• Summary: Windows XP users can't install Internet Explorer 9. Windows 7 RTM users also can't install it until Service Pack 1 (SP1) is available. The Internet Explorer 9 Beta FAQ for IT Professionals states this. Microsoft confirmed IT pros can add IE9 to existing Windows 7 images for deployment. This decision is curious as IE9 was previously said to be independent of future Windows releases. Microsoft used The Windows Blog to tell businesses to move to Windows 7 Enterprise and IE8 now. The IE9 public beta requires four hotfixes and its installer takes care of them. It's unclear if the final IE9 installer will roll out SP1. Microsoft has not given release dates for Windows 7 SP1 or IE9, but they are expected to be close. Testers got the first Windows 7 SP1 beta build three months ago and the final version will come in the first half of 2011.
• Key Information: Windows XP users can't install IE9. Windows 7 RTM users need SP1. IE9 Beta FAQ for IT Professionals. Microsoft's stance on IE9's independence. Windows Blog advice to businesses. IE9 public beta hotfixes and installer. No release dates given for Windows 7 SP1 and IE9. First Windows 7 SP1 beta three months ago and final version in 2011.
• Important Details: Unavailability for Windows XP and Windows 7 RTM without SP1. IT pros' ability to add IE9. Microsoft's previous release patterns. Businesses' hassle in deploying. Unclear about final IE9 installer. Timeframes for Windows 7 SP1 beta and final version.