12 things you need to know before installing Windows 7 Release Candidate
Today’s the big day. Windows 7 RC will finally be publicly released by Microsoft. Remember, Microsoft has said that it will provide an unlimited number of downloads this time, but they will only be providing it until June 30th. Beta keys will still work with the RC and you can download the RC here. Always remember to backup your important files onto an external source!
But before you download and install Windows 7 RC, here are 12 very important things you should know beforehand:
12. You’re probably not going to get it on May 5th
As we saw with the public release of Windows 7 Beta, Microsoft’s servers crumbled from the traffic generated to their site. The same happened with the Technet/MSDN subscriber-only release of the RC. They even sent an email out with this phrase bolded:
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.
Still think Microsoft is going to try their best to keep their servers up tomorrow? If you’re fast enough, you might be able to access the download. If not, luckily you have some alternatives:
- Wait a day or two until the server errors are over. You have until June 30th to download the RC.
- Download the image from P2P networks. Make sure your image contains the right hashes before installing. Be careful since some images may contain malware or be virus-infected.
11. What the changes are:
Everyone always asks what the changes are. Microsoft has listed 64 changes from the Beta RC here, here, and here. If you want the short version, here’s a quick list of the most significant changes:
- Improved Taskbar: Can now fit 24-39% more icons depending on your resolution, opened apps stand out more, smaller jumplists, and items that need your attention now blink faster.
- UAC vulnerability fix: Every time the level of UAC is changed, you will be prompted for confirmation.
- Stream your music library over the Internet in Windows Media Player: This feature would be great if easier to use. To access it, go to Library in WMP and click on Stream in the breadcrumb. It is a lengthy process but the instructions given should get you where you want.
- Turn Windows features on or off: Yes you can finally “uninstall” IE8 or other “unnecessary” Windows features. Read about it here
- Improved Driver Support: Didn’t download the beta because of all those hardware incompatibility stories you’ve heard? It’s still not perfect in the RC but a lot has improved since the Beta. It’s worth a try.
- Insane wallpapers, new themes and sound schemes: If you love customization, Windows 7 RC will satisfy your tastes. There are a lot more goodies added for you to customize to your liking in the RC.
10. You DON’T have to burn a DVD or create a bootable flash disk to install Windows 7
Most users won’t have to burn a single DVD to install Windows 7 RC. You’d have to burn a DVD if you want to install a 64-bit edition of Windows 7 and you’re running a 32-bit edition of Windows or vice versa
Since Windows Vista, you can now install Windows even after already booting up into your OS. After you have downloaded the .iso image file, instead of burning it, simply download an archiver program such as WinRAR, extract the contents to a folder, and run Setup. And yes, you can install Windows 7 on the same volume as your existing OS.
Bonus Tip: If you want to install now and backup later, choose Custom Installation instead of Upgrade Installation during the setup wizard. Windows will store all the contents of your C Drive in a folder named Windows.old once Windows 7 is installed.
9. Upgrade installs from the Beta won’t work
Microsoft has stated that they’d prefer users to either do a clean install or do an upgrade install from Vista to help them evaluate how they can support the most real world scenarios possible. Unless you’re running Windows Vista or Windows 7 Build 7077, you won’t be able to perform an upgrade install. To help with Microsoft’s testing process, I would recommend testers to help MS out on this one and go for a clean install or Vista upgrade.
8. How to do a build-to-build upgrade installation anyway
Microsoft realized not too many users would be happy if they made everything impossible so they have provided a workaround for users to still perform an upgrade installation for Windows 7 Beta. The workaround is very simple. Simply extract the image, browse to the sources folder, and open cversion.ini. Then edit the MinClient value to 7000.
7. How to create a separate partition for your Windows 7 Beta installation:
Running Windows 7 Setup in Windows XP or Vista will not allow you to access the Disk Management options during the setup wizard. Instead, you would have to do this manually.If you plan to resize partitions, I highly advise you to backup your files.
If you are running Windows Vista or 7, open up your Start Menu, type Disk Management and push Enter. Right click any area of Unallocated Space and create a New Simple Volume. From there, complete the wizard to create your new volume. Once created, make sure that it is a Primary Partition. Now you’re all set and good to go with the installation.
