Win 7 Build 7100 Non-fakes Appear on Torrents

Yesterday we reported that build 7100 of Windows 7 is the Release Candidate that’s making its around to Microsoft’s partners for testing. While some may be quick to use that build number as part of the search string to find the disc image on P2P networks, we warned of fake downloads floating around.

It didn’t take long, however, for apparently ‘real’ versions of build 7100 to leak out to various file sharing networks. The build string of the latest leaked version is 7100.0.090421-1700.

The leak is available in both 32- and 64-bit versions, with the former weighing in at 2.36 GB and the latter 3.05 GB.

It’s unconfirmed yet whether or not this is the RC version that Microsoft intends to release to MSDN or TechNet subscribers, or if 7100 will be the eventual version that we’ll see released for the general testing public.

While those of you determined to run the latest build of Windows 7 will surely do so, the safest (and intended) way to test the next Windows is to wait for the go-ahead from Microsoft. If the signs are real, May 5 will be the day Windows 7 RC hits.

Marcus Yam
Marcus Yam served as Tom's Hardware News Director during 2008-2014. He entered tech media in the late 90s and fondly remembers the days when an overclocked Celeron 300A and Voodoo2 SLI comprised a gaming rig with the ultimate street cred.
  • mtyermom
    I am anxious to install the RC, but I'm going to wait for the official RC release. Build 7068 has been running just fine for me and I don't want to download now and run the risk of MS updating the RC by the release date.
    Reply
  • tayb
    I haven't been doing incremental updates. I'll go straight to the RC from 7000 when it is released.
    Reply
  • krazyderek
    why don't you just post a frigging link, "go sue them here microsoft"
    Reply
  • eddieroolz
    I've been running 7000 for a while now, and I'm looking forward to 7100.
    Reply
  • mitchellvii
    Im running 7077 and it is just fine. I read that 7100 will upgrade 1077 without a fresh install, so that's good.

    My experience with torrents is twofold:
    1) They take forever to download.
    2) 95% of the time they are corrupted.

    Still, you can occasionally get a good one.
    Reply
  • pirateboy
    only n00bs download fake stuff via public torrent sites
    Reply
  • mitchellvii
    wow pirateboy,

    I guess the perfectly running 7077 build I am now running is fake. Well, job well done to the people who wrote this fake code.
    Reply
  • pirateboy
    Hehe no need to take it personal there, it's just pixels...All I am saying is that you are better off joining one of the many private torrentsites (which is free of charge, just like public sites). There is no fake or infected stuff there, you get nearly all the original scene releases, plus the speeds will max out your bandwidth.

    As an alternative there are the "direct download" sites nowadays, so no need to upload anything illegal because BT means you also have to upload.

    Or use newsgroups, but the good servers aren't free (though cheap).
    Reply
  • mitchellvii
    I've heard that these private sites are about all closed and you can't get in. Can you recommend one that is open? How do they screen new people to make sure they aren't malicious?
    Reply
  • skittle
    Downloaded 7100 x64 this morning. Installing now :)
    Reply