Windows 7 RC

[green granite]

from Windows IT Pro web site:

A Microsoft website inadvertently leaked the software giant's plans to deliver the Release Candidate (RC) version of Windows 7 to the public on May 5, suggesting that the company has already delivered this version internally and will soon make it available to partners. The Windows 7 RC will be the last major pre-release milestone for Microsoft's next Windows version, which is now expected to be finalized by the end of the third quarter of 2009.

"Partners, if you have a subscription to MSDN or TechNet, you can download Windows 7 RC now," a page on the Microsoft website read over the weekend. "Otherwise, you can download Windows 7 RC starting May 5, 2009." The note, however, was erroneous and likely just posted early. As of this of writing, the Windows 7 RC hasn't been made available to Microsoft's partners. My expectation is that that will happen as early as tomorrow, two weeks before the expected public release.

By Monday, the note on the Microsoft website had been removed, and Microsoft has made no public comment about the gaffe. Readers might recall that a similar informational leak about the Windows 7 Beta occurred just before its release in January. One wonders if Microsoft isn't prepping its user base implicitly, but purposefully, with these leaks.

[Sprogget]

One made same suggestion here previously & was kicked in the knee for doing so

[green granite]

Confirmed by Microsoft:

Windows 7 Beta Customer Preview

Effective April 30, the Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) will be available to MSDN subscribers and TechNet Plus subscribers.

On Tuesday, May 5 (PST), the RC will be available to everyone via our Customer Preview Program. As with the Beta, the Windows 7 RC Customer Preview Program is a broad public program that offers the RC free to anyone who wants to download it. It will be available at least through June 30, 2009, with no limits on the number of downloads or product keys available.

So you don’t need rush to make sure you get your copy. When you’re ready to download the RC, it’ll be waiting for you.

Also:

Plan Ahead for Windows 7 Beta and RC Expiration Dates
Published 30 April 09 07:38 AM | Celine Allee
Attention Windows 7 Beta and Release Candidate (RC) testers! To avoid interruption, you’ll need to start planning now to rebuild your test machines using a valid version of Windows before the software expires.

Windows will notify you that the expiration process is beginning and two weeks later your PC will begin shutting down every two hours.

The Beta expires on August 1, 2009, and bi-hourly shutdowns will begin July 1, 2009. The RC will expire June 1, 2010, and the bi-hourly shutdowns will begin on March 1, 2010. In both cases, you’ll need to rebuild your test PCs with another valid version of the OS, and reinstall your programs and data.

[Sprogget]

I got RC1 built tonight. Oddly, I was installing the soundcard & it BSOD'ed (always the soundcard!) & went a bit unstable after that, so I've wiped the drive & will start again tomorrow.

What I saw of it, was very smooth, quick & polished, as compared against beta builds of the same sweet os. it will be good, I have no doubt. You'll be pleased to know GG that the desktop revolves nicely, without end.

[green granite]

You'll be pleased to know GG that the desktop revolves nicely, without end.

Should give me vertigo then.

Got a new 500Gig HD to install in anticipation.

[Sprogget]

I've rebuilt it it - I love the smell of a fresh build in the morning! and it's dropped in flawlessly. I tried to build it yesterday with an old disk for the soundcard & the driver blue screened it. That definitely upset the cart. Today I've used the correct driver & it's fine. It really is a palpable step up from the beta versions in terms of speed & feel and let's face it, the beta's weren't bad at all.

I think ms may be getting it right, we'll see.

[Keef]

I'm very impressed with the Win 7 Beta that I've been running. I've got it set up how I like it.

Tell me: can I just install the RC1 over the top of that, or do I have to start again?

[preduk]

Keef,

You might be able to just upgrade to it, not 100% sure but its possible.

I'm looking forward to Windows 7.

[Sprogget]

It does give the upgrade option on setup, from what though, I'm not sure.

[green granite]

can I just install the RC1 over the top of that, or do I have to start again?
Today 08:03

They would rather you didn't: Engineering Windows 7 : Delivering a quality upgrade experience

[Sprogget]

Would something like Acronis not do for settings? I only use it for rebuilds when Vista is naughty, so I don't explore it too much in truth.

[taxydual]

There is a cunning plan for installation

Hack to Upgrade Windows 7 From Beta or Pre-RC to RC (70xx to 71xx) Version Directly My Digital Life

I've tried it. It works.

[green granite]

Bare in mind that the entire install process is sent back to MS in the form of telemetry data so they will know exactly what you have done.

[WALSue]

Using it here too, and also had trouble with the soundcard. Now using the onboard sound - ho hum, I'm sure that'll be sorted at some point.
Liking it so far despite it taking a while to warm its valves up.

[Sprogget]

Which soundcard? Mine is an xfi extreme audio, which now works faultlessly except on live tv, wher it loses two out of the four speakers.

[WALSue]

Its a M-Audio Audiophile 2496
Doesn't find it at all. I imagine something will crop up eventually for it

[taxydual]

Download the Vista driver.

M-AUDIO - Drivers and Software Search

Works for me.

[WALSue]

thanks

[One Outsider]

How would those of you who have had their hands on Windows 7 rate it's performance on a standard spec'ed netbook?

[Keef]

I've not tried it on a Netbook, but on my desktop it's about twice as fast as XP Pro, if that's any help.