Windows 7 RC Shutdown Starts Next Month
The clock is ticking!
Users still toying with the Release Candidate (build 7100) of Windows 7--unleashed back in May 2009—will begin to see bi-hourly shutdowns beginning March 1. This means that Microsoft's free pre-release will suggest that users upgrade to a retail version, and then automatically shut down the PC every two hours. Let's face it: although the ride was fun, it's now time to pay the cab fare.
Of course, there will be many users trying to hold on until the very last second. That's ok—the software police won't drag you away in handcuffs. Instead, Microsoft will make the Windows 7 experience even more unpleasant (as if shutting down every two hours wasn't bad enough).
According to Ars Technica, June 1 will trigger a "non-genuine experience," thus revoking your Windows 7 license to drive, and removing your favorite wallpaper by replacing the backdrop with the message "This copy of Windows is not genuine" plastered at the lower right corner of the desktop.
Users of the Windows 7 RC will begin to see a kindly reminder starting February 15, letting you know on a daily basis that it's time to pull out the big bucks for the retail version. For consumers who still want to catch a free ride on the Windows 7 express, it's unofficially recommended to locate and install the Windows 7 RTM (build 7600) which was unleashed unto RC users in October 2009.
from XP to win7? TOTALLY worth it. I'm saving up for some hardware so I can get the oem version.
Every two hours.
Never take it online? Oh the horror!
Actually, this will automatically trigger a non-genuine installation flag on unactivated installations. They don't let you off that easy.
Very clear, yeap. Though I thought we had until June or something.
Some online retailers like Aria can sell the full retail version from around £75.
For god sake, stop being so goddam cheap, stick your hand in your pocket for once every 8 years or so and buy something.