If you are running Windows XP or you’re having problems dealing with parititions in Windows Vista, you can download the EASEUS Partition Manager. EPM is only compatible with Windows XP and Vista. The process for creating a new partition with EPM is the exact same as above, except that you must select to create a Primary partition as shown below:
6. You can run Windows 7 under VMWare or Virtual PC instead of doing a full-fledged install
If you just want to briefly check out the RC, you may want to consider the option. However, you won’t be able to fully take advantage of all the features of a full installation such as the Aero Interface. Also keep in mind that Virtual environments are incapable of running hardware intensive apps such as games.
In Layman’s terms, running Windows 7 under a virtual environment is like running an Operating System (OS) inside an OS, so you don’t have to worry about putting your actual computer at risk. You can start by downloading Virtual PC here for free. For further instructions please check out the tutorial here. (The tutorial is for running XP in Vista, but works for Windows 7 too. Just select Windows Vista at the OS Menu. When your mouse is in the Virtual PC area, press Right-Alt to drag your mouse back onto the screen of your current OS.)
5. How to properly burn an ISO to your DVD
If you still want to burn the image onto a DVD, make sure it is done properly. I know a few people that actually just took the ISO file and burned the exact file directly onto the DVD. That’s not the way to do it. The DVD should show the ISO image’s contents (not just one .ISO file) once you have burned it. I recommend using ImgBurn, which is a free and easy tool for burning ISOs.
Your DVD contents should look this after you've burned it
4. Don’t take out those driver CDs yet…
Windows 7 contains updated hardware drivers so chances are you won’t need to install a single driver if your hardware isn’t as old as Zeus. Once you’ve got Windows 7 installed and running, perform a Windows Update and Windows should download the necessary drivers.
If you run into any incompatibility problems, then you may want to install the Vista driver instead. You can find it on the manufacturer’s website. Once you’ve downloaded the driver, if you run into compatibility problems, you may have to run the setup file in Vista compatibility mode for it to work. Consult this guide for more help if needed.
You may have to install the Vista drivers in compatibility mode
3. What Startup Repair is and how to get to it
Startup problems are probably the #1 cause of headaches when installing OSes. Usually OS entries don’t show up because you’ve installed the OSes in the wrong order. They should be installed from oldest to newest to ensure that the newest bootloader is used. If you’ve made a mistake, the Windows 7 and Vista installation CDs have a Startup Repair option you can use. Boot up with the DVD as you would during installation, but click on Repair your Computer in the lower left hand corner and choose Startup Repair. Usually setup will detect you have an error before you even click on Startup Repair and automatically fix it for you.
2. What Windows XP Mode (XPM) is and how to use it
Windows XP Mode (XPM) allows you to run your Windows XP apps in a virtual environment alongside your Windows 7 apps in the same desktop. It was designed by Microsoft to ease the transition from XP to Windows 7, particularly for small businesses that are reliant on their legacy apps. XPM was designed for small businesses, but no testing experience is complete without trying out everything.
Windows XP Mode is a separate download and will be released on the same date of the RC release.
Using it is extremely easy. Take a look at our XPM Screenshot Tour for a walkthrough of setting it up and getting it running. If you prefer video, you can watch a video walkthrough here too.
1. Windows 7 Release Candidate is free for a year
Windows 7 Release Candidate will expire on June 1st, 2010. Do note however, that you really only want to use it until March 1, 2010, since Windows 7 will start shutting down on you every two hours from that date.
Now that you know all that is needed, will you be installing Windows 7 RC? What are you most looking forward to trying out? If you have any questions, be sure to ask them in our forums or in the comments.
If you liked the article, please feel free to Digg it.
Related posts:
Tags: download windows 7 rc, installing windows 7 rc, windows 7, windows 7 RC, windows 7 RC download, windows 7 release candidate
To discuss this topic, head on over to our forums!
74 Responses to “12 things you need to know before installing Windows 7 Release Candidate”
Leave a Reply
To discuss this topic, head on over to our forums!
Loading ...
I’m all set to dual-boot Windows 7 RC alongside my current Vista installation. Bring on May the 5th (well, probably longer actually if the Beta release is anything to go by – at least MS isn’t limiting the amount of downloads this time!)…
PLZ…can anyone give me windows 7 RC…
i hav got a product key but do not hav softwares…i m bit late in downloading ….so PLZ plz…help me in getting one.
do mail me at ede20720@cst.edu.bt
looking for the response,thank you!
Today is May 4. This article suggests that “today is the day” Are we going to see an early posting of the public download link? Either way it will be great. Just a bit curious….
I’ve fixed it, wrote this at 2AM this morning, thanks.
One problem with this article. Its only the 4th of may so The RC will not be available today but it will be available tomorrow.
