Windows 7 Release Candidate available for download!
Hi Friends,
It´s with great happiness that I share with you, as break news, that Microsoft announced the release of the RC build of Windows 7 for download! This is a moment expected by many professionals and enthusiasts, who already test and use this new OS of Microsoft. The mainly change of this release is the solved of many bugs, including driver incompatibility.
So, let´s talk a little more about this new build of Windows 7, and some tips for those that already use it.
General Information and Download
From today (April 30th), Windows 7 RC is available for download in 32-bits (2.47GB Aprox.) and 64-bits (3.2GB Aprox.) versions. Professionals who has the Technet/MSDN Subscriptions or are registered as beta testers in Microsoft Connect site can already download the images and start to use it! For professionals who don´t have a subscription and aren´t registered in the beta program, Microsoft will provide the download of images in May 5th, in Microsoft Download Center site (http://www.microsoft.com/downloads/).
An important note about this new build is about the Product Key: the PID used in Beta 1 of Windows 7 WON´T WORK in this new build. So, you must request new PIDs to install Windows 7.
In this build, we will still work only with the Ultimate edition. Only in July Microsoft should define the features of each edition and starts the regionalization of this version.
Windows 7 RC will expire in two phases. At March 1st 2010, the machine will start to reboot every two hours of use. At June 1st 2010, the system will stop completely. Since RCs always expire after the release of the final version (RTM), we can see that Microsoft maintain its schedule, which projects the release of Windows 7 to market in the ending of 2009/beginning of 2010.
OS Upgrade
Windows 7 RC allows the upgrade from Windows Vista to this new build. Users of Windows 7 Beta 1 must execute a clean installation to install the Release Candidate performing a boot from the DVD of from the OS.
ATTENTION WINDOWS XP USERS: Because many changes in the architecture made through the Beta 1 period, Windows 7 RC DON´T SUPPORT UPGRADE OF WINDOWS XP CLIENTS! Users who wish to upgrade from XP to 7 must perform a clean installation. Another way available is to upgrade Windows XP to Vista, then upgrade Vista to 7.
If you have files and setting in previous versions of Windows and want to transfer these to Windows 7, Microsoft provides a complete set of tools and guidances in Windows site (http://www.microsoft.com/windows/). Also, inside the DVD is available the Windows Easy Transfer software, tool which allow you to migrate files and settings.
Reporting Bugs
Windows 7 has improved, but there is still a long way to go. Bugs and Feedbacks should be reported to Microsoft, so they can improve this new OS. To send feedbacks, professionals must perform the Feedback Wizard by executing this command at Search box (or Run box):
Rundll32.exe FeedbackTool.dll ShowWizard
The Send Feedback links that appear in all windows of Beta 1 release (Figure below) are gone.
Since we´re now at Release Candidate phase, all features that Windows 7 will ship are defined. It means that the next step is to tune this features, removing the small bugs. Microsoft are looking for feedbacks that report:
- Problems that blocks the install/upgrade of Windows
- Problems that results in data loss
- Security Issues
- Features that works in Beta 1 and aren´t working now
- Application and Drivers incompatibility
- System crashes that may be reproduced
I submitted some feedbacks to Microsoft related to drivers and applications, and they returned after some days. That´s why you should continue to collaborate in the development of a better Windows for you and your daily tasks as a professional.
Conclusion (Well, ti´s only the beginning indeed…)
For more information about Windows 7, visit the site: http://www.microsoft.com/windows. For technical resources and guides, visit the Springboard site: http://www.microsoft.com/springboard/.
Well, that´s it! Now it´s time to you download the images and starts the diversion! This is an excellent opportunity to learn more about Windows 7.
Regards,
Herleson Pontes
MVP | MCT | MCITP | MCTS | MCP | MOS
Culminis Speaker Member - Brazil
Writer of SQL Magazine, WebMobile and .net Magazine
Site: http://www.herlesonpontes.com.br/
SQLBrasil Group Leader: http://www.sqlbrasil.com/