Filed under: OS Updates, Windows, Microsoft, Beta, Windows x64
Download the Windows 7 RC from Microsoft now!
by Lee Mathews May 5th 2009 at 12:32AM
At this point, the downloads are still moving along at a good pace (560K/s in my case). Don't forget what happened last time, though. The surge of Beta downloaders proved to be too much for Microsoft's servers and caused downtime and slow transfers for some users.
The good news is that you'll have plenty of time after the initial rush to get your hands on the official DVD ISOs. Microsoft announced yesterday that download links will be available through July 2009.
Both the 32 and 64-bit version are available now in five languages: English, French, German, Spanish, and Japanese. You'll need to sign in with your Windows Live ID and fill out a brief form first, unless you already did so for the Beta. In that case, your previous details should be pre-filled.
Just make sure to uncheck the subscription boxes if you don't want Microsoft bulletins showing up in your inbox. After that you'll be presented with your product key and two buttons - one for your download and one for installation instructions.
And don't forget - as I mentioned on a previous post, there's no need to burn a DVD if you've got USB hard drive handy.
Also worth noting: While the RC won't expire until June 1, 2010 your system will begin shutting down every two hours starting March 1. It's Microsoft's way to "encourage" you to install an RTM version which ought to be out by that time.
Good luck, and happy downloading!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Albert said 12:41AM on 5-05-2009
Here's some good advice for those planning to install the RC tonight. If you're not going to read the list, the most valuable advice to take from this is YOU DONT NEED TO BURN A DVD just to install Windows 7.
12 things you need to know before installing Windows 7 RC:
http://windows7center.com/news/12-things-you-need-to-know-before-installing-windows-7-rc/
Also if the page gets pulled, you can head to Technet to dl the RC:
http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/evalcenter/dd353205.aspx?ITPID=mscomsc
Hope you guys enjoy.
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Name: said 1:11AM on 5-05-2009
I'm getting lots of keys, but no download.
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Name: said 1:28AM on 5-05-2009
64-bit download worked, but not 32-bit.
Jash Sayani said 1:24AM on 5-05-2009
Downloading RC now... BTW, I have a few questions:
1. How do I upgrade from Beta to RC ?? (Need to find a way)
2. Is this RC, build 7100 ? Or another build ?
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Name: said 1:29AM on 5-05-2009
http://www.neowin.net/index.php?act=view&id=54846 says, ". 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."
Matt said 1:34AM on 5-05-2009
Yes this is build 7100. The only way to upgrade from Beta to RC is to reinstall the whole operating sytem.
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typoink said 12:18PM on 5-05-2009
I know MS wants people to do a complete reformat / reinstall, but does it actually force you? The previous test versions WOULD install over the earlier ones and run just fine, it just wasn't the intended path.
Zigg said 2:25AM on 5-05-2009
Long time lurker:
I think it is also note worthy to mention that there is more than one server to download the RC from. I'm downloading both (32 and 64) from the TechNet website. You can also get it from the MSDN website and 2 or more others. That will also help keep down congestion. . . I think/hope.
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Drew Green said 6:52AM on 5-05-2009
BitTorrent anyone?
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Buser said 8:37AM on 5-05-2009
Can't download the 32 bit version. Says its invalid. Way to go MS....
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Level 5 said 9:01AM on 5-05-2009
Given the way this is with Vista I'd be guessing this is a "no", but is it possible to upgrade Vista 32 to Win7 64? I know Vista requires a clean install to go to 64-Bit, but if for some reason Win7 RC1 allows the upgrade I'd be pee my pants excited. And I'll absolutely be getting the gold copy (MSDN license, one of my great joys in life), so no worries about expiration unless the RC can't be upgraded to RTM.
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Jamus said 9:35AM on 5-05-2009
So I guess this is Microsoft's version of a torrent by using the Akamai downloader?
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Jeff said 11:25AM on 5-05-2009
Downloads seem to be working fine, 32bit at 8.1MB/s for me! :-)
Downloaded in 4 minutes!
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darrenryall said 1:58AM on 5-07-2009
cversion.ini under sources, edit the file in Notepad, change Minversion from 7100 to 7000, and it'll let you upgrade from the beta.
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Nitin said 3:25AM on 5-06-2009
Can I install this on the same partition as vista without formatting?
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c.bittis said 5:09PM on 5-10-2009
it will be nice to have it
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