The blog’s been going bananas today, sorry to all those who couldn’t comment or ask questions here. Comments are open now.
The build I torrented as 7100 should still be the same build right? Same md5 checksums and everything. However my exp date is still March 2010. Is the June 2010 date not shown but implied since Windows 7 will go into that self nuking mode after March?
Btw, posting this from Kubuntu 9.04 running from a pen drive. I know…it’s a betrayal right? But I do prefer Windows, I don’t have to use command line at all in Windows.
Expiry date technically is June 10. After March, your computer will shut down every 2 hours until June, where RC is set to “expire.” MS isn’t too clear on what that actually means.
But in my eyes, it expires on March, because who’s going to use an OS that shuts down every 2 hours?
That’s a bad idea actually, since it’s THREE MONTHS before it expires, so just use shutdown -a
Imagine that…
Still not released!.
Its May 5.
Not May 5 in EST yet. Usually MS is CST, and I’m not sure if they will release it at night. They’ll probably release it when a lot of people are at work so the load won’t be crazy
Well, i’m not gonna go for any work. lol
What do you mean? Download is up now btw
could anyone provide some more info on installing win7 on the same volume. Will i be able to go back to Vista easily?
I’ve downloaded the 32-bit and 64-bit versions just an hour ago 12:30AM May 5th. Going to try and install the 64-bit straight from the .iso file using WinRar onto my existing Vista 32-bit(dual booting right now with Win 7 Beta as my primary since the day it was released…very few problems whatsoever). I’ll let you know how it goes.
the activation key is available here :
http://bloggermaniacs.com/tech-news/windows-7-product-keys-for-release-candidate-rc-activation
If I download the Windows 7 RC and have 7 as my only OS (through reformatting), can I downgrade back to Vista in March 2010 with my Vista upgrade CD? (It has the OS 32 bit software on it) I figure I can if I just reformat then too right?
I have no idea actually. If you really want to know I would suggest trying it out in a virtualiazed environment but I think it’d take too long to be worth the result.
I’d say back up and revert. Why not dual boot? And more importantly, why are you going back to Vista?!
Yeah windows 7 was my escape from Vista and I just can’t imagine reverting. I have to buy 7 (as I wish to help out the US economy xD). But using KDE4 on a USB drive showed me some similarities in the Kubunti taskbar compared to 7 but I still prefer windows 7. Linux is just a hobby.
Hello,
Thanks for posting this valuable know-how.
I am currently on Vista and I plan to upgrade to Windows 7 RC. Is it possible to rollback to Vista, say in March 2010?
Thank you!
For those of you wanting to roll back, reminder that downgrading would be the equivalent to reformatting in this scenario. Upgrading would also require a reformat since you cannot upgrade from an RC version with a Windows 7 upgrade disc. So your best bet is to back up all your important stuff.
I am running beta build 7048 right now, if i do the MinClient thing and upgrade, is my \C partition the only one who gets changed?
And do my for example antivirus program (ESET NOD32) go away?
Or does it only upgrade it and everything runs fine directly?
Please reply to this.
W7<3
Downloaded RC last night, burned iso, and installed 32 bit on a clean partition next to XP pro. After reboot, the dual boot option appears, giving me option to start Win 7 or Old windows. When I invoke Win 7 for it to complete the install, it hangs up. Black screen, with “windows 7 eveluation copy build 7100″ appearing on lower right corner. Tried 3 times to restart, no luck. This is on a Dell E520, C2d E6300 cpu, 3gb RAM, Nvidia 7900Gs 256m gpu. POS!
Hi, Im trying to upgrade my Vista SP1 to 7 RC. However, it states I have to uninstall “Altiris/Software Virtualization” or something like that first. I’ve searched high and low but made sure the file was gone already. But it still has the same message. Is there anyway I can bypass this?
Quote: Windows 7 Release Candidate will expire on June 1st, 2010. Do note however, that you really only want to use it until March 1, 2010, since Windows 7 will start shutting down on you every two hours from that date.
That’s ok. Who would want to sit in front of a computer for more than 2 hours anyway?
hilarious. my vista installation ate sh*t a few months back so i’ve been running ubuntu. decided to fresh install both OS’s yesterday. vista took 4 hours and i never got it to boot up. i then decided to install 7 over it and it took under an hour. i didn’t even realize it was the first day for the RC version. runs like vista should’ve. still can’t install some programs that ran on vista and file transfers still are slower than linux. but overall, much better than vista.
do i have to backup when insatlling RC on a seperate partitiion. Im doing what number 7 on this list says which is basically creating “new simple volume” ??
