H1B Visa Stamping

[immihelp]

Hello,

I have a question on H1B stamping. My current H1B will be expiring Sep 30, 2008. So I have two questions:

1) Whats the earliest I can file for the H1B extension?

2) After the extension gets approved, assuming the start date will Oct 1 2008, whats the earliest I can go for the visa stamping outside USA?

Thanks

[immihelp]

1 & 2. Whenever you want.