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.
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Kevin Parrish has over a decade of experience as a writer, editor, and product tester. His work focused on computer hardware, networking equipment, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles, and other internet-connected devices. His work has appeared in Tom's Hardware, Tom's Guide, Maximum PC, Digital Trends, Android Authority, How-To Geek, Lifewire, and others.
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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 -
matt87_50 lol, still be more bareable than using a Mac!Reply
from XP to win7? TOTALLY worth it. I'm saving up for some hardware so I can get the oem version. -
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 -
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