I would advise anyone to always backup their files (and make sure you have reinstallation media, as a form of backup for your programs) before installing Windows 7, even if it’s on a separate partition. Not that it’s an unstable OS – I’m on it right now (I also installed it to a new partition, but using GParted – it worked like a dream on my Dell Inspiron 15 laptop!), and I can only remember one crash (which I haven’t suffered again since).
I would recommend you to back up but when it comes to computers I tend to be the risk-taker and not backup.
So yes you should, I guess that should have made #13
not for me!!
goit in cm runing got new wallapers now and sounds scehems copied them over to megauplaod ad tahst ti for me lol!
I have made a DVD of windows 7 and I have seen that it says in boot “cannot boot from CD code 5″.Shoud I do It by my OS?(windows vista)Or I should try to make it bootable?Please raply on that!I burned with powerISO.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Did you download the ISO file via the official Microsoft website and with the download manager which they intend that you use (as opposed to a direct link to the file – even if it is on Microsoft, those links are known to sometimes give you corrupted files – or a torrent, which we know can be dodgey sometimes)? If so, are you sure that the DVD you’re attempting to boot from is clean (and that your DVD drive is, for that matter)?
Yes.That’s why Vista DVD was fully bootable.Is there any other suggestion?
If this DVD won’t boot and others will, all I can suggest is that you try re-burning the Windows 7 ISO image to a different DVD. Failing this, the only other option I can think of is upgrading Vista rather than doing a clean install. (This is assuming the DVD will load fine from within Windows – is it only booting that you are having trouble with?)
There’s one other possibility that I forgot about when writing that last post – even though you downloaded the ISO in the correct way from Microsoft, were there any unexpected pauses/problems/etc during the downloading process (ie anything that could have caused a corrupted download)?
MMM..Windows 7 SUCKS to much money involed for a worthless OS that going to be hacked ,tweaked and keygens so what does M$ think their doing what they go for open source.People are going to buy, or steal it from a torrent so in long run M$ will be losing money. So go OPEN Source people more go to free(ubuntu) or paid(suse and red hat) distros M$ will be Losing. Linux has come a long way since its start.Linux has made big improvments in certain drivers which is branded GATES. I think Linux/UBUNTU jaunty is why better then MSW 7. Compiz rocks in the graphic dept. windows only has areo which is dull and boring
Yes but I cannot play computer games on that.It is realy uselesss for a gamer or someone tht plays games.
This site says:Most users won’t have to burn a single DVD to install Windows 7 RC. You’d have to burn a DVD if you want to install a 64-bit edition of Windows 7 and you’re running a 32-bit edition of Windows or vice versa
Since Windows Vista, you can now install Windows even after already booting up into your OS. After you have downloaded the .iso image file, instead of burning it, simply download an archiver program such as WinRAR, extract the contents to a folder, and run Setup. And yes, you can install Windows 7 on the same volume as your existing OS.
Bonus Tip: If you want to install now and backup later, choose Custom Installation instead of Upgrade Installation during the setup wizard. Windows will store all the contents of your C Drive in a folder named Windows.old once Windows 7 is installed.
Look I want to have Windows 7 BUT I WANT TO DO IT THIS WAY NOW.IS THIS WAY SAFE?cAN ANYBODY HEAR ME?
I MEAN THAT I WANT INSTALLATION FROM WINDOWS VISTA 32BIT TO WINDOWS 7 32BIT IN THIS WAY.IS THAT SAFE?
completely. just back up your data. Windows puts all your data from the current partition into a windows.old folder so you don’t have to backup, but I wouldn’t risk it
I played with the RC and got better. I still use Windows Vista and unless the computer which I use dies after Windows 7 then maybe I will get Windows 7 but at this moment I will not spend tons of monies just to get it. I am pleased of what I have atm.
hello every one！我在学到了很多！谢谢，你们！and “AL”
no problem, hope you keep coming =)
thank you！
[...] In efforts to encourage users to do a clean install, Microsoft has removed the ability to do an upgrade install from Beta (Build 7000) to the RC. However, we’ve written on a solution along with a collection of tips that will help ease the installation process of the RC. Be sure to check that out here. [...]
[...] In efforts to encourage users to do a clean install, Microsoft has removed the ability to do an upgrade install from Beta (Build 7000) to the RC. However, we’ve written on a solution along with a collection of tips that will help ease the installation process of the RC. Be sure to check that out here. [...]
