Problem: Cannot Install Windows Vista SP1
If you have trouble installed Windows Vista SP1 on your Vista Computer, here are some suggestions:
To work around installation problems, perform the following steps in the specified order:
1. Ensure that you have enough disk space. Then restart the computer and try to install SP1 again. This will ensure that all files are synchronized properly.
2. If the installation still fails, open an elevated Command Prompt window, and then run chkdsk /f. The Chkdsk tool checks the file system and metadata for errors, and then it fixes the errors, if possible. Then try to install SP1 again.
3. If the installation still fails, open an elevated Command Prompt window, and then run SFC /scannow. The System File Checker tool scans all protected files to verify their versions, and then it updates these files, if possible. Then try to install SP1 again.
4. If the installation still fails, open an elevated Command Prompt window, and then run MdSched.exe. The Windows Memory Diagnostic tool tests the Random Access Memory (RAM) on your computer for errors. Then try to install SP1 again.
5. If the installation still fails, download and extract the KB947821 update from the Microsoft Download Center. The Windows6.0-KB947821-XXX.msu file will ensure that the computer is ready to be updated. Then try to install SP1 again.

I have tried all of the above including uninstalling my firewall and antivirus programs and I get the same internal error message giving me a link to MS website …What do I do now? MS does not want to help as I have an OEM version of Vista Ultimate.
I tried all your suggestions but still can not install Vista SP1 on my laptop.
At step 5: “5. If the installation still fails, download and extract the KB947821 update from the Microsoft Download Center. The Windows6.0-KB947821-XXX.msu file will ensure that the computer is ready to be updated. Then try to install SP1 again.” In my case Windows6.0-KB947821-x86.msu, it’s said that “The update does not apply to your system.”.
Any more suggestion? Currently I used Vista Ultimate on a Lenovo laptop (OEM version).
Thanks.