Windows 7 RC Shutdown Starts Next Month

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.

  • buckcm
    I can say it has been a huge difference from XP Pro 64 bit to 7 Ultimate 64 bit in speed and the interface.
    Reply
  • kyeana
    Booo!!!
    Reply
  • matt87_50
    lol, still be more bareable than using a Mac!

    from XP to win7? TOTALLY worth it. I'm saving up for some hardware so I can get the oem version.
    Reply
  • Pei-chen
    By bi-hourly, do you mean twice an hour or every two hour? :)
    Reply
  • LATTEH
    D: i guess i have to go back to XP because i don't have the money to pay for the Win7 os i need 50 more dollars....
    Reply
  • Raishi
    pei-chenBy bi-hourly, do you mean twice an hour or every two hour?
    Every two hours.
    Reply
  • p1n3apqlexpr3ss
    There goes my chance or trying out w7... will have to wait to get new pc and get it then..
    Reply
  • volks1470
    damn, I didn't know it was that soon! Although I think this the first time I will pay a copy of windows because I think it's worth it :)
    Reply
  • velocityg4
    Dang that sucks. I just don't want to have to go through the process of reinstalling all of my software. The games will take hours to reload. Fortunately I store all my data on a second hard drive (which is in the process of being moved to a server) so I won't have to fiddle with transferring 100's of GB's of data.
    Reply
  • blackmancer
    If you planned on never taking the machine online, couldn't you just change the date in your BIOS?? or have they actually thought about a product for once????
    Reply