Windows 7 RC goes live. Your feedback!

[DAE_JA_VOO]

This is no longer a beta guys, this is essentially the finished OS, which is why I thought a new thread would be appropriate. Let me know if I'm silly

The wait is over folks, Microsoft has published the download page for the Windows 7 RC. As we noted earlier, the download was scheduled to launch tomorrow and was to be available worldwide. Coming straight from the download page, here are Microsoft's notes for the release candidate:

• You don't need to rush to get the RC. The RC will be available at least through July 2009 and we're not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time.
• Watch the calendar. The RC will expire on June 1, 2010. Starting on March 1, 2010, your PC will begin shutting down every two hours. Windows will notify you two weeks before the bi-hourly shutdowns start. To avoid interruption, you'll need to install a non-expired version of Windows before March 1, 2010. You'll also need to install the programs and data that you want to use. (Learn more about installing Windows.)
• Protect your PC and data. Be sure to back up your data and please don't test the RC on your primary home or business PC.
• Tech details/updates: Before installing the RC, please read the Release Notes and Things to Know for important information about the release.
• Keep up with the news. You can keep up with general technical information and news by following the team blog. And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers by subscribing to the monthly Exploring Windows newsletter.
• Keep your PC updated: Be sure to turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the RC.
• Installation: You can install the Windows 7 RC on a PC running Windows Vista without backing up the PC—but we encourage you to make a backup for safe keeping. If you're running Windows XP or the Windows 7 Beta, you'll need to backup your data, then do a clean installation of the RC, then reinstall your applications and restore your data. If you need to do a backup, please see How to back up your PC for more details and a suggestion for how to backup a PC running Windows 7 Beta or Windows Vista.

So without further a-do folks, click here to go to Microsoft's download center and download the Windows 7 RC. Microsoft has also launched the Technet download which you can find here. On a side note, it appears as if you will be issued a new product key for the RC. It is most likely going to give you the extended time for using the RC if you have downloaded from another source. Installation instructions can be found here.

If you're wondering what has changed from the beta release to the RC, click here to read our guide. Is your system up-to-par for Windows 7? Microsoft has confirmed new system requirements for Windows 7, click here for more information.

Exclusive: Windows 7 RC download goes live

Looks like a 3GB download (for 64 bit, at least). Anyone willing to hook me up with a copy?

[UrBaN]

I'm downloading as we speak, I can post you a copy

[Firestrm_ZA]

my DL keeps dying... sigh....

UrBaN, ill need a copy too

[Stuart]

erm, not to be pedantic or anything, but why do we need a new thread for this? can't we just continue the discussion in the existing thread?

[DAE_JA_VOO]

erm, not to be pedantic or anything, but why do we need a new thread for this? can't we just continue the discussion in the existing thread?

That's why I said, if I'm being silly tell me

But, i started a new thread because the last thread is all about the beta. If we change that to the RC thread, any newbie that needs help with RC will go hunting for solutions through 30 pages of beta talk.

I'm downloading as we speak, I can post you a copy

Aah dude, I love you! Thanks man

[Stuart]

erm, not to be pedantic or anything, but why do we need a new thread for this? can't we just continue the discussion in the existing thread?

That's why I said, if I'm being silly tell me

But, i started a new thread because the last thread is all about the beta. If we change that to the RC thread, any newbie that needs help with RC will go hunting for solutions through 30 pages of beta talk.

i blame my lack of noticing that on the four pynstops, two synaps, and the horde of polka dot dragons currently circling my head.

i don't have a particular problem with a new thread, but i think one of them should be locked so that we don't have discussion about the rc going on in both threads at the same time. because we started discussing the rc in the beta thread yesterday.

anyway, i just noticed that windows media player no longer minimises with to your taskbar as it did in xp/vista. i actually used that feature quite a lot. would appreciate it if anyone can point me to an app that does that. i want a play/pause button on the taskbar so i don't have to keep alt-tabbing when i need to play/pause a track. i use that feature at work, so it's really beneficial to me.

[Friggs]

The latest nvidia Beta drivers for Windows 7 x64 can be found right here.

Using the RC a my primary OS and quite happy.

[Stuart]

okay, looks like it can be done with a little bit of tweaking. i hate it when "upgrades" remove useful features.

[Stuart]

okay, epic fail for that link!

[DarkRanger]

32 bit DONE.

64 bit 30 minutes from finishing.

Had speeds of up to 550KB/s. Not bad...

Currently going at an average of 300KB/s.

Let me know if anyone wants.

EDIT: Ett, meet me somewhere tomorrow and I'll give you a copy.

[DarkStar]

I would love a 32-bit copy, but I kinda spent all my money on FRAG .

*hint hint*

[maxxis]

Would love a copy of 64bit and 32bit please

DarkRanger you are in Centurion or PTA right?

[DarkRanger]

In PTA. (Near Irene Village Mall) Come to think of it, it's actually across the R21 from Centurion.

Orders so far:

Maxxis - 32 & 64 - Pickup?
Darkstar - 32 - Pickup?
DJV - 32/64? - Meet

Any others?

PS: Both versions downloaded!

[Anakha56]

Anyone care to mail me a copy? Or if someone in Durbz has it already could I get it from you?

[DarkRanger]

I can mail it to you if you don't come right by tomorrow.

Which version would you like?

[Anakha56]

64bit .

Will pm you with addy.

Many Thanks!

BTW I am on 12% for my download that I started but I need the cap for other things .



Although it looks like it will be finished soonish, buy 3 gb more from Telkom . Will let you know if I fail .

[DarkRanger]

cool

[DarkStar]

In PTA. (Near Irene Village Mall) Come to think of it, it's actually across the R21 from Centurion.

Orders so far:

Maxxis - 32 & 64 - Pickup?
Darkstar - 32 - Pickup?
DJV - 32/64? - Meet

Any others?

PS: Both versions downloaded!

DOn't think that's possible, I'm in PMB =P
Unless you're in PMB, then pickup is possible.

[DarkRanger]

in that case.. YOU LOSE!!

[justinufo]

Local link anyone?If there is one or going to be or a jozi cat that can hook me up with a copy.Pweez.

[Anakha56]

So my 64bit has finished d/l'ing or will be in 5 minutes, if anyone wants a copy in KZN let me know.

[TheModDoctor]

I would also like a copy of 32/64 bit. Would probably need to mail it to me (Hartbeespoort/Brits area).

[Mr_Norris]

Hi Ppl...

Thought I'd put in my 2cents.

Installed the 64 bit version on my lappie.

I have 2 gripes (which are fairly minor):

1) In Vista when I click on the Battery icon in the task bar to select a power plan, it gives me 3 options. Balanced, High Performance and Power Saver. I only switch between High Performance and Power Saver. In 7, it gives two options. Either High performance and Balanced, or Power Saver and Balanced. To change from the one I'm using, I have to open up 'More Power Options'.

2) Installing. I formatted my lappie. 7 Wouldn't install (got stuck at 'expanding files'). Then Vista wouldn't install. Had to zero my drive, install Vista 64, then upgrade to 7.

Even with those 2 minor gripes, 7 is awesome!

I've only used one build before this (7068, 32 bit) and I've been loving it since!

[DAE_JA_VOO]

DR, you're my hero dude!! I'm busy for pretty much the whole day tomorrow, but what about Thursday? We can meet up, would be awesome to see you again

[Stuart]

as a matter of interest, anyone running outpost on win7? i tried, but i kept getting BSODs during installation, so i gave up. haven't tried on the rc yet; it was the beta that was giving me headaches