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Windows 7 RC lock-down? (Updated with Microsoft leak)

Mar. 26, 2009 Paul Thurrott | Paul Thurrott's Supersite for Windows

Has anyone else noticed that the sudden rush of interim Windows 7 builds we experienced over the past month has just as suddenly dried up? Based on conversations I've had with Microsoft officially, and some unofficial conjecture, I'm starting to think that we're now in a Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) information lock-down. That is, I believe that Microsoft is trying to pull an Apple and unveil some secrets--and really surprise people--in the RC build. And instead of handing out builds willy-nilly to its TAP partners, or whoever else had been leaking the several post-builds I installed and evaluated (only some of which I've written about on the site for source protection reasons), Microsoft is holding things close to the vest right now.

At least it appears that way. Over on the ever-verbose Engineering Windows 7 blog, Microsoft executives continue to wax on and on about absolutely nothing new, as if trying to keep our attention away from the fact that they're hiding something ("Look, we 'designed' Aero Snap!" Nothing to see here!). Conspiracy theorists, unite ... Sort of. This is only partially a guess.

That said, I'd really like to see another interim build. :)

 

Update: A number of readers have pointed that Microsoft has (inadvertently?) posted the following page to TechNet today:

Windows 7 Release Candidate

Published:  May 2009

Download instructions

Welcome to Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) testing.  We’re on our way to Windows 7, and the RC is a great opportunity for IT professionals like you to take Windows 7 and begin testing it in your real environment. You get to see what’s coming, and we get to see if our changes and fixes from the Beta testing are working correctly.  We want to encourage you to install and actively test the RC code. This will help us ensure Windows 7 is the best possible release, and help you get ready for Windows 7 deployment.

Here’s what you need to know:

This is pre-release software, so please read the following to get an idea of the risks and key things you need to know before you try the RC.

  • You don’t need to rush to get Windows 7 RC. The RC release will be available at least through June 2009 and we’re not limiting the number of product keys, so you have plenty of time.
  • Watch the calendar. Windows 7 RC will expire on June 1, 2010. So if you install the RC release you’ll either need to upgrade to the final version of Windows 7 before that date, or install a prior version of Windows. (For more about installing Windows, see installation instructions.
  • Protect your PC and data . Be sure to back up your data and please don’t test Windows 7 RC on your primary home or business PC.
  • Technical 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 Springboard Series blog or Windows team blog. Want technical guidance, tips, and tools? Visit the Springboard Series on TechNet.
    And, you can get non-technical news, tips, and offers on the Springboard Series on TechNet
  • Keep your PC updated: Be sure turn on automatic updates in Windows Update in case we publish updates for the RC.
  • Microsoft Partners: Learn more about Windows 7on the Microsoft Partner Portal.

Get the download

The 32- and 64-bit versions of Windows 7 RC are available in five languages: English, German, Japanese, French, and Spanish. (Note: The RC version will not be available in Hindi or Arabic.) Just choose the version that fits the system you'll be using, pick your language, and click go to register for and download the RC.

Downloading the Windows 7 RC could take a few hours. The exact time will depend on your provider, bandwidth, and traffic. The good news is that once you start the download, you won't have to answer any more questions – you can walk away while it finishes. If your download gets interrupted, it will restart where it left off. See this FAQ for details.

Just so we're clear: The RC is not here. And this page will almost certainly disappear.

