Loose a day with Vista !

Well feeling it was about time I got back into learning C# I took the plunge (regretfully without prior investigation, assuming all would be well ) and installed Microsoft Visual Studio 2005 onto my fresh Vista install. What a mistake, I knew it took ages to install but today was a nightmare. 10:30am I started and the time is now 5:46pm and I have it installed but still have all the updates to install, in fact for the past 1 and half hours Service Pack 1 has been considering its installation task. Then I need to install SQL Service pack and three more updates for Vista development including a mammoth 1.2Gb download for the Vista Software Development Kit. I know I probably won't need every item that gets installed but I would like an up to date development station to start out with.

Why can't MS just do a updated dvd image for updating / installing Visual Studio, simply use the WGA mechanism to verify the existing installation or require original install CD/DVD to install/update. This would have presented me with a smooth and professional installation option, allowing me to get the job done with minimum of fuss and mess.  Although I will say that the MSDN site was easy to navigate and find required updates and Vista politely told me I needed updates during installation, near the end but hey at the start would have been too much to ask.

Still by the end of tonight it will be up and I shall start my adventure into Vista app development in the morning.

Wish me luck ...