can try:

Solution 1: Run the Windows Update troubleshooter or the System File Checker tool

One of the easiest and most effective ways to fix this issue is to run the Windows Update troubleshooter or the System File Checker tool. These are built-in tools that can automatically detect and fix any problems or errors related to Windows Update or system files. To run these tools, follow these steps:

• Click on the Start button, type troubleshoot in the search box, and press Enter.

• In the Troubleshoot window, click on View all on the left pane.

• Click on Windows Update and follow the instructions to run the troubleshooter.

• If the troubleshooter does not resolve the issue, click on System Maintenance and follow the instructions to run the System File Checker tool.

• If the System File Checker tool does not resolve the issue, click on System Restore and follow the instructions to restore your system to a previous point before installing the update.

Solution 2: Uninstall any conflicting updates or software

Another possible reason why the update fails to install or causes errors is that there are some conflicting updates or software on your computer that interfere with the installation process. These can be updates or software that are incompatible with Windows Platform Update KB971644 22, or that modify or replace some of the system files that are required by the update. To uninstall any conflicting updates or software, follow these steps:

• Click on the Start button, type programs in the search box, and press Enter.

• In the Programs and Features window, look for any updates or software that are related to Windows Platform Update KB971644 22, such as Windows Live Essentials 2011, DirectX 11, DirectWrite, Direct2D, or Direct3D 10.1.

• Select the update or software that you want to uninstall and click on Uninstall.

• Follow the instructions to complete the uninstallation process.

• Restart your computer and try to install Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 again.

Solution 3: Contact Microsoft support or visit their community forums for help

If none of the above solutions work, you might need to contact Microsoft support or visit their community forums for help. They might be able to provide you with more specific and personalized solutions or guidance. To contact Microsoft support or visit their community forums, follow these steps:

• Click on the Start button, type help in the search box, and press Enter.

• In the Help and Support window, click on Contact Support on the left pane.

• Select the option that best suits your issue and follow the instructions to contact Microsoft support.

• If you prefer to visit their community forums, click on Browse Help Topics on the left pane.

• Select Windows Vista and then Windows Update.

• Look for any threads that are related to Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 or create your own thread with your issue and question.

Issue 2: The update slows down your computer or causes crashes

Another common issue that users face is that the update slows down their computer or causes crashes after the installation. This can happen due to various reasons, such as incompatible or outdated drivers, insufficient system resources, or corrupted system files. Here are some possible solutions that you can try:

Solution 1: Check your drivers and hardware for compatibility and updates

One of the possible reasons why the update slows down your computer or causes crashes is that your drivers or hardware are not compatible with the update or are outdated. Drivers are software that allow your hardware to communicate with your system and applications. Hardware are the physical components of your computer, such as the CPU, GPU, RAM, HDD, etc. If your drivers or hardware are not compatible with the update or are outdated, they might cause conflicts or errors that affect your system performance and stability. To check your drivers and hardware for compatibility and updates, follow these steps:

• Click on the Start button, type device manager in the search box, and press Enter.

• In the Device Manager window, look for any devices that have a yellow exclamation mark or a red cross next to them. These indicate that there are some issues or problems with these devices.

• Right-click on the device that has an issue and select Properties.

• In the Properties window, click on the Driver tab and look for the driver version and date.

• Compare the driver version and date with the latest version and date available from the manufacturer's website. If there is a newer version available, download and install it.

• If there is no newer version available or if updating the driver does not resolve the issue, you might need to uninstall and reinstall the driver or replace the hardware with a compatible one.

Solution 2: Adjust your settings and optimize your system performance

Another possible reason why the update slows down your computer or causes crashes is that your settings or system performance are not optimal for the update. Settings are the options and preferences that you can customize for your system and applications. System performance is the measure of how well your system and applications run and respond. If your settings or system performance are not optimal for the update, they might cause your system to consume more resources or encounter more errors that affect your system performance and stability. To adjust your settings and optimize your system performance, follow these steps:

• Click on the Start button, type performance in the search box, and press Enter.

• In the Performance Information and Tools window, click on Adjust visual effects on the left pane.

• In the Visual Effects tab, select Adjust for best performance or Custom and uncheck any unnecessary visual effects that you do not need or want. This will reduce the load on your graphics card and improve your system speed.

• Click on OK to save the changes.

• Click on Advanced tools on the left pane.

• Click on Open Disk Cleanup and follow the instructions to delete any temporary or unnecessary files that take up disk space and slow down your system.

• Click on Open Disk Defragmenter and follow the instructions to defragment your hard drive and improve its efficiency and performance.

• Click on Generate a system health report and follow the instructions to scan your system for any issues or problems that affect its performance and stability.

Solution 3: Restore your system to a previous point or uninstall the update if necessary

If none of the above solutions work, you might need to restore your system to a previous point or uninstall the update if necessary. Restoring your system to a previous point is a process that allows you to undo any changes or updates that you have made to your system since a certain date. Uninstalling the update is a process that allows you to remove the update from your system completely. These are last resort options that you should only use if you are sure that the update is causing more harm than good to your system. To restore your system to a previous point or uninstall the update, follow these steps:

• Click on the Start button, type restore in the search box, and press Enter.

• In the System Restore window, click on Next.

• Select a restore point that is before you installed Windows Platform Update KB971644 22 and click on Next.

• Follow the instructions to complete the system restore process.

If restoring your system does not resolve the issue or if you want to uninstall the update instead, click on the Start butto