Windows 7 release candidate, free download

[haven]

Here's the link to download the Windows 7 Release Candidate software.
This is very close to being the final version of System 7. I have had no
difficulty running earlier versions of System 7 on my netbook hardware,
so I foresee no difficulty installing this version.

Microsoft's download page is here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windows-7/download.aspx

The download will be available until August 20. To make sure you
eventually purchase the final version of System 7, the Release Candidate
software will reboot every 2 hours starting March 1, 2010. The
Release Candidate software will stop working altogether on June 1, 2010.

Chip Haven

 

[Corey]

Question on this.
I have an old PC I no longer use that has XP Pro on it.
Can this Windows 7 be installed through Windows to go over it?

I read the part about having the antivirus up to date then turning it off during the install.
I can update the dat files to AVG since I have not fired up that PC in awhile.

 

[pcampbell]

Corey,

It won't install "over" XP, as in an upgrade.

I've been running the RC for several months now on both a laptop and on a desktop that I use for Media Center. It's 1000% better than Vista, at least as stable as XP (really probably more so), is very efficient with CPU and memory resources, installs quickly, and even visually looks better (color saturation, brightness, etc). So far, it has run everything I've put on it without issue. M$ actually may have gotten it right this time.

I don't normally recommend any M$ stuff, but this is really good enough to promote for a change!

 

[Corey]

Thanks, I have been reading about it in CPU magazine.
They did say that on way old machines that balked at running Vista or even XP, Windows 7 runs great.

My main PC I built two Xmas's ago I will stick with XP Pro on it.
My Dell Inspiron 1720 has Vista, it works OK.

But I may try this on my old tower to see how it works, then my next PC I build in a few years I will more than likely put 7 on it.

 

[Layonnn]

M$ actually may have gotten it right this time.

:wings:

 

[will]

It won't install "over" XP, as in an upgrade.

Technically, there is no direct in-place upgrade from XP to 7. Most cases you will need to install Windows 7 'cleanly', meaning that you have the following options:

1. Format your current hard drive with XP on it, and install Windows 7.

2. Install 7 in it's own partition or separate physical hard drive - and dual-boot between XP and 7.

3. Upgrade XP to Vista, then upgrade Vista to 7.

 

[pcampbell]

Will,

I have installed it both on an XP machine and on a Vista machine but my memory fades quickly these days...one of them gave the option to save the current profile/data to a folder which could be accessed after the W7 install. Do you remember which? It may have been the XP install. I didn't chose to do it so I can't remember. All of my installs ended up being a clean format.

To clarify for everyone, that data is just stuck into a folder and you can browse to it, but that's about it. It's not integrated into the new install as in you keep your programs and data in the normal accessible places. None of the programs would work any longer unless you reinstall them and the files (my documents, pictures, etc) are all copied to the folder and only exist there unless you copy them somewhere else.

 

[will]

Hey pcampbell,

I hope I didn't come off as being too pedantic. Just trying to be clear for others.

My memory's bad too as I've done that type of install too just to see what happens. If I recall correctly, I think it was XP that you could save data off to a folder or USB drive.

I'm with you, I always end up doing a clean format and install.

 

[ksj]

In case anyone is thinking of going this route, Windows 7 RTM bits will be available on Technet and MSDN starting Aug 6, 2009. You need a subscription to one of them to get it though...

 

[JessicaD]

Pcampbell,

Thank you for evaluating Windows 7 and it's great to hear that you are enjoying your experience so much! If you are planning on purchasing Windows 7 when it is released it may be helpful to know you don't have to wait until October to reserve your copy of Win 7! You can pre-order your copy of Windows 7 Home Premium or Windows 7 Professional today. For more information, see the Windows 7 Pre-Order offer page here: http://tinyurl.com/nldc8p

Jessica
Microsoft Windows Client Team

 

[pcampbell]

Hey pcampbell,
I hope I didn't come off as being too pedantic. Just trying to be clear for others.

No, not at all. Everyone benefits from these discussions. Been in IT long enough to know I don't always make sense and often assume too much when I say things.

--Paul

 

[pcampbell]

Just a quick follow up. For those still confused on Windows 7 upgrade paths should watch this...

TechRepublic Video

Also, here is a link to the User State Migration Tool video mentioned in the TechRepublic video:

User State Migration Tool