Discuss this Article 25

kenmcnamee
on Mar 26, 2009
Yes, the torrentsphere has been very, very quiet the last few weeks. It's been exactly 3 months since the beta (build 7000) first leaked and in that time we've seen 7022, 7048 and 7057. Since 7057 there have been many rumors about other builds, lots of fake releases and a dozen or so customizations of 7057. It's been a frustrating time for a Win7 enthusiast because it may be another month before the RC leaks.
deepfry
on Mar 26, 2009
I'm still running the beta but I must say it has been very solid and though I'm only using it for light duty, it has worked quite well. I am really looking forward to the RC, here is hoping it drops early in April!
deepfry
on Mar 26, 2009
Just saw Mary Jo Foley's post on ZDNet about the "accidental" posting of a download page for the RC that is dated May 2009 - so if that is true we have over a month to go until the RC :(
darkmax
on Mar 26, 2009
Yes, I've read on Ars Technica (or was it some other sites) that the RC is slated for end of May. The torrent sites are so quite, you can almost hear the creaking of the wooden ships in Pirate's Bay....
DarkSages
on Mar 26, 2009
"That said, I'd really like to see another interim build. :)" I hate to say this but I think I might feel sad when windows 7 goes gold, I been having fun playing with all previous builds that I don't want it to end :-)
darkmax
on Mar 26, 2009
why can't they give us the RC now.... Grrrr....
subzerohitman721
on Mar 26, 2009
From a lot of what I've read through Ars and elsewhere, I believe the last week of May 2009 will be the drop point for the public RC debut. For those of us who have been enjoying the beta program, it is a bummer to all of a sudden just have the OS and nothing more. However, being lucky enough to obtain build 7057, I believe the RC will be worth the wait. I'm quite satisifed with the stability and quality of build 7057 and how well it works with modern PC's. I'm even more impressed with how well build 7000 is working with XP era machines such as the test unit my brother is working with. Even a friend of mine who has stripped Windows 7 build 7057 to barebones, is liking what has been brewed so far. Keep in mind that our friends on the Mac side are also patiently waiting for SnowLeopard. Yet they have even less information than we do. I have to admit, I'm very curious to see what the guru's of Culpertino are up to. They have some ideas from the Mac websites and other leaks, but us on the Windows 7 side have seen a lot more than they have. So while its a tad frustraiting, at least we've got several builds of the OS to check out while we're waiting. Besides, if MIcrosoft has something up their sleeves, hopefully it will be worth the suspense. Like any good thriller, its the suspense that gets me.
Lindy
on Mar 26, 2009
@subzero....Snow Leopard will be there I am sure. http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/03/26/apple_worldwide_developers...
rjohn05
on Mar 26, 2009
I hope they release a new UI. Otherwise why steal the UI guy from Adobe who created the Lightroom interface and then not incorporate that into Windows 7? I like some of the tweaks they have done with 7 so far but I think they can do a lot more, especially with the window chrome and other interface elements (i.e. scroll bars).
Dipsh t Admin
on Mar 26, 2009
My prediction? RTM in August/September, general availability in November. And before rj gets out of school, these are only my personal predictions, and they could turn out wrong. You see, that's the nature of predictions.
subzerohitman721
on Mar 26, 2009
@Lindy, Thats been in the headlines for awhile now. However, by the time WWDC comes around, Windows 7 RC will be out. However, I can't wait for the keynote. I'll be watching along with everyone else!
Lindy
on Mar 26, 2009
The date for WWDC was just announced today. 7 RC will be two weeks old at that point?? The rumor I read the other day was that Snow Leopard will ship 60 days after WWDC, so probably early August? Either way it will be an interesting comparison. Probably the first time in a while that both MS and Apple have OS release that is pretty close together. If Jobs is really "OK", I bet he will make his re-appearance for this event. If he is a no show, then he is probably not ever going to come back.
subzerohitman721
on Mar 26, 2009
Aye, I'm concerned about Jobs too. I really do hope he shows. But I've read a lot about SnowLeopard being shown off at WWDC for a while now, so its just a formality. Yeah, if everything goes without a hitch the RC will be about two weeks out of the gate. This is a great time for computer users on either side. New refreshed and updated products to unlock things we cannot imagine right now. Very excitiing! I've learned never to count out Steve Jobs. If any guy can make a comeback, its Steve.
DarkSages
on Mar 26, 2009
I really think that Microsfot has something up their sleeve and their ar not sowing it untill apple releases the iPhone and Snow. I also think that apple has something, what I don't know but I love how they are really compeating with each other. I think this will work out great for us consumers.
robertsjoe
on Mar 26, 2009
Time's running out if your prediction that Windows 7 will ship in April is to come to fruition.
robertsjoe
on Mar 26, 2009
Mac are cool. Microsoft says so. http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/165113.asp
robertsjoe
on Mar 26, 2009
Macs safer than PCs. And you don't need to run anti-virus software. http://www.appleinsider.com/articles/09/03/26/pwn2own_contest_winner_mac... Mac users knew this all along. Better OS. Safer. And you don't need to run junk anti-virus, anti-spyware software on it. PC kids, make sure you're anti-virus software is up to date. Then go run a system scan. See you back here in four hours (once it's done).
ByteFlipper
on Mar 26, 2009
@robertsjoe Wow, way to turn a slap-in-the-face into some sort of a win, lol! He basically said Macs are less secure (which is exactly the opposite of what the Apple fanboys were trying to tell us all this time), and said that the reason they were "safer" was because of lack of interest from hackers, due to its low marketshare. So while you are probably more "safe" on a Mac than a PC, it is not for any reason to be proud of. It is purely based on its pathetic marketshare. I know you just came back from a long day of school, but try to understand what is really going on here, it will save us all a lot of time having to explaining this to you. If I were you I'd be more concerned about getting Apple to fix their insecure OS than trying to come here and show us how ignorant you are. Love, ByteFlipper
robertsjoe
on Mar 26, 2009
@byteflipper: what is going on here is that he said he'd recommend Macs over PCs. Now that's nothing to crow about. Users are safer on a Mac. That's something to crow about. And the Microsoft ad affirming that Macs are cool and PCs are not. Microsoft and PCs can't even do an add affirming their product. How sad.
robertsjoe
on Mar 26, 2009
@byteflipper: Do you understand now that Macs just cause less problems for users, are easier to use and simply allows you to get more done? Win win.
robertsjoe
on Mar 26, 2009
I'm surprised there was hardly any mention that they were also able to complete take control of a machine running Windows 7 and IE8. Yep, the future looks the same for Windows. Still as dark and insecure.
robertsjoe
on Mar 26, 2009
Even corporations hate Windows http://images.appleinsider.com/changewave.png
tayme
on Mar 27, 2009
Bobbi Jo must be off the bi-polar meds again. Somebody should let his/her parents know. --tayme
Dipsh t Admin
on Mar 27, 2009
rj, look at this very article and it will tell you what Paul thinks about the April release date of 7. As in, he says it is the RC and that it is coming out in May, as per the documentation. The word prediction seems to have some sort of meaning to you that is different than others. Who's "they" that you mention about being able to take over a machine? How many corporations use a Mac? What's an "add"? Attention Deficit Disorder?
anonymous
on Mar 28, 2009
אחד מעובדי מיקרוסופט פרסם בבלוג שלו פוסט בנושא גאדג’טים בחלונות 7 (אל תטרחו, זה בסינית) , ועם הפוסט הוא

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