Well, if you weren’t satisfied with all the rumors going around, you’ll be happy to hear this. Jeff DaVos, one of the many Windows Vista SP1 beta program leaders, has graciously confirmed for us via the Connect newsgroups (shhhh!) that Windows Vista SP1 build 18000, otherwise known as Release Candidate Refresh 2, and the build which was Released to Manufacturing on Monday are indeed one of the same.
“Windows Vista SP1 build 18000 is indeed the RTM build. We were hoping build 18000 we released to you (WU only) was the final build and as it happens we didn’t have to break the glass, the build didn’t change at all from the time we released it to you and our final sign-off on Monday morning this week.”, Jeff says. “What you got is what we’re all running our Vista machines here internally - we definitely RTM’d”
So if you’re lucky enough to already have Refresh 2 installed on your system or have it tucked away on your hard drive somewhere, there’s no need to go running around torrent sites looking for RTM, cause you’ve already got it.
Jeff also mentioned that they have heard our complaints regarding SP1’s availability, and are working to push SP1 onto Microsoft Connect for tester’s to enjoy.
Cheers for clearing that up for us, Jeff 
Update: Aaaaand… I’ve been kicked from the program.
Thanks David! Finally cleared that up officially. Now no one can speculate about it - we know it… Vista SP1 has RTM’d! Yes!
Thanks a lot!
I think, i have rtm version…….
this if false, because you have this version: 6001.18000.080118-1840
And RTM is: 6001.18000.080126-2040.
The RC refresh 2 don’t have dx10.1, new genuine protection, ….
@Marco: Actually, 2040 is simply the build number of the ISO with SP1 integrated. This is directly from the mouth of Microsoft, I am not one to post false news. Also, Refresh 2 does include DX10.1. Although dxdiag displays “DirectX 10″, if you go into the DirectX file directory, you will find several files relating to DX10.1.
Does anyone know how to integrate this thing without doing a full install of vista and capturing the image?
congratulations. this made it to evil neowin.