Time Running Out for Windows 7 RC Users
Time Running Out for Windows 7 RC Users
Posted 02/16/2010 at 5:50am
| by Paul Lilly
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Microsoft's Windows 7 Team sent out an email this morning reminding Windows 7 Release Candidate (RC) users that the free ride is almost over.
"While most people who tested Windows 7 have now moved to the final version, some are still running the Release Candidate. If you haven't moved yet, it's time to replace the RC," the Windows 7 Team wrote.
In case you're fuzzy on the dates, here are the ones to remember:
- March 1, 2010: PC's with Windows 7 RC installed will begin shutting down every two hours. Work will not be saved during these shutdowns
- June 1, 2010: Windows 7 RC fully expires
Once June 1 rolls around, you may continue to use the RC in two hour spurts, but you'll also have to tolerate a solid black background with a persistent message on the desktop, as well as periodic notifications alerting you that your copy is no longer genuine.
The good news (for some of you) is it's tax time, so if you're getting a big refund this year, you can add Windows 7 to the list of annual computer upgrades.
More like this
RichardH
February 27, 2010 at 11:08am
RC Upgrader v5.01 - Lets You Perform An "In-Place" Upgrade Just Like Vista Users! In 4 Easy Steps!
When the RC first came out I read that the RC wouldn't expire until July 1st, 2010 and the shutdown process would start gradually and only increasing to the bi-hourly shut downs in the last week.
Now, Microsoft has announced that it is going to shut down every 2 hours WITHOUT saving your work! Starting March 1. 2010 ... I have been testing on the RC and all their messages imply that the RC will actually expire March 1, 2010. They don't bother mentioning that it will actually run until June 1st, 2010.
If you had XP or Vista installed on your machine prior to the RC, Does Microsoft have to force you to re-install your old operating system, then re-install Windows 7 over it to upgrade? Short answer... NO!
Could Microsoft use the old method of reading your old DVD to validate whether you qualify for an upgrade? and/or for even more verification... prompt you to enter a valid XP or Vista License Key... to check against their DB. Short answer... YES!
I can't fault them for trying to maximize their profits but upgrades are possible.
Check out http://www.w7zone.com for more details!
Nick 01
February 22, 2010 at 2:13am
Just now I attempted to activate my new installation of Windows 7 Home Premium Upgrade to replace my RC version - and guess what? I can't do it. (The OS installed easily in about 20 minutes and works fine.) But I receive an error message: Code 0xC004F061 - and a notice that it is only an upgrade and cannot be installed as a clean install. Wasn't all the necessary information disclosed on this issue? After jumping through the hoops for Microsoft and accepting the offer I received about the upgrade in March - that my RC version would expire shortly and to make a a purchase at a discount price, etc, I can't activate the product. Has anyone else experienced this issue? What the hell do I do now? I hope the guys at MaximumPC read these comments, because we need some help on this. I keep wondering about the others who might be in the same predicament as I am. I certainly am not happy about spending the time testing the OS, the $50 on the upgrade; plus the shipping for something I'll not be able to use.
N.
pastorbob
February 17, 2010 at 9:56am
since two weeks after the release. But I was one of the fortunate ones to get the family 3-pack for $149.00 before they ran out. I've installed it on two machines (my home system and my office system), but my wife is holding out and won't let me update her system. She likes the status quo (she's running XP-SP3) and doesn't want to learn a new O.S. She was the same way with 98 SE and wouldn't let me upgrade her until Microsoft dropped all support. (Sigh) I guess that also explains why we still watch a 34" CRT TV with a standard Hi-Fi audio system connected. :-)
Daemon
February 16, 2010 at 11:37am
IMHO, you beta tested Win7 for nothing... you oughta be getting it free. End of.
bikerbub
February 16, 2010 at 9:13am
we basically tested windows 7 on millions of different hardware configurations so that microsoft didn't have to. Maybe like 10 bucks. Considering microsoft is making like $50 profit (probably, i don't know my numbers) on each copy. any little bit helps.
Paul_Lilly
February 16, 2010 at 11:58am
On the flip side, Microsoft has been pretty generous with Windows 7 overall. Consider the following:
- Both the beta and RC were made available slightly ahead of schedule
- The RC qualifies for 'Upgrade' pricing
- RC users got to continue using the OS hassle free for about 4-5 months after final version shipped
- Some nifty promotions, including the goofy Windows 7 Party (free OS for those who hosted one), Family Pack Pricing (while it lasted), student discounts (Windows 7 Pro for $30? Yes, please!)
Not to mention that Windows 7 is arguably Microsoft's greatest OS to date (XP loyalists would vehemently disagree).
-Paul Lilly
mdkplus
February 17, 2010 at 1:02pm
that Windows 8 Beta would be available before RC time ran out. Of course it will probably be Win 9, as 8 seems to have supersticious connotations in the PC world. On the other hand, 7 denotes perfection and 10 denotes completeness in the Biblical sense. Maybe they will just go from 7 to 10.
calhydro
February 16, 2010 at 6:24am
Is there a standard deduction for software upgrades for non-business users?
42°19'40.80"N, 83° 2'41.62"W
Yusonice
February 16, 2010 at 6:19am
time to use activator, which isn't updated since last year but still works
Paul_Lilly
February 16, 2010 at 6:46am
Nothing related to Microsoft/Windows. This is the time of year when everyone talks about their tax refund and what they're going to buy. Edited for clarity.
-Paul LIlly
nekollx
February 16, 2010 at 9:34am
ironically my Win 7 Enterprise Trial is still good for another 90 days....
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