[...] In efforts to encourage users to do a clean install, Microsoft has removed the ability to do an upgrade install from Beta (Build 7000) to the RC. However, we’ve written on a solution along with a collection of tips that will help ease the installation process of the RC. Be sure to check that out here. [...]
dgsdgsdg
jesper hvidtyfeld
So do you need any operating systems to install this? Could you just burn it onto a DVD, and then use that CD as if you were reformatting a computer? For example, do I need to have Windows Vista or XP already installed in order to use RC, or can I just reformatt the computer, and use the CD as I would when installing Vista or XP.
Yes, you can just re-format your computer, although if you are going to do this keep in mind that the RC will expire eventually!
[...] If you do install the RC, make sure to check out our article on 12 things you need to know before installing Windows 7 RC. [...]
[...] If you do install the RC, make sure to check out our article on 12 things you need to know before installing Windows 7 RC. [...]
Hey every1. I have found out how to keep an operating system download OK so my windows vista download started to shut down every 2 hours.so then it told me activation code invalid so then i called them and i followed it instructions (its the activate by phone option). and i entered the numbers it told me and then volia i still have the windos vista download and it is now a full version for free
i need to download windows7 7100
hey dudes,
after downloading wind 7 rc, is there any way i can use it after june 10 too???
activation code invalid in windows 7ultmiate .what can i do now please any one told please
check out hazar’s crack for windows 7 ultimate….
activation code invalid
activation code invalid for windows 7 ultimate please anyone answer me
[...] 12 things you need to know before installing Windows 7 Release Candidate Today’s the big day. Windows 7 RC will finally be publicly released by Microsoft. Remember,… [...]
Please, I beg you. Help me with activation key for Microsoft Windows 7 Ultimate. I’ve been sweating over the internet for days now cos my product will expire two days from now. P L E A S E !
since you are sweating a lot, amanze, here’s an advice…
since this is an emergency, use hazar’s crack…
download it from torrent sites
use it…it works real well…
i used it till i got rid of windows 7…
i had done evrythng man can with 7, and now am back to xp n ubundu…
i’m an it geek, so i want my p.c to work hard rather than soft work…
just like i like dirt bikes than ducatis
I have a ducati dirt bike
My windows 7 trial ended yesterday and was wondering if there is anything I should know about installing a pirated version with a crack?
I downloaded the removeWAT program in case the crack doesn’t work, Is that right?
Any advice on using a proper crack would be great! Thanks!
hey thwomp,
actually i re installed win 7 again
i’ve kept a dvd of it…
you don’t need even removewat dude,
turn off auto updates,
then check for updates manually,
install all updates except the ones that checks for illegal activation.
for eg: kb971033 is an update which checks for activation exploits…
DONOT INSTALL it and you’ll be okiz…
been using for a month or so, again
and again, check the description of all updates before you install them…
keep in touch with security updates which are to be release in any hacker’s forums…
tc buddy
Does hazaar’s crack still work?
I don’t think I would know what updates to avoid, other than the one you mentioned.
Thanks for the help.
yes, hazar’s still working..
though be careful that you get the right hazar.
there are many infected files floating around…
check the update description before downloading or installing it…
and obviously switc off auto ups…
as long as u stick to these, you’ll be alright…
http://thepiratebay.org/torrent/5182426/Microsoft_Windows_7_Ultimate_Retail(Final)_x86_and_x64#filelistContainer
That is the file and crack I will be using, I was wondering if it was a little out of date.
Auto updates? How will I know when installing manually?
Thanks for helping me with my noob quesitons
[...] 12 things to know before installing Windows 7 Release Candid [...]
Just want to say your article is striking. The clarity in your post is simply striking and i can take for granted you are an expert on this subject. Well with your permission allow me to grab your rss feed to keep up to date with forthcoming post. Thanks a million and please keep up the ac complished work. Excuse my poor English. English is not my mother tongue.
[...] 12 things you need to know before installing Windows 7 Release Candidate Today’s the big day. Windows 7 RC will finally be publicly released by Microsoft. Remember,… [...]
Hey, i am thinking of getting another motorbike for my husband. He however is very worried around what type of injuries could happen from motor biking accidents. Look his passion is athletics so if he was hurt, he would probably kill himself, no laughs. Does this type of injuries most likley occur, or is it usually only dying!
[...] 12 things you need to know before installing Windows 7 Release Candidate Today’s the big day. Windows 7 RC will finally be publicly released by Microsoft. Remember,… [...]