According to IT Pro Microsoft has done a u-turn when it comes to charging users for installation or compatibility support with regard to Vista SP1. It says that Microsoft is now "offering free support to any Windows Vista SP1 user experiencing problems."

Quoting Microsoft MVP Brandon LeBlanc, it reports "you have a variety of options you can choose for support, all of which will not cost you any support fee."

Indeed, it would appear that the Microsoft Vista support site is now offering totally free support for SP1 installation and compatibility issues be it via email, IM or telephone to anyone enquiring during US Pacific time business hours, and the offer will run for a full twelve months.

If you have a machine with Vista pre-installed, then you no longer have to go via OEM support or pay Microsoft $59 for every support request, which has to be